This article looks at the asbestos industry and the its effects on the health of the populace.
The asbestos industry has undergone drastic changes over the last
several decades in as a result of the many discoveries about the
harmful effect of asbestos exposure. Many of these asbestos products
have been banned in the US but some are still in use. The effects of
these banned products however is still being experienced years after
they have been banned, and the asbestos industry today fights tooth and
nail against paying claims for any past damage done by their industry.
Corporations that have invested millions of dollars in asbestos related
industries are still trying to protect their investments by minimizing
worker health and safety as well as minimizing pay-outs to those who
have suffered permanent and life-threatening damage from asbestos
exposure. Some of the ways the asbestos industry is trying to protect
their profits at the expense of their employee's health includes:
- The use of political clout to support the passing of resolutions
putting a cap on the amount of compensation that individuals can claim
when they sue for damages caused by asbestos.
-Attempting to establish government trust funds to be used to pay out
settlements to the victims of asbestos related diseases, thereby making
use of taxpayer's money to pay for the problems created by the asbestos
companies.
-Lobbying on Capital Hill for various tax credits and tax breaks based
on settlements and payments made to victims of asbestos damage. By
receiving tax breaks for losing litigation, the industry is attempting
to be rewarded for its mistakes.
This industry is a powerful, wealthy block of corporations. They are
constantly trying to downplay the dangers posed by asbestos containing
products by displaying their safety precautions while refusing to
mention the pain that millions of people previously exposed to asbestos
are currently passing through. The asbestos industry must be held
