Concerned over the number of workers affected by asbestos-related diseases, a labor group has urged the government to check public buildings for asbestos, a toxic mineral commonly used in building construction projects.
The call was made by the Associated Labor Unions, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, and the Building and Wood Workers International (ALU-TUCP-BWI) on Monday, the day set by the Philippine government for celebrating “Earth Day.”
Policy Advocacy Office Alan Tanjusay of the Associated Labor Unions said the government has failed to address the problem of the health hazards brought by the use of asbestos.
“Government fails in enforcing regulations on asbestos,” Tanjusay said on a text message to GMA News Online. “That is why families must be protected from these killer dusts.”
Tanjusay also criticized the National Program for Elimination of Asbestos-Related Diseases (NEPAD), a program for eliminating diseases caused by asbestos.
“May policy na mag-a-adress ng problema natin sa asbestos. Ito yung NEPAD o National Programs for Elimination of Asbestos-related Diseases pero simula September 2009 napakabagal ng usad,” Tanjusay said.
He said there are no records on the number of Filipinos affected by asbestos because of the lack of laws that regulate its use.
Meanwhile, the union will commemorate the International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) on April 28 with the theme “Unions Make Work Safer.”
The event will be highlighted by a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of workers killed in workplaces, including victims of asbestos-related diseases.
Health effects of asbestos
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos becomes dangerous when it is airborne.
When inhaled, its fibers cause inflammation that could lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen.
The World Health Organization said there are over 125 million workers worldwide who are exposed to asbestos in their workplaces, with 107,000 of them dying each year.
Many industries have chosen asbestos in the manufacturing of their products due to its resistance to heat. The products that have asbestos include:
# steam pipes;
# boilers;
# furnace ducts;
# floor tiles;
# cement sheets;
# millboard;
# paper;
# decorative materials;
# textured paints; and
# cement roofing.
Asbestos is also found in constructing houses, schools, churches, public buildings, malls and similar structures. – VVP, GMA News
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
October –
Monthly Observances:
Industry and Commerce Safety Month
National Statistics Month
Local Government Month
Consumer Welfare Month
Cooperative Month
National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month
National Health and Wellness Tourism Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Elderly Filipino Week
Week 2: National Health Education Week
Local Government Week
National Mental Health Week
October 17-23:
National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
October 18 – 24:
United Nations Week
Last Week:
Nurses’ Week
Consumers’ Protection Week
Week of the 4th Sunday:
Barrio Farmers’ Week
Daily Observances:
First Monday (Oct 4): Universal Children’s Day i
n the Philippines
Oct 5: National Teachers’ Day
Oct 10: Local Government Day
Third Thursday (Oct 14): Conflict Resolution Day
Oct 21: Tenants’ Emancipation day
Oct 24: United Nations Day
Oct 29: National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day
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