environmental Strategist, between the lines: The California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Employers who use asbestos can be held responsible for illnesses suffered by members of their workers’ households.
If you are not familiar with Libby Montana, it is to asbestos what Flint Michigan has been to lead contaminated water. In Libby, asbestos miners came home with asbestos on their clothes, so it was released into the air and breathed in by local residents and family members who contracted asbestos related illnesses.
Most people do not realize how much asbestos is still used by U.S. business. For those using asbestos in their business operations, share the following information with them on the California court because it has set a precedent.
More than 1,000 tons a year for asbestos containing products
by: Steven Kazan
Asbestos hasn’t been mined in the U.S. since 2002. However, the country still imports the mineral from nations like Brazil, which still mines it. During the last three years, the U.S. took in more than 1,000 tons of asbestos annually.
So where does it all go? The U.S. Geological Survey lists the chloroalkali industry as the leading user of asbestos, consuming 57 percent of mineral sources. This business uses asbestos for devices that convert brine into chlorine because the material is strong and resistant to acids and bases.
As for the rest of the asbestos that comes into the U.S., unfortunately, some industries are still allowed to manufacture certain asbestos containing products. These include, but are not limited to:
- Cement corrugated sheets
- Cement flat sheets
- Cement pipe
- Pipeline wrap
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Automatic transmission components
- Clutch facings
- Disk brake pads
- Drum brake linings
- Gaskets
- Roof coatings
- Roofing felt
- Clothing
Liability for asbestos goes beyond workplace:
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Liability-for-asbestos-goes-beyond-workplace-10658229.php