Asbestos World Watch

In ROCHDALE, UK, the Greater Manchester Association of Trade Unions Councils argues that the site of Turner Brothers’ asbestos factory should not be redeveloped. This is due to information concerning the dangers of asbestos which could still contaminate the site.

Original plans called for the development of 600 homes on the land, but according to the association, dangers from asbestos dust are too great. Members maintain that the land needs to be permanently declared unsafe, and immediate measures need to be undertaken to prevent asbestos dust from being exposed to those who live and work nearby. The site still needs to be analyzed for levels of asbestos which could provide valuable information to the health and safety of members of the surrounding community.

In DHAKA, BANGLADESH, a ship deemed hazardous by Greenpeace due to the levels of asbestos on it will be allowed to be dismantled in a Bangladeshi facility. Evaluations by the government declared that the ship could be taken apart in the country without danger to citizens. Currently the ship, the New Atlantia, is moored off the port of Chittagong. Plans are for it to be taken to Sitakundu to be dismantled.

In TORONTO, CANADA, the actions taken by the city seem to differ from their statements. Residents in the neighborhood surrounding the Sunrise explosion on August 20th are finding signs on their homes warning of asbestos contamination, despite assurances from the city that their homes had not been exposed.

The signs were reportedly placed because contractors doing work on the homes discovered asbestos inside rather than as a result of the explosion. One of the homeowners whose home was posted said that asbestos in his home’s interior was impossible since it was very recently remodeled.

Following the explosion, air testing done by the city showed unsafe levels of asbestos, but the results have not been posted on the city’s website as promised. Residents now are becoming unsure of what to believe from the city of Toronto.

Sources:

“Asbestos Contamination Signs Pop Up near Explosion Site“, Canadian Broadcast Company, 12 September 2008

“Bangladesh permits dismantling of ‘toxic’ ship“, Yahoo News, 16 September 2008

“Unions: It’s Time to Scrap Turner’s Housing Plans“, Rochdale (UK) Observer, 13 September 2008

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