Guest Blog: “Cause-effect” Relation between White Asbestos and Mesothelioma” by Francisco Báez Baquet
The demonstration of a causal relationship between chrysotile and mesothelioma, it is essential to justify the ban on industrial use of the mineral.
FRANCISCO BAEZ BAQUET
This is so, because of that, to cause mesothelioma, weak enough, small doses, as determined by short, sporadic or even specific and unique exhibits, as evidenced by the experimental and epidemiological studies demonstrating these latter, even exhibitions of only several minutes, or even a single inhalation, may be sufficient to cause malignancy.
Epidemiological studies show that because of non-occupational exposure, in which fiber concentrations given in atmospheres, well below those corresponding to those generated in the workplace, determined, however, detectable increases in the rate of mesothelioma incidence compared with background, for the whole nation or geographical area considered. That morbid effect, extending around the industrial source of pollution, to expressible distances in complete kilometers, depending on the direction of prevailing winds, which is an additional element of conviction of the truth of causation.
Furthermore, it is affecting those who have not had any employment relationship with chrysotile, as in the case of pets that have lived in the vicinity of the industrial centers of the use of that mineral.
In these conditions, it is impossible alleged “safe and controlled use” of chrysotile, and the only effective alternative is the absolute prohibition of use.
Click here to view the full text of our article about all these issues.
Francisco Baez Baquet
Former clerk of the sales office in Sevilla, of the firm manufacturing asbestos cement, Uralita SA
Former member co-founder of the “National Commission of Asbestos.”
Former member of the General Council of the “National Institute for Safety and Health at Work” (INSHT), on behalf of the Trade Union “Comisiones Obreras”