Congressman Dennis Kucinich works to reduce asbestos use in developing countries
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), with the support of four other congressional members, sent a letter of inquiry to the World Bank in March of this year questioning the delay in issuing a report on the use of asbestos in construction. Following this inquiry, the World Bank finalized its construction guidance, which should cause a significant reduction in the use of asbestos in construction.
The report was commissioned in 2006. Since its technical review in 2008, the report has been sitting, waiting for final administrative approval.
The construction guidance acknowledges that asbestos-related cancers, like mesothelioma, can result from relatively short exposures. Some animal studies of asbestos have found cancer as a result of mere hours of exposure.
In calling for the release of the construction guidance, Congressman Kucinich noted that asbestos use is rising in developing nations, and instead use of asbestos should be eliminated because of the extreme health risk it creates.
For more information, see Congressman Kucinich’s Press Release.
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