The Canadian Cancer Society Takes Stance Against Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos
The Canadian Cancer Society is standing tough in its quest to end the mining of asbestos in the small Canadian town of Asbestos. The Cancer Society stepped in to urge Premier Jean Charest to deny a $58 million loan to keep the fledgling mine, currently in bankruptcy, operating for 25 more years. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, is blamed for causing mesothelioma, asbestosis and other respiratory illnesses resulting in over 90,000 deaths worldwide.
The action was followed by the town of Asbestos cancelling their participation in one of the Canadian Cancer Society’s premier fundraising events, Relay for Life. The Asbestos leg of the Relay For Life has raised close to $350,000 in the last four years. 350 participants had been signed up for this year’s event.
The town of Asbestos and the Cancer Society are at odds with opposing views of the asbestos debate. The Mayor of Asbestos said, “We want to work with our partners and not with our detractors,” and believes that asbestos is safe when handled properly. Other Asbestos residents agree and do not want to lose the hundreds of mining jobs in the town.
Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can create a risk for contracting mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells, caused by breathing in asbestos fibers that become lodged in the thin membrane that lines and encases the lungs.
The Cancer Society, on the other hand, stated, that their concern is the health of the public and “we are concerned about the fact that asbestos is a fibre that is killing people.” The Canadian Cancer Society vows to continue to apply pressure to the politicians, and to put Canada’s public health first. Other Canadian organizations have joined the cause, including the Canadian Public Health Association.
