While most of the world recognizes the severe negative health effects of asbestos exposure, the industry continues to thrive in India, where executives claim the materials are suitable for building in poorer regions. An article in Business Insider recounts that industry leaders continue to deny the negative health consequences from exposure to asbestos. India is now the world’s biggest importer of the deadly mineral, where asbestos is now a $2 billion industry and still growing.
The International Labor Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization support a ban on the product and recognize the diseases that arise when fibers from the material can become lodged in one’s lungs. Estimates by the ILO state that 100,000 people die each year from workplace exposure alone. This does not account for those who are affected outside of the workplace.
Exposing Indian populations with few economic resources to asbestos can have even greater consequences than those which occurred in the United States. With limited access to the level of medical care available in the United States, complications may be much more common and severe. Asbestos has been found to cause mesothelioma, internal lung scarring, and lung cancer.
The long latency time of the disease has caused many people to unknowingly continue to work in unsafe environments. Many developed serious health issues as many as 40 years later. Countries that have curtailed or banned the use of asbestos are still dealing with health and legal consequences. Businesses in the United States have paid over $1.3 billion in personal injury lawsuits. The lobbying party for asbestos still claims to be following guidelines for safety established by the World Health Organization but ignores 2007 statements that suggested banning all forms of asbestos.
Asbestos has caused serious medical complications and death in those who suffered from exposure. Workplace injuries such as this are both avoidable and devastating to workers and their families. Lopez McHugh attorneys are experienced in helping those who have been injured in their place of work. Personal injury attorneys are qualified to help you manage your case. Contact us today at (877) 737-8525 or just fill out a contact form.
