Asbestos News
Philippines labor group warns of asbestos-containing wire gauze
A labor group in the Philippines is urging the government to regulate the sale of certain asbestos-containing wire gauze.The Associated Labor Union contacted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources about wire gauze being sold on Rizal Avenue in Manila. The labor organization is hoping that the agency can inspect the products and require safety warning labels, reports the Manila Bulletin.
ALU national vice-president Gerard Seno said that all asbestos-containing wire gauze need to be inspected "for serious violation of labeling and handling provisions of the Chemical Control Order (CCO) for asbestos and require its local or foreign manufacturers for safety label."
Asbestos was once widely used in a number of products due to its utility as an insulator and flame-resistant properties. However by the mid-1960s it was known that exposure to the naturally occurring substance could cause a number of serious illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
The World Health Organization estimates that such asbestos-caused diseases claim the lives of 107,000 people each year around the world.
ALU policy advocacy officer Alan Tanjusay said that many schools in the area purchase wire gauze from Rizal Avenue.
11/10/11
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