Kucinich advances asbestos reduction in developing countries

Following a letter of inquiry spearheaded by Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) and co-signed by four other Members of Congress, the World Bank has finalized construction guidance that would drastically decrease the use of asbestos in new construction projects.  The report, originally commissioned in 2006, was technically reviewed in 2008 but stalled awaiting final administrative approval.  In March 2009, Congressman Kucinich sent a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick questioning the delay.

“Asbestos is a highly toxic material that has no place in construction projects here or anywhere else, especially when viable alternatives are available.  This guidance will reduce exposure and permanent lung damage to citizens and workers around the world,” stated Kucinich.

The guidance states: “Health hazards from breathing asbestos dust include asbestosis, a lung scarring disease, and various forms of cancer … Mesothelioma, a signal tumor for asbestos exposure, occurs among workers’ family members from dust on the workers’ clothes and among neighbors of asbestos air pollution point sources.  Some experimental animal studies show that high inhalation exposures to all forms of asbestos for only hours can cause cancer.”

“Global asbestos use is on the rise at the very time it should be eliminated.  This report is a necessary first step toward reversing that trend,” added Kucinich. –kucinich.house.gov