May, 21 2009, 01:48pm EDT
Kucinich Advances Asbestos Reduction in Developing Countries
Following
a letter of inquiry spearheaded by Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH)
and co-signed by four other Members of Congress, the World Bank has
finalized construction guidance that would drastically decrease the use
of asbestos in new construction projects. The report, originally
commissioned in 2006, was technically reviewed in 2008 but stalled
awaiting final administrative approval. In March 2009, Congressman
Kucinich sent a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick
questioning the delay.
WASHINGTON
Following
a letter of inquiry spearheaded by Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH)
and co-signed by four other Members of Congress, the World Bank has
finalized construction guidance that would drastically decrease the use
of asbestos in new construction projects. The report, originally
commissioned in 2006, was technically reviewed in 2008 but stalled
awaiting final administrative approval. In March 2009, Congressman
Kucinich sent a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick
questioning the delay.
"Asbestos
is a highly toxic material that has no place in construction projects
here or anywhere else, especially when viable alternatives are
available. This guidance will reduce exposure and permanent lung
damage to citizens and workers around the world," stated Kucinich.
The
guidance states: "Health hazards from breathing asbestos dust include
asbestosis, a lung scarring disease, and various forms of cancer ...
Mesothelioma, a signal tumor for asbestos exposure, occurs among
workers' family members from dust on the workers' clothes and among
neighbors of asbestos air pollution point sources. Some experimental
animal studies show that high inhalation exposures to all forms of
asbestos for only hours can cause cancer."
"Global
asbestos use is on the rise at the very time it should be eliminated.
This report is a necessary first step toward reversing that trend,"
added Kucinich.
The full text of the 17 page report is available HERE.
Dennis Kucinich is an American politician. A U.S. Representative from Ohio from 1997 to 2013, he was also a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president of the United States in 2004 and 2008.
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