Ban-Asbestos-India

Occupational Health India(OHI)was founded on October 20, 2003. The members of this forum include occupational health doctors, researchers and activists. Its members ToxicsWatch Alliance (TWA), Asbestos Mukti Abhiyan and Ban Asbestos Network of India (BANI) work for Asbestos Free India. OHI and BANI is demanding criminal liability for companies and medico-legal remedy for victims. It works with trade unions, human rights, environmental and public health groups. For Details:oshindia@yahoo.in

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Asbestos contractor faces jail

"Asbestos kills. It was the leading killer of workers in B.C. in 2009, responsible for 44 per cent of all deaths arising from employment."

An asbestos-removal contractor who ignored orders from both WorkSafeBC and the B.C. Supreme Court to stop exposing "vulnerable" workers to asbestos will be sentenced Jan. 23 for contempt of court.

WorkSafeBC inspectors found that Arthur Moore of AM Environmental used employees as young as 14 years of age to remove asbestos-contaminated drywall from homes being demolished without providing them any protection.

He continued to do this despite restraining orders from the B.C. Supreme Court.

Workers' Compensation Board lawyer Scott Nielsen told Justice Richard Goepel that Moore "contrary to the court's order exposed workers as young as 14 to a life threatening substance."

He said WCB statistics on the effects of asbestos were unequivocal.

"Asbestos kills. It was the leading killer of workers in B.C. in 2009, responsible for 44 per cent of all deaths arising from employment," said Nielsen.

Neilson asked for a jail sentence of between six to 12 months.

gbellett@vancouversun.com

By Gerry Bellett, Vancouver Sun December 5, 2011 http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Asbestos+contractor+faces+jail/5811651/story.html

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Sushil Kumar Modi, Deputy Chief Minister & Promoter of Asbestos Factories in Bihar

Modi who also holds the Environment portfolio denied that the use of asbestos products was harmful to the public health on 1 March, 2011. Modi said, There was no harmful substance in use of asbestos products as being claimed by the opposition parties, Modi said in the Biahr State Assembly. The proposed asbestos factories in Bhojpur villages and several other other units elsewhere in Bihar have been allowed to go ahead. Modi was replying to questions by Abdul Bari Siddique, the leader of opposition in the Bihar State Assembly who had raised the issue in the state assembly demanding a ban on the proposed asbestos units claiming that the dust from these products could cause cancer and other deadly diseases and had quoted reports by the World Health Organization (WHO). It was because of detrimental health hazards due to asbestos products that 55 countries had banned its use following recommendation by the WHO, Siddique had said. BANI appreciates Siddique's stand and condemns Modi's asbestos promotion policy.

Dr Barry Castleman, Author of "Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects"

“Anybody who talks about controlled asbestos use is either a liar or a fool,” said Barry Castleman, an environmental consultant based near Washington who advises the WHO on asbestos matters. Industry-funded science on chrysotile began in earnest in the mid-1960s, when damning studies on asbestos cast unwanted scrutiny on Quebec’s then-thriving mines. Minutes of the Quebec Asbestos Mining Association’s November 1965 meeting suggest that the group saw the tobacco industry as a paradigm: It “was recalled that the tobacco industry launched its own (research) program and it now knows where it stands. Industry is always well advised to look after its own problems.” In his book "Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects" which is deemed the most authoritative text book, he has exposed the designs of the asbestos industry. Barry Castleman has degrees in chemical engineering (BES) and environmental engineering (MSE) from the Johns Hopkins University, and a doctorate (ScD) from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. He works on the regulation of asbestos and toxic chemicals in the workplace and the environment. He has been an independent consultant since 1975, working for numerous U.S. governmental agencies, international organizations, environmental non-governmental organizations, and attorneys in compensation suits over occupational and environmental illness from asbestos. His special areas of research and activity as a public interest scientist have been: the history, regulation, and global aspects of asbestos as a public health and environmental hazard; the historic involvement of corporations and regulatory use of Threshold Limit Values as occupational exposure limits; corporate influence, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and development of guidelines in the selection of expert panels by international scientific organizations; the export of hazardous industries, products and wastes to developing countries; and the “double standards” of global corporations in the transfer of technology around the world. He is active in efforts to bring about bans on the use of new asbestos products all over the world. He is a fellow of The Collegium Ramazzini is an independent, international academy founded in 1982 by Irving J. Selikoff, Cesare Maltoni and other eminent scientists.

S A Bhimaraja, Chairman, Nibhi Industries

Dr Irving Selikoff, Director, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York

Selikoff had been studying the effects of occupational asbestos since the 1950s. He was disturbed by what his research showed, especially in asbestos mining and in shipyards. One study turned up an alarming statistic: Asbestos insulation workers, including those who worked in the shipyards were dying of an asbestos-related cancer called mesothelioma at a rate 344 times higher than the general population. He described the lethal dust of the fibrous mineral as ``a hidden time bomb.''. He co-discovered a cure for tuberculosis and is largely responsible for the regulation of asbestos In the 1960's he documented asbestos-related diseases amongst industrial workers, his research pressured OSHA to limit workplace exposure. He received awards from the American Public Health Association, the New York Academy of Sciences, and the American Cancer Society. Even at the age of 75, he continued to research the effects of asbestos. He died on May 20, 1992.

