Asbestos

Killing the future

As asbestos markets shrink in Europe, the cancer-causing product is finding new markets in developing countries.

A new report, ‘Killing the future: Asbestos use in Asia’, warns that although major international agencies agree that exposure to asbestos is deadly, the consumption of white asbestos (chrysotile) is increasing throughout Asia. It says half of current asbestos consumption is in Asian countries.

The beautifully designed book exposes the horrific occupational disease tragedy unfolding in Asia. Graphic photographs show the reality of asbestos use with no protection, no safety oversight and no compensation or support when the inevitable deadly disease occurs.

The book incorporates reports of the Global Asbestos Congress held in Tokyo in 2004 and the subsequent Asian Asbestos Conference in Bangkok in 2006 and highlights the work of pioneering victims’ associations, non-government organisations and trade union activists in raising the profile of asbestos issues in Asia.

The book is an excellent, well researched and produced resource. And buying a copy will help support the work of the groups providing advice to those developing, or bereaved as a result of, asbestos disease. These groups, with few resources, have developed a first class international campaign.

Killing the future: Asbestos use in Asia, International Ban Asbestos Secretariat, 2007. Online [pdf]

Print copies. UK orders: £5.50 voluntary sector, charities and trade unions; £10.50 others. Details from Joanne Carlin, tel: 01246 231 441; email mail@asbestossupport.co.uk;
online: www.asbestosforum.org

International orders: Contact IBAS,
email: laurie@lkaz.demon.co.uk
online: www.ibas.btinternet.co.uk