Little known fact...Asbestos is still being used in consumer products! Are you surprised? I was. Why, after so many needless deaths, is asbestos still being mined and produced? If you have any doubts, read this article about asbestos in children's toys. Why in the world would asbestos be put in a toy?
As a material asbestos has amazing properties. It was extremely fire resistant, strong and flexible. However, it any material worth risking the lives of thousands of people? Of children? NO! The following picure shows how trained professionals handle asbestos. Is the public notified of products we use that contain asbestos? NO! Even if we knew, we do not own protective clothing and a breathing aparatus.
By signing the petition, you are telling congress to totally Ban Asbestos in Industrial Materials, Consumer Products and Toys.
I'm sorry if this put asbestos companies into bankruptcy. They have know about the dangers of asbestos since the 1800's. However, as in many cases the almighty dollar is more important than people.
Thousands of Americans die each year from asbestos-related diseases, and there’s no known safe level of exposure to any form of asbestos.
The US EPA attempted to ban asbestos-containing products in 1989, but that ban was overturned on legal technicalities in court two years later. What a shock. I'm sure this was a huge victory for the lawyers employed by the asbestos companies.
In 2007, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization found asbestos in common household products, such as spackle, window glazing, and duct tape, and even in best-selling children’s toys, such as the popular "CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit." Research by others had already found asbestos in some children's play clays.
Congress is expected to hold hearings soon on whether to implement a total ban on asbestos-containing products. Right now, industry lobbyists are pressuring Congress to institutionalize the allowance of up to 1 percent of asbestos in our industrial materials, consumer products, toys, and other products on American store shelves.
We say, "No!" It’s time for a total ban on asbestos in American products.