P R Venketrama Raja, Managing Director, Ramco Asbestos Industries

Amidst bitter opposition Ramco has built two asbestos plants in Bihiya, Bhojpur, Bihar. Ramco Industries is part of RAMCO group of companies entered the asbestos cement field in 1967. Ramco's first asbestos cement sheet plant was set up at Arakkonam (Tamil Nadu) in 1967. The second sheet plant was commissioned at Karur (Karnataka) in 1974 followed by one more sheet plant at Maksi (Madhya Pradesh) in 1987. A plant for the manufacture of AC pressure pipes in 5 metres length and in diametres of 80 mm to 1000 mm was established at Maksi (MP) in 1983. RIL is operating the most modern fibre cement roofing sheets and pipe plants in India today - in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu; Karur, Karnataka; Maksi, Madhya Pradesh; Silvassa, Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli; Kharagpur, West Bengal; Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh; Sinugra, Gujarat. The present aggregate capacity for Fibre Cement Sheets is 5 lakh tonnes per annum and Fibre Cement Pressure Pipe is 30 lakh tonnes per annum. Its turnover is around Rs. 300 crores and it employs about 1500 persons. RIL has also set up a most advanced plant in Srilanka.

Pranab Mukherjee, Union Finance Minister

Mukherjee has included asbestos under Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna in his 2011-12 Budget Speech. BANI had written to him seeking incentives for alternatives of asbestos. In 1982, as a Finance Minister, Mukherjee had extended the general scheme of excise duty concession to manufacturers of asbestos fibre and yarn. Till then this concession was applicable to small manufacturers of 72 specified groups of commodities. The asbestos cement sheeting industry is growing at an unhealthy 10-12 per cent a year. The industry employs about 300,000 people and its annual turnover is around Rs 4,000 crore, about 20 per cent of which goes to the states as direct and indirect tax. The industry is thriving on the import of about 350,000 tonnes of chrysotile asbestos a year from Canada, Brazil, Russia, Zimbabwe and Kazakhstan for production of AC sheets and pipes. Asbestos is also mined in India, particularly Rajasthan, but the quantity and quality are of no relevance to AC sheet production. The industry’s total production capacity is about 4.5 million tonnes and a small part of the output is exported. It is getting some steady orders from African countries for Asbestos Cement sheets. About 60 million sq meters of asbestos is already installed in the country. In his Budget speech of 2008-2009, the then Finance Minister said, "I propose to bring parity in the excise duty rates on bulk cement and packaged cement. Accordingly, bulk cement will now attract excise duty of Rs.400 per Metric Tonne or 14 per cent ad valorem, whichever is higher. Cement clinkers will be liable to excise duty of Rs.450 per Metric Tonne." He referred to 'Housing for the Poor' and said, "Housing for the poor is one of the six elements of Bharat Nirman and is implemented through the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY). Against a target of 60 lakh houses, 41.13 lakh houses have been constructed up to December 2007 and the cumulative number will be 51.77 lakh houses by end March 2008. Reflecting the higher cost of construction, I propose to enhance the subsidy per unit in respect of new houses sanctioned after April 1, 2008 from Rs.25,000 to Rs.35,000 in plain areas and from Rs.27,500 to Rs.38,500 in hill/difficult areas. The subsidy for upgradation of houses will be increased from Rs.12,500 per unit to Rs.15,000. A beneficiary will still need own funds to complete the house. Public sector banks will be advised to include IAY houses under the differential rate of interest (DRI) scheme and lend up to Rs.20,000 per unit at an interest rate of 4 per cent." The danger lies in further subsidizing of asbestos building material. Earlier, Chidambaram had announced a 15% reduction on custom duties for asbestos. Earlier, on July 4, 1997 the Union Cabinet had decided to free industries of asbestos and asbestos-based products from licensing requirements. Even prior to that the decision of the Supreme Court in Hyderabad Industries Ltd. v. Union of India held that asbestos fibre was not liable to excise duty because the asbestos fibre that is removed from the parent rock is in every respect the asbestos that was embedded in it. No process of manufacture can be said to have been employed, nor was a new or distinct commodity released.

Fernanda Giannasi, Leader, Global Ban Asbestos Movenment

Erin Brockovich of Brazil, Fernanda is a symbol of the struggle to ban asbestos in Latin America and in the world. She is the co-founder of Ban Asbestos Network of India (BANI). She leads the struggle of 3500 workers who have filed lawsuits against the industry. Criminal charges driven by economic interests have been filed against Giannasi for slander by Eternit, the biggest asbestos producer in Brazil, and by supporters of the French multinational Saint-Gobain. She has suffered pressure from the Canadian government, the world’s largest exporter, and has been the subject of death threats. In the USA and Europe, her work is well known and respected. Giannasi has successfully widened the world discussion. According to Giannasi, ‘‘I defend an immediate world ban on the production, marketing and use of asbestos’’.

