Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Asbestos is one of the most widely recognized carcinogens and its use has been banned in 40 nations.  Canada, however, has not banned the mining and exportation of asbestos.  Two mining operations in Quebec continue to extract a large volume of asbestos and export it to developing countries. Asbestos is now rarely used in Canada. Yet the government promotes shipping asbestos to countries that do not enforce the measures necessary to ensure its safe usage.

There are estimates that 20,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos causes cancer, including pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, which are almost always fatal. Even with these statistics, the Quebec and Canadian federal governments continue to actively promote asbestos as a viable import to developing states.

Defenders of the state-sponsored industry cite its $93-million dollar revenue as one reason to uphold its production. This argument makes the government look like it has one thing in mind—money.  The government defends the sale of asbestos to developing countries on the basis that asbestos is harmless as long as it is used it cautiously . It’s unrealistic to assume that these countries, such as India, have the infrastructure necessary to ensure its effects are harmless.

Jack K Clapper
Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason
415-332-4262
800-440-4262