BAN ASBESTOS
IN THE UNITED STATES

Until 1980, the U.S. Industry placed 700,000 thousand tons of asbestos in over three thousand different building and machine parts. This was done each year. Many times the asbestos was only part of the mixture of glue, plaster, cement, paper, rope, gasket, break, pad or paint. Asbestos killed the workers who made and installed these products. As these products were used, the asbestos escaped to pollute everyone's environment. Now innocent children and adults, who have no occupational contact with asbestos, are getting deadly mesothelioma cancer. Asthma, lung infections like bronchitis, heart attacks, cancers, and infections throughout the body are increasing as a result of asbestos exposure. Ninety-percent of autopsies in New York City showed asbestos related lung changes and fibers of asbestos. The ages ranged from 1-78.

Recently a national scandal erupted in Libby, Montana. Thousands of people, including children, are found to have asbestos related disease or are under constant monitoring due to asbestos exposure from the vermiculite mine. Vermiculite, known by the EPA to contain up to 14% deadly asbestos, is still allowed to be sold as attic insulation and potting soil. Now nursery workers, rail road workers and others are dying from asbestos disease due to their exposure to vermiculite. The EPA could have stopped this in 1984 but failed to do so. This example is one of thousands that show the controlled use of asbestos is not possible without spreading disease and death. Asbestos use in any form is deadly. Asbestos must be banned. The United States must forbid any company from exporting or importing asbestos. All contaminated areas must be cleaned properly. All asbestos victims must be fully compensated. This tragedy has gone on far to long. The asbestos industry represents only a fraction of 1% of the business community. Its assets and those of its insurers offer the basis for funding the solutions. No real solutions can be provided without first banning asbestos. The ban must include decontamination programs and compensation programs. The U.S. Uses less than 25,000 tons of asbestos each year and there are many suitable and safe substitutes.

December 17th is ASBESTOS HAZARD AWARENESS DAY.

Its message this year is Ban Asbestos.

Paul Safchuck, President October 25, 2000

Send statements of support, group resolutions, questions and donations to the above address. Remember: December 17, 2000, is ASBESTOS HAZARD AWARENESS DAY.