Clément Godbout, President, Chrysotile Institute, Canada

Anchored by the Montreal-based Chrysotile Institute, the network stretches from New Delhi to Mexico City to the city of Asbest in Russia’s Ural Mountains. Its message is that asbestos can be used safely under mythical “controlled” conditions. A global network of lobby groups has spent nearly $100 million since the mid-1980s to preserve the international market for asbestos, a known carcinogen that’s taken millions of lives and is banned in 55 countries, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists has found in a nine-month investigation. As a result, asbestos use is growing rapidly in countries such as China and India, prompting health experts to warn of future epidemics of lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, an aggressive malignancy that usually attacks the lining of the lungs. The World Health Organization says that 125 million people still encounter asbestos in the workplace, and the United Nations’ International Labor Organization estimates that 100,000 workers die each year from asbestos-related diseases. Thousands more perish from exposures outside the workplace. Chrysotile Institute assists New Delhi based Chrysotile Asbestos Products Manufacturers and Asbestos Information Centre to spread the misiformation about safe and controlled use of asbestos.

Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister of State for Environment (Independent)

Most recently, Ramesh has banned a asbestos laden US ship. Ramesh knows the dangers from asbestos and has acknowledged the need to make India asbestos free. Environment Ministry has admitted, the “National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), Ahmedabad has been entrusted with a study on environmental and health impacts of the usages of Chrysotile Asbestos with an objective to find out the concentration of asbestos fibres in the work zone and to assess the health status of the workers and the residents in the vicinity of the industry. The study is in progress in major Asbestos based products manufacturing units located in Kolkata, Silvasa, Vapi and Hyderabad.” He informd the Rajya Sabha on March 20, 2008, “Since the NIOH study is still under progress, no report (based on it) was presented before the Chemical Review Committee of Rotterdam Convention held at Geneva during March, 10-13,2008.” Earlier, the ministry repeatd the industry claims about 'safe use' of asbestos by the industry and made a manifestly untruthful and blasphemous statement in the Parliament on 27 February 2006 saying, "No complaints have so far been received regarding its carcinogenic content and its hazard to health and environment."

Ban on Asbestos is a Must

A study in a peer-reviewed journal had earlier estimated that there could be more than 6,000 workers affected by asbestosis (an untreatable lung ailment) and another 600 suffering at the minimum from asbestosis-related lung cancer in India at present. Occupational cancer from asbestos, the disease caused by emissions at the work place, poses an increasingly serious health problem. But the subject has attracted relatively little attention from industry, labour, public health bodies or the medical profession. Asbestos is one of the single largest sources of occupational cancer. Indian polticians are acting as if they are bonded workers of asbestos industry.

Vijay Jawaharlal Darda, MP, Maharashtra

Amidst ban asbestos movement gathering momentum and anti-asbestos activists facing defamation threats, Darda has taken the historic initiative of introducing The White Asbestos (Ban on Use and Import) Bill, 2009 in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). There has been hardly a session of parliament where the issue of hazards from asbestos has not been raised. In the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament), the matter was recently raised by Rajen Gohain from a MP from Assam. If the good sense prevails, India's path to freedom from asbestos would not be far away. THE WHITE ASBESTOS (BAN ON USE AND IMPORT) BILL, 2009. SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA (MAHARASHTRA): Sir, I beg to move for leave to introduce a Bill to provide for a total ban on use and import of white asbestos in the country and to promote the use of safer and cheaper alternative to white asbestos and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. ..(Interruptions).. DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY: Sir, I would like to raise my objection and inform the House. ..(Interruptions).. Sir, I object here because for the last forty years white asbestos has been used in several parts of the country. Now the manufacturing units are also coming in India to have indigenous ..(Interruptions).. It is expected to come at any moment. So, I would like to know when for forty years white asbestos ..(Interruptions).. THE VICE-CHAIRMAN (PROF. P.J. KURIEN): I tell you. Listen to me. ..(Interruptions).. At this stage, you can only object on the ground of legislative competence. ..(Interruptions).. THE VICE-CHAIRMAN: Mr. Subbarami Reddy, you cannot object on the basis of content whether you agree to it or not. If there is any point of legislative competence...(Interruptions). DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY: I will object the ban. THE VICE-CHAIRMAN: Objection overruled...(Interruptions). Please listen to me. At the time of discussion, you can participate in the discussion and object. At this time, only on the point of legislative competence, you can raise any issue...(Interruptions). Now, the question is that leave be granted to introduce the Bill. The question was put and motion was adopted. Darda introduced the Bill saying, " Sir, I beg to move for leave to introduce a Bill to provide for a total ban on use and import of white asbestos in the country and to promote the use of safer and cheaper alternative to white asbestos and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto." Dr T Subbarami Reddy attempted to object to it by saying, "Sir, I would like to raise my objection and inform the House amid interupptions, adding, I object here because for the last forty years white asbestos has been used in several parts of the country. Now the manufacturing units are also coming in India to have indigenous...It is expected to come at any moment. Reddy said, "I will object the ban" amid objection from the VIce-Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Prof P J Kurien. Darda concluded, "Sir, I introduce the Bill". to know w.Amidst ban asbestos movement gathering momentum and anti-asbestos activists facing defamation threats, Darda,a Maharashtra MP from Indian National Congress has taken the historic initiative of introducing The White Asbestos (Ban on Use and Import) Bill, 2009 in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). MPs across party line should support the bill to protect the workers and consumers from incurable asbetsos hazards. There has been hardly a session of parliament where the issue of hazards from asbestos has not been raised. In the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament), the matter was recently raised by Rajen Gohain from a MP from Assam. If the good sense prevails, India's path to freedom from asbestos would not be far away. GIve below is the atmosphere in which the THE WHITE ASBESTOS (BAN ON USE AND IMPORT) BILL, 2009 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha. SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA (MAHARASHTRA): Sir, I beg to move for leave to introduce a Bill to provide for a total ban on use and import of white asbestos in the country and to promote the use of safer and cheaper alternative to white asbestos and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. ..(Interruptions).. DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY: Sir, I would like to raise my objection and inform the House. ..(Interruptions).. Sir, I object here because for the last forty years white asbestos has been used in several parts of the country. Now the manufacturing units are also coming in India to have indigenous ..(Interruptions).. It is expected to come at any moment. So, I would like to know when for forty years white asbestos ..(Interruptions).. THE VICE-CHAIRMAN (PROF. P.J. KURIEN): I tell you. Listen to me. ..(Interruptions).. At this stage, you can only object on the ground of legislative competence. ..(Interruptions).. THE VICE-CHAIRMAN: Mr. Subbarami Reddy, you cannot object on the basis of content whether you agree to it or not. If there is any point of legislative competence...(Interruptions). DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY: I will object the ban. THE VICE-CHAIRMAN: Objection overruled...(Interruptions). Please listen to me. At the time of discussion, you can participate in the discussion and object. At this time, only on the point of legislative competence, you can raise any issue...(Interruptions). Now, the question is that leave be granted to introduce the Bill. The question was put and motion was adopted. Amid objection from the VIce-Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Prof P J Kurien. Darda concluded, "Sir, I introduce the Bill".

