Canada’s asbestos legacy at home and abroad
Tuesday, August 28th, 2007.
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health. 2007 Apr-Jun;13(2):236-43. [Link]
Brophy JT, Keith MM, Schieman J.
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), Canada. jbrophy@ohcow.on.ca
Abstract
Despite international efforts to block Canada’s export of asbestos, the Canadian federal government continues to defend the economic interests of the asbestos industry. Ironically, Canadian asbestos miners, mill workers, and those engaged in a wide range of other occupations continue to suffer asbestos-related disease and premature death. Although there is an employer-funded compensation system in each province, many workers with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases remain uncompensated. The export of Canadian asbestos to developing countries sets the stage for another preventable occupational disease epidemic that will manifest over the coming decades. There is growing support from the Canadian labor movement for an end to asbestos exportation and for a just transition strategy for the asbestos workers and their communities.
Glossary
- mesothelioma
- a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.
