Canadian Cancer Society Applauds Federal Government for Taking a Stand Against Asbestos

[Sobotnik]

[url]http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/884750#ixzz26UGDMhrm[/url]

[quote]TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society applauds the Federal Government for its announcement today that it will no longer oppose the inclusion of chrysotile asbestos in the Rotterdam Convention, an international list of hazardous substances.

Federal Industry Minister Christian Paradis made the announcement this afternoon.

"This is the right decision, says Paul Lapierre, Vice President, Public Affairs and Cancer Control, Canadian Cancer Society. "We are very pleased to see that the government recognizes that all form of asbestos, including chysotile, cause cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society believes that all efforts must be made to eliminate exposure to asbestos and to eliminate asbestos-related diseases.

"This is an important first step", says Lapierre."It's imperative that the health of people around the world be put ahead of the interests of the asbestos industry. We also welcome the government's $50 million plan to support the affected community."

Worldwide about 107,000 people die every year from disease related to occupational exposure to asbestos. The Society will continue to work hard to end exposure to asbestos and will urge the federal, provincial and territorial governments to adopt a comprehensive strategy to address all aspects of the asbestos issue.[/quote]

Good thing the movement to get rid of asbestos is going strong.