Dr G Vivekananda, MP, Peddapalli, Andhra Pradesh & Managing Director, Visaka Industries

Vivekanada, an industrialist has been elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time as a candidate from Indian National Congress in the 2009 elections. Vivekanand has declared his total assets to be over Rs 72 crore (Rs 72,95,09,682) to the the Election Commission. He is the promoter of asbestos roofing company. He is the son of Congress leader & former Union Textile Minister, G Venkataswamy. Visaka Industries started manufacturing asbestos products in 1985 in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. It acquired Shakthi Roofings, another asbestos manufacturer, by issuing 20 lakh shares to the promoters. The value of the acquisition at the current share price worked out to Rs. 19 crore. For establishing a new asbestos company it would cost about Rs. 35 crore. But this acquisition would straightway add a turnover of Rs. 45-50 crore to the company. It has decided to sell its garment unit located in Chennai, including land, to mobilise funds for the expansion of its asbestos business. He is also the founder of Vishakha Trust.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister for Labour

Kharge addressing at the inauguration of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Sub Regional Liaison Office for South Asia in New Delhi on June 22, 2009. Kharge plans to introduce The Workmen’s Compensation Bill, 2009 in the Lok Sabha that refers to occupational diseases. Although Central Pollution Control Board has recommended permanent employment of all asbestos workers to track the diseases of the workers, it has not been complied with. Consequently, there is absence of date on asbestos victims. Kharge must built sufficient occupational health infrastructure to deal with the epidemic of asbestos diseases in our country so far the ministry has adopted an Ostrich policy. Currently, the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923 is not applicable to the employees who are covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948. The draft of the Bill Workmen’s Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 2009 dated 30th July, 2009 refers to the recommendations of the Second Labour Commission on occupational diseases is likely to be introduced It is incumbent on civil society groups and trade unions to ensure that the bill provides for elimination of asbestos based industries because of the incurable diseases being caused by it and seek adequate compensation for the asbestos victims & their families. There are some 18 major asbestos products manufacturing companies in the country. It is estimated that the asbestos industry is worth RS 4000 crore and is increasing its worth more at an alarming rate.Notably, Visaka asbestos company is reported to have a plant in Tumkur, Karnataka (Kharge's home state) with a capacity of 80,000 tonne per annum. The company has similar plans in Salboni, Midnapore, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & UP. Ministry of Labour has admitted that “Out of a total of Rs. 59.66 lacs allocated for the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH)’s study of chrysotile asbestos by Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the Asbestos Cement Products Manufactures Association has contributed Rs. 16 lacs” on March 17, 2008. The corrupt influence of the asbestos industry on the ministry is quite manifest. Hopefully, the MInister would safeguard public interest and will have the spine to resist the lust for profit of the industry. the workmen and their dependents in the case of injury by industrial accidents including certain occupational diseases arising out of and in the course of employment resulting in death or disablement. The Bill notes that the Act is not applicable to the employees who are covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Kharge addressing at the inauguration of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Sub Regional Liaison Office for South Asia in New Delhi on June 22, 2009.Act. The draft of the Workmen’s Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 2009 dated 30th July, 2009 which refers to the recommendations of the Second Labour Commission on occupational diseases is likely to be introduced in the Lok Sabha. It is incumbet on civil society groups and trade unions to ensure that the bill seeks elimination of asbestos based industries because of the incurable diseases being caused by it and seek adequate compensation for the asbestos victims & their families. Ministry of Labour has acknowledged that “Out of a total of Rs. 59.66 lacs allocated for the study by Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the Asbestos Cement Products Manufactures Association has contributed Rs. 16 lacs” on March 17, 2008. A gazette notification outlining our recommendations towards lifting the ban on mining chrysolite asbestos is currently under formulation. We expect it to go for cabinet approval early next year," says Kaushik Sarkar, deputy-director, Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). DGGMS says, "We feel the ban on chrysotile asbestos mining is illogical, especially as we allow large-scale asbestos imports from Canada and Russia for processing and manufacture into various products. So, if these units can be allowed to function under stringent safety rules, why can't we do the same while allowing local asbestos mining? India has consistently slashed import duty on asbestos and made it artificially cheaper.

