In Photos: People around the world protest Québec asbestos exports
UPDATE: Pressure Grows on Asbestos Ban, July 6, 2010
RELATED: Prevent Cancer Now’s - Ban Asbestos Campaign
LONDON, ENGLAND
SEOUL, KOREA
WASHINGTON, USA
NEW YORK, USA
PARIS, FRANCE
DELHI, INDIA
MUMBAI, INDIA
Pressure Grows on Asbestos Ban
News releases have now been issued and letters sent to Québec Premier Jean Charest, by the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Public Health Association, the Canadian Medical Association, the – most significantly – the Quebec Medical Association. All are publicly urging the premier NOT to approve a $58 million loan guarantee to the asbestos industry. The loan would be used to extend the life of the Jeffrey asbestos mine for 25 years, with the deadly material destined for export to the developing world.
“More than 40 countries, including all member states of the European Union, have banned the use of all forms of asbestos, including Chrysotile,” said Dr. Cordell Neudorf, Chair of the CPHA Board of Directors. “There is clear scientific evidence that exposure to asbestos through mining, processing and use is harmful to health,” he added.
Rather than investing in asbestos extraction and export, all levels of government should direct new investments to support the transition of asbestos mining regions toward environmentally healthy and sustainable industries.
The Canadian Cancer Society said they were compelled to send the letter largely due to “the many letters and emails from concerned health advocates” in Canada and around the world.
We want to thank all of you who took the time to write to the Canadian Cancer Society and Québec Premier Jean Charest. Together we demonstrated that decisions can be shifted by a little bit of well-placed effort from a lot of people everywhere.
This is an important step in what we hope will lead to a victory for developing countries, those least able to protect themselves from deadly asbestos.
Stay tuned to this website for further developments.
With hope,
-– The Prevent Cancer Now Team
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Right on Canada - Canadian asbestos exports protested around the world
