Posted on April 27, 2016
On April 28th, International Workers’ Memorial Day, we will somberly remember the millions of workers who have been injured or killed at work.
Asbestos, a human carcinogen, remains the greatest single cause of work related deaths. Exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung, gastrointestinal, colorectal, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers; as well as non-malignant lung and pleural disorders.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ‘about 125 million people in the world are exposed to asbestos at the workplace” and “more than “107 000 deaths each year are attributable to occupational exposure to asbestos.”
Since the first IWMD in 1970, the United States has used over eight billion metric tons of asbestos and hundreds of thousands of Americans have died from preventable asbestos-caused diseases.
Congress has failed Americans by not passing legislation to ban asbestos, and instead, has allowed those who caused this man-made disaster to shirk their liability and responsibility to the sick and dying.
In his 2015 blog , “If You Expose Us, We’ll Expose You” Rory O’Neill, head writer and editor for Hazards Magazine, highlighted the uphill battle we face. He stated: “Imagine a killer that strikes more than once every minute. Most of these deaths could be stopped with minimal effort, but preventive measures are being blocked. … But instead of prevention, we are facing a toxic cocktail of denial and deceit that means more people than at any time in history will develop tumours caused by their job. … Some of the world’s most profitable companies are not just defending their toxic products, they are defending weak exposure standards that mean they profit and you pay.” Additionally, the AFL-CIO’s report shows that OSHA’s capabilities and resources are diminishing quickly with “only 1,840 federal and state inspectors to inspect 8 million workplaces” or one inspector for every 74,760 workers. This means “federal OSHA could inspect workplaces on average once every 145 years;
For those of us who have lost a loved one to asbestos disease, this is an important time of remembrance. Join me this Thursday, April 28th, when we will light a candle to show our support for this important day and join an international community in remembering the dead and fighting for the living.
While promising research continues to identify better treatment for asbestos-related cancers, prevention remains the only cure. Through our continued efforts to prevent exposure – including our recent Asbestos Awareness Week April 1-7 – we remain committed to eliminating all asbestos-caused diseases. Join the #IWMD16 global conversation and action by Sharing Your Story and the asbestos facts.
Many of you know my personal story, the story of how my husband Alan’s life was cut short by mesothelioma. But you may not know that April 28th has a very special meaning for me because it is my wedding anniversary. While there is nothing I can do to bring Alan back, I will honor his memory by supporting IWMD events and the global call to ban asbestos.
For each life lost, a shattered family is left behind. In the spirit of Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, “Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living.”
Enough is enough.
Linda