Andrew Liveris, CEO, Dow Chemical Company, US

In the U.S., Dow Chemical has set aside $2.2 billion to address future asbestos-related liabilities arising out of the Union Carbide acquisition. Liveris heads Dow Chemical Company that purchased Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) and its Indian investments in 1999 has consistently denied inheriting any liability for the Bhopal gas disaster due to leakage of 40 tonnes of lethal methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from UCC plant into the surrounding environment, which has caused more than 20,000 deaths and 100,000 disabilities. If Dow can assume responsibility for asbestos-induced illnesses among victims in America, why then it should deny responsibility towards the victims of Bhopal and its continuing toxic legacy. UCC formerly made products containing asbestos, and UCC once mined asbestos for sale to customers. The mine of the UCC was was sold in 1985. Hundreds of thousands of people have sued asbestos companies that made products containing asbestos. Many manufacturers of asbestos-containing products are bankrupt as a result of asbestos litigation.

Buddhadev Bhattacharya, Chief Minister, West Bengal & a Communist leader

Bhattacharya is from Communist Party of India (Marxist). In the picture, Arun Saraf, Managing Director, Utkal Asbestos Ltd (UAL) is with Bhattacharya. UAL-Bengal a sister concern of Utkal Industries Ltd. It was ranked first and has been awarded Environment Excellence Award 2005 by West Bengal Cleaner Production Centre, a collaborative effort of West Bengal Polution Control Board and Indian Chamber of Commerce. It has a factory unit at Konark Nagar, Tungadhowa, Mohim Nischinta, Paschim Medinipur. In about 20 years, UAL Industries Ltd., formarly Utkal Asbestos Limited has shown growth in the Asbestos Roofing industry. It is now the leading company with largest market share in the Eastern India. Its products are sold under the brand name "KONARK". The company's goal is to occupy the field of Asbestos Cement Roofing Sheets and accessories. Its sister concern, Neelachal Natural Resource Pvt. Ltd is also in asbestos business. UAL's unit situated at Guptamani, Tungadowa, district Midnapore(W), West Bengal. The company has also created a township for its employees at its ‘Tungadhowa Works'.

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Health Minister

Azad is yet to take stand on the asbestos issue. The former Union Health MInister, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss said, "regarding asbestos, a lot of poor people use it. As regards the issue pertaining to banning of asbestos, as a health issue, the Government certainly has not taken it up. It is an occupational hazard and people working in the asbestos factories are prone to lung cancer, but we are taking the enormity of the usage of asbestos. Mostly, poor people in the villages use it. Hence, I cannot take a decision on this issue." It unpardonable to succumb to pressures from asbestos industry comprsing of Visaka Industries, Hyderabad Industries Limited, Ramco Industries Limited, Utkal Industries Ltd, Everest Industries Ltd, New Sahyadri Industries Ltd, U P Asbestos Ltd, Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation Limited, Kerala Asbestos Cement pipe Factory Limited, Sturdy Industries Ltd, Shakti Roofings Ltd, Assam Roofing Ltd, A Infrastructure Ltd. and others who have been lobbying with the help of Chrysotile Asbestos Cement Products Manufacturers’ Association, a corporate NGO and Asbestos Information Centre, a corporate NGO both are are affiliated to multinational asbestos producers through International Chrysotile Association.

