Wednesday, February 15, 2012

European asbestos trial finds two industrialists guilty

Asbestos trial sentences two men to prison
and to pay damages.
An Italian court on Monday sentenced two men to 16 years in prison over thousands of asbestos-related deaths.

The Swiss billionaire and Belgian baron were major decision makers in a company making Eternit fiber cement and were found guilty in failing to comply with safety regulations.

As part of their sentence, they were ordered to pay damages to civil parties that could add up to millions of dollars.

The trial piqued worldwide interest since it could be a potential precedent for similar trials.

Exposure to asbestos fibers continues to affect former workers and nearby residents, with many developing cancer and lung disease.

The company went bankrupt six years before asbestos was banned in Italy in 1992.

Asbestos was a widely used material in building insulation and other building materials because of its ability to absorb sound and to resist fire.

However, the material has been banned in Europe and North America because the inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause lung inflammation and cancer, sometimes only 20 years after the exposure.

Asbestos continues to be used in developing countries.

Source: Radio Netherlands Worldwide

Take precautions when dealing with asbestos

Even though asbestos has been banned for some time, it can still be found in many older buildings and homes.
Electrocorp's AirRhino:
Industrial-strength air cleaner

During renovation and remodeling projects, it can become a risk factor to human health, if the asbestos-containing material is being disturbed and sets free tiny asbestos fiber that can be inhaled by workers and building occupants.

It’s important to rely on professional asbestos remediation services whenever asbestos is involved.

Additional help with industrial-strength air cleaners can assist in removing asbestos fibers as well as other particles, dust and chemicals linked to the construction work.

Electrocorp offers portable and powerful air cleaners for mold and asbestos remediation with highly effective particle filters as well as activated carbon filters to remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and options.
  

2 comments:

  1. Im glad this case is getting some international attention. Here's a different perspective from the BAN Asbestos movement: http://bit.ly/AsbestosItalyBlog

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  2. Asbestos is a common chemical used in shingles. It used to be a cheap material to use for that. You can read more here: http://awe.sm/5hTXE Also can find authoritative and factual information on the topic of asbestos and mesothelioma. We can also offer further help to fight for compensation you deserve.

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