The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians were all aware of the health dangers of
asbestos. It seems strange that the asbestos industry in many parts of the world
chose to ignore the risks.

Even if the ancient wisdom had been lost, insurance companies were refusing to
insure asbestos workers, or charging higher premiums for them by the 1920’s. 50
Years later some companies in the asbestos industry were still doing nothing to
protect their workers.
To be fair, the workers themselves had the same access to information as the
companies, so must also take responsibility for their actions in deciding to
work in a dangerous industry. In many respects that decision was similar to the
decision that many people still take on a daily basis today - to smoke a
cigarette. The apparent benefit of taking home a pay check overrode the distant
possibility of death for those workers and their families, just as the immediate
pleasure of a cigarette does for smokers today.
Having said that I believe that the employers have a duty to ensure that their
workers are in as safe an environment as possible, and that they are aware of
the risks, so that if they decide to work there, they are making an informed
decision. Clearly this did not always happen, and as a result the industry is
going through a series of lawsuits, where people who have become ill are suing
for compensation. Many companies around the world have already gone bankrupt as
a result of this, and the process appears to be continuing. In the US there is
legislation proposed to pay compensation from a central fund, but this proposal
seems unlikely to succeed because of the level of agreement that will be
required on how the money in the fund will be collected.
Both workers and employers in all types of business would do well to reflect
on this sorry saga where no-one with the possible exception of a few lawyers,
will ever feel that their decision to either work in, or employ people in a
dangerous environment, was justified.
The asbestos site makes it easy to find the information you need if you think
you may have been exposed to asbestos. To receive your free 35 page support
guide visit the asbestos cancer website.

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