Sonia Gandhi, President, Indian National Congres & MP from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh

Gandhi has been misled to support killer asbestos industry. She is the Chairperson of ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Shunned by the world, asbestos makes Sonia Gandhi's turf its new home. Hyderabad asbestos major Visaka Industries, run by Congress leader G Venkataswamy’s family has opened asbestos cement plant in Rae Bareli signalling patronage the asbestos industry enjoys at the highest political level. Acting on a brief from her at the 4th Conference of Parties of the UN's Rotterdam Convention in Rome, India obstructed putting chrysotile asbestos in the prior informed consent (pic) list, exploiting the consensus process of the convention. The consensus process ensured that voices of developing countries were heard. On chrysotile asbestos India took refuge in the discredited study of nioh. India argued that “till the time the nioh study is completed, which will be in next two years (2010), we will not be in position to take a decision on listing of chrysotile.” Information sought under the Right to Information Act, 2005 revealed the hypocrisy and vested interests behind the study. This supposedly scientific study was being part-sponsored, reviewed and vetted by those who stood to gain or lose from it. Nine independent scientists, who reviewed the interim reports and draft of the study, termed it fundamentally flawed in its design, methodology and execution.

Supporters of Chrysotile Asbestos Industry in India

If Indian government opposes inclusion of Chrysotile asbestos in the PIC list of Rotterdam Convention on Hazardous Chemicals at the upcoming UN meeting in Rome even if it means being anti-worker, anti-people and anti- science, it would not be surprising at all. While presenting the Union Budget (1995-96), Manmohan Singh, Union Minister of Finance expressed his support for the asbestos industry on 15th March, 1995 saying, “I am also proposing reduction in excise duty in certain areas of general consumption on asbestos fibres from 20% to 10% and on asbestos cement articles from 30% to 25%.” This trend of making asbestos and its products artificially cheaper with the blessings of Sonia Gandhi continues till today with the active support of Union Commerce Ministry and Union Finance Ministry even as Union Health Minister expresses his helplessness to ban use of cancer causing asbestos fiber in the parliament. It is noteworthy that Manmohan Singh holds the portfolio of the Environment Ministry. All the institutions that could act against Chrysotile asbestos has been sabotaged. Asbestos plants in Raebarely show the political patronage the industry enjoys despite the fact that asbestos is banned in Italy.Interestingly, Shah Commission - set up to investigate the Emergency's excesses noted that during Emergency (1975-77), Navin Chawla (currently Election Commissioner) wanted to construct Tihar jail cells with asbestos roofs wherein opposition leaders who were arrested under Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) were to be kept. “A proposal to this effect was also processed but given up eventually due to certain technical reasons." Shah Commission was a commission of inquiry appointed by Government of India in 1977 headed by Justice J.C. Shah.

Pat Martin, Canadian Parliamentarian

Martin, an opposition politician who is campaigning for asbestos to be added to the UN's hazardous chemicals list says, Asbestos, the highly toxic fire retarding mineral, will not be placed on a global blacklist and will be freely traded for at least the next three years. Pressure from major producer Canada and several developing country importers will prevent diplomats meeting in Rome this week from adding chrysotile asbestos to a list of substances recognized as particularly hazardous. Chrysotile is the only type of asbestos that is still widely used, mainly in building products in developing countries. Referring to the Rotterdam Convention's 4th meeting underway he says, "I can safely say that the initiative is doomed this time".

Michael Clapham, House of Commons, UK

Speaking on 'CONTROLS ON ASBESTOS' Clapham said, "That this House notes that it is some time since the Interim Chemical Review Committee (ICRC), a part of the United Nations Environmental Programme, recommended that all forms of asbestos should be subject to strict international controls to eliminate the risk associated with the material; is shocked that although white asbestos was nominated by the ICRC for inclusion in the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) list of the Rotterdam Convention its entry on the list was stalled in 2006 by national governments led by Canada; is concerned that some international trades unions have reported an increase in asbestos diseases in Latin America and Asia particularly India; believes that parliaments and their members have a responsibility to ensure that decent work for a fair globalisation includes the right not to be exposed to hazardous materials; and calls on the UK Government to take the lead in pressing for white asbestos to be included in the Rotterdam Convention PIC list as a prelude to a global ban of what has been called the most pervasive environmental hazard in the world". He was supported by 89 signatures of fellow MPs

B S Yeddyurappa, Chief Minister, Karnataka

Hyderabad-based Visaka Industries Ltd, a asbestos cement company has set up its fourth production unit in Karnataka at Tumkur. The capacity of this unit is 80,000 tonne per annum. The cost of setting up a unit is between Rs 22 crore - Rs 23 crore. Most of the raw material comes from Russia & Canada. Asbestos deposits are found in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Karnataka. Its factory unit in Karnataka is located at G.Nagenahalli Village, Its corporate offices are in Mangalore and Hubli. Kora Hobli, Tumkur.

Ashok Chavan, Chief MInister, Maharashtra

Maharashtra government has been pursuing its request to the Union Rural Development Ministry for permission to use asbestos sheets in rural housing projects. One company pursued vigorously promotion and usage of asbestos fibre free flat cement products. It made products in both plain and corrugated forms. In addition to their different colours and textures. However, these new products were little costlier than the traditional asbestos based products becasue of the usage of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), a petrochemical based product that is used instead of raw asbestos fibre. PVA along with some other additives is mixed with cement. PVA is largely imported into India. But currently, there is duty structure anomaly. PVA attracts much higher rate of duty as compared to raw asbestos. It is reported that the company gave up its efforts due to such favourable treatment to asbestos.

