Public health study concludes asbestos mining town deadly

OTTAWA – A Quebec Public Health Institute study that shows people who live near asbestos mines are at grave risk confirms what we have known for many years, said New Democrat MP Pat Martin (Winnipeg-Centre).

“Asbestos is the greatest industrial killer the world has ever known,” said Martin. “But it’s not only killing workers across the globe, asbestos kills anything in its path.”

The study, completed by Quebec's Public Health Institute, drew shocking conclusions about the risks and real imminent threats of having asbestos mines for neighbours. The study found that the concentration of outdoor airborne asbestos in Thedford Mines is 215 times higher than samples taken throughout the United States and higher than Montreal and Quebec City where no fibres were detected. Even more disturbing is that the rates of deaths due to lung cancer and mesothelioma are 17 times higher than the general public.

"Canada must ban asbestos in all its forms stop its export, and begin measures to help this region of Quebec transition to a different economic base.”

Fellow New Democrat MP Nathan Cullen (Skeena-Bulkley Valley) and Natural Resources Critic, introduced Bill C-399 in June to ban the mining and export of asbestos in all forms. “Asbestos is deadly. We can’t let this issue get bogged down in politics. I am pleased that a number of Conservative backbenchers have broken ranks to support our bill. Their government needs to follow suit and ban asbestos now.”

“This study underlines the fact that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure,” continued Martin. “Canada spends millions subsidizing the industry and blocking international efforts to curb its use – just like the myth of ‘light tobacco,’ there is nothing benign about asbestos. The jig is up. These mines must be sealed and our governments, provincial and federal, must immediately develop a fair transition program to help mitigate the effects on the mine workers and their families.”

The study can be found at this link:
http://www.inspq.qc.ca/publications/notice.asp?E=p&NumPublication=926