Many Americans assume that Asbestos has been completely banned in the United States. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The dangerous material is no longer mined/produced in the U.S., but it is still used in certain construction and industrial projects.
In light of the fact that exposure to asbestos is known to cause deadly mesothelioma, why would legislators allow any new use of the material in the United States? There may be a number of answers to that question, but many believe that it comes down to economics. Asbestos has long been cheap and abundant, which is why it was so heavily used before its dangers were known. But asbestos use can no longer be justified, even from an economics perspective, according to the World Health Organization.
The results of a recent study commissioned by the WHO reveal that the costs associated with treating asbestos-related diseases are four times higher than the costs of producing the product in the first place. For every $1 spent on mining and producing asbestos, about $4 is spent treating diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 107,000 people worldwide are killed each year by exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Even more alarming, about 125 million people globally face occupational exposure to asbestos.
The WHO study makes clear that treating asbestos-related diseases costs far more than producing asbestos. But this calculation might not lead to a reduction in asbestos production unless asbestos producers are forced to pay the costs of their deadly product.
Many such companies have already gone out of business, but victims can still be compensated through asbestos trusts funds. If you or a loved one has developed a seriouts illness due to asbestos exposure, please contact an experienced attorney to discuss your rights and legal options.