Narendra Modi, Chief Minister, Gujarat

Modi supports manufacture, trade and use of asbestos. Some two dozen asbestos victims await compensation award following a Gujarat High Court order. Gujarat was the first state to diagnose mesothelioma in India. A case of malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosed at autopsy is being presented. It was published in Lung India, May 1986 by S B Patra et al, Department of Pathology, Medical College, Baroda. Mahuwej Bachawo Samiti, the villagers sought refusal of environmental clearance to the proposed asbestos plants on environmental and health grounds with reference to Asbestos Cement Sheets and accessories ( 15.4 Lakh TPA) at Mahuvej, Mangrol, Surat, Gujarat by M/s New Sahyadari Industry Ltd. But despite opposition from Gram Sabha. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board gave clearnce to it.

World Trade Center, New York collapsed Thousands of tons of asbestos became airborne.

Back in 1981, there was research coming out that Asbestos was cancer causing and this ad was in rebuttal to that research touting the benefits of using Asbestos. The text over the Twin Towers states, "When the Fire Alarm Went Off, It Took Two Hours to Evacuate New York's World Trade Center." I do not need to remind anyone of the images of September 11th and this ad. The copy below the ad goes on to mention all of the places that Asbestos was used in the World Trade Center. I can not not think of all of the innocent victims in the area that were exposed to all of the dust, smoke and inherent asbestos that was in the air after the buildings collapsed. The cloud of smoke went across the entire city and potentially exposed hundreds of thousands of individuals to asbestos. Hopefully there can be a cure or treatment for Mesothelioma before all of these potential victims are diagnosed.

Abhaya Shankar, Managing Director, Hyderabad Industries Ltd (HIL).

Ironically, HIL organised a panel discussion on ‘Green Habitats: Selection of Green Materials --- Strategy & Criterion’ on 15th July, 2009 wherein people like Ramesh Nair, managing director Janes Lang LaSalle Maghraj, Nitin Killawala, architect, Pradeep Kumar, Civil engineer & senior fellow & advisor CRSBS (TERI), P K Jha, special secretary to Govt of AP (Municipal administration & Urban Development) and S N Chavala, an architect participated. In a sponsored event like this one is sure no one would have raised the issue of hazards from asbestos building materials which HIL manufactures. Not surprisingly, they maintained a studied silence even when the brand name Charminar (asbestos roofs being promoted in urban and rural India) was mentioned. Speaking at a news conference jointly organised by HIL and the Asbestos Cement Products Manufacturers’ Association (ACPMA) in Hyderabad on June 19, 2009, Abhaya Shankar said non-governmental organisations from the western countries — such as Ban Asbestos Network— have identified India as one of the most important countries to launch agitation in, seeking a ban on the use of asbestos. “We suspect the rich and powerful steel lobby and some lawyers in the US are behind this kind of propaganda,” he said. HIL are adopting stringent safety measures. The exposure levels are 10 times lower than what is permitted by the World Health Organisation,” he said. Due to the need to provide housing to the poor, developing countries such as India should continue to use asbestos sheets, he added. Although asbestos of all forms including chrysotile asbestos has been on over 50 countries on health grounds, companies like HIL and associations like ACPMA have launched a misinformation campaign to promote the use of killer fibers of asbestos.

Apex Court allocates meagre compensation for asbetsos victims

In 1995, the Supreme Court of India fixed Rs 1 lakh compensation amount and identified National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) as the final authority to certify asbestosis cases. Compensations are given through the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). Two workers in Ahmedabad Electricity Company diagnosed as having asbestosis by NIOH have been compensated by Gujarat High Court. Twenty-five workers in asbestos jointing and packing industry at Mumbai were compensated by the Special medical board of ESIC. The court ruled that the industrial units must maintain a health record of every worker up to a minimum period of 40 years; insure workers under the Employees State Insurance Act or Workmen’s Compensation Act and give health coverage to every worker.

Asbestos Victims

Every day estimated 30 deaths in India is under way due to the ongoing trade and use of white asbestos. 'Asbestos' in Greek means 'indestructible'. Greeks called asbestos the 'magic mineral'. Asbestos is a generic term, referring usually to six kinds of naturally occuring mineral fibres. Of these six, three are used more commonly. Chrysotile is the most common, accounts for almost 90 per cent of the asbestos used in the industry, but it is not unusual to encounter Amosite or Crocidolite as well. Though Crocidolite asbestos is banned in India, it can still be found in old insulation material, old ships that come from other countries for wrecking in India. All types of asbestos tend to break into very tiny fibre, almost microscopic. In fact, some of them may be up to 700 times smaller than human hair. Because of their small size, once released into the air, they may stay suspended in the air for hours or even days. Asbestos fibres are virtually indestructible. They are resistant to chemicals and heat, and are very stable in the environment. They do not evaporate into air or dissolve in water, and they do not break down over time. Because of its high durability and with tensile strength asbestos has been widely used inconstruction and insulation materials - it has been used in over 3,000 different products. Where do we use it? In India, asbestos is used in manufacture of pressure and non pressure pipes used for water supply, sewage, irrigation and drainage system in urban and rural areas, asbestos textiles, laminated products, tape, gland packing, packing ropes, brake lining and jointing used in core sector industries such as automobile, heavy equipment, petro-chemicals, nuclear power plants, fertilizers, thermal power plants, transportation, defence.

