Kucinich works to reduce asbestos exposure in developing nations

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2009
1:48 PM

CONTACT: Congressman Dennis Kucinich

Nathan White [phone]

Kucinich Advances Asbestos Reduction in Developing Countries

WASHINGTON - May 21 - 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.

The full text of the 17 page report is available HERE.

http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2009/05/21-9

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http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=92012&cat=15

Congressman Dennis Kucinich works to reduce asbestos exposure in developing nations
Denver 6/04/2009 06:14 AM GMT (FINDITT)


Congressman Dennis Kucinich works to reduce asbestos exposure in developing nations

In the continuing fight to curb the number of potentially deadly mesothelioma cases, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) and four other Members of Congress have sent a letter to the World Bank. The letter inquired about the tardy release of a report on the use of asbestos in construction. The report was initially commissioned in 2006 and was technically reviewed in 2008. It had since stalled awaiting final administrative approval.

Congressman Kucinich's letter addressed several key points regarding asbestos exposure, prompting the World Bank to finalize and publilsh its Construction Guidance regarding Asbestos. The guidance states, "Health hazards from breathing asbestos dust include asbestosis, a lung scarring disease, and various forms of cancer mesothelioma occurs among workers' family members," as well as among those exposed directly to asbestos.

Mesothelioma cancer is often considered a fatal condition for which no known treatment can currently completely cure the effects of the cancer, which is why it is imperative that a patient recently diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer locate an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who can provide a free legal consultation as to the development of a possible mesothelioma lawsuit. Developing litigation of this nature may result in monetary funds being dispersed to a victim, who can then use such compensation to pay for costly medical treatments and increase quality of life during their cancer. Those who are often affected by mesothelioma cancer are those who work in the construction industry as asbestos was often used in the development of homes, apartment buildings, hospitals, schools, universities and office buildings.

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