K.K.S.S.R Ramachandran, Health Minister, Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is ignoring the health hazards of asbestos. Following the devastating fire tragedy at a private school in Kumbakonam on July 16, 2oo4, the eco-friendly thatched roofing was discarded overnight with the state government ordering the removal of thatched roofing from all schools by July 30, 2004. Non-compliance could cost the schools their recognition. There are some 300 high schools and higher secondary schools, and 2,000 primary schools (run by the government, local bodies and private managements) spread across 22 blocks in the Thanjavur district. Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board has replaced the thatched roofs with asbestos arguing that fire hazards in slums are a greater concern than the health hazards of asbestos. According to the International Journal on Occupational and Environmental Health that quotes the estimates by the Chennai-based The Cancer Research Institute, 3-4% of all lung cancers in India are asbestos-related. Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation Limited (TANCEM) is a public limited company formed in 1976. It is engaged in the manufacture and selling of Cement, Asbestos Sheets, Asbestos Pressure Pipes and Stoneware Pipes. Its factories are situated in various districts of Tamil Nadu-i) Alangulam Cement Works, Alangulam, Virudhunagar District, ii) Ariyalur Cement Works, Ariyalur, Perambalur District, iii) Tamil Nadu Asbestos Sheet Unit, Alangulam, Virudhunagar District, iv) Tamil Nadu Asbestos Pipe Unit, Mayanur, Karur District and v) Stoneware Pipe Factory, Vridhachalam, Cuddalore District. Unmindful of the death toll world over, its aim is to produce and sell cement in the Public Sector so as to have a moderating influence on the market for making available cement at reasonable prices and to develop the backward areas in the state. In Delhi, there is an order which prohibits all new schools from using asbestos. In such a situation it would be in the interest of public health to reconsider the order about asbestos roofs for schools. Tamil Nadu government has given exemption from payment of sales tax on the purchase of asbestos cement sheets

P.K. Sreemathy, Minister for Health, Kerala

The Minister must take steps to ban asbestos manufacturing and use in her state. State owned Kerala Asbestos Cement pipe Factory Limited seems to be in dark about the individuals who are being exposed to asbestos. It appears to believe that they are not exposed to asbestos at all. A careful examination and review of a person's work and life history would reveals exposure to asbestos products either at work place or in their houses. Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation, a wholly state owned company has also been marketing its asbestos cement sheets under the brand name "Arasu".

Union Ministry of Mines & its Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Nagpur

On December 23, 2003, the Union MInistry of MInes informed the Lok Sabha, "Asbestos is being mined in the areas already held under mining lease. In view of the hazardous effect of asbestos mining on health, the Government has decided not to grant any new lease for mining of asbestos and minerals found alongwith asbestos. It does not renew the existing mining leases of asbestos. The import of asbestos is mainly being allowed as domestic production of asbestos, particularly chrysotile asbestos which is meager to meet demand of manufacturing units of asbestos cement sheets, asbestos pressure pipes, asbestos cloth, brake lining etc. Domestically available amphibolite asbestos is not suitable for the above said purposes and it finds application mostly in thermal insulation and treatment of acids." Under pressure from asbestos miners from Andhra Pradesh, Directorate General for Mines Safety (DGMS) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have taken a pro-asbestos stance in the face of incontrovertble evidence of epidemic of incurable but preventable asbestos related dieases world over. S.R. Roy, deputy controller of mines, Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), says: "IBM is playing a facilitator's role between the DGMS and the CPCB, both of which have decided to reduce occupational exposure limits to all kinds of asbestos in the work environment from the earlier 2 fibre per cubic centimeter (f/cc) to 0.5 f/cc, although we believe the instrumentation required to measure this is quite expensive and could be difficult to implement."

Everest Industries (formerly Eternit Everest & once subsidiary of Associated Cements Company [ACC)

ML Gupta is the Managing Director of this company. It is among the top three players (in volume terms) in the asbestos cement roofing industry, competes with companies such as Hyderabad Industries, Ramco Industries and Visaka Industries. It holds 16-17 per cent (in volume terms) of the domestic market share. About 80 per cent of the company's revenue is derived from the asbestos segment. currently produces four-lakh tonnes of roofing sheets and 75,000 tonnes of boards a year and has manufacturing facilities in Kymore (Madhya Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) and Nashik (Maharashtra). It has planned a new facility at Bhagwanpur in Uttaranchal to manufacture 50,000 tonnes of fibre boards and one lakh tonnes of roofing products per annum to cater to the northern markets. It has been targeting the villages of Tamil Nadu, for roofing sheets besides Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Namakal, and Karur. It plans to set up set up a manufacturing unit at Roorkee in Uttaranchal.

Make India Asbestos Free