Cross-posts

Cross-posts

The article is indeed informative and provides sufficient amounts of information and perspectives on the effects of Asbestos and its consequences on the lives of many people. Research carried out is sufficient and it addresses the fact that asbestos, apart from their contribution to economic development has been a source of health complications. Many mineworkers have died and many are still affected due to their contact and association with asbestos in South Africa (McCulloch & Tweedale, 2004).

The article has sufficiently provided steps taken by various government agencies to ensure that this problem, associated with asbestos is managed. Various laws such as School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act, Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act among others have been established to ensure that asbestos are no longer used or produced in their countries (Davies, Williams, Debeila, & Davies, 2001).

The efforts of eradicating asbestos related diseases through collaboration with much organization are not sufficient way of ensuring that this problem is addressed. People should be adequately educated on the effects of asbestos (McCormack et al 2012). They should be given real life examples of how asbestos related diseases affect people. Many people may not believe in these researches but when they are exposed to realities, this will help eradicate the problem (Lange, Mastrangelo & Cegolon, 2012). Even though, most people argue that this is the source of their livelihood, it is important for them to put their health before any other issues. There are various jobs that they can do and continue with their smooth lives apart from working from the asbestos mines. Losing jobs by many mineworkers is a concern but it is not important compared to their health. The cost of treatment is much higher for the individuals and the government than the initiative of preventing such related diseases.

Another issue that has not been adequately addressed by the article is the issue of failure by the government or the role of the government in ensuring that workers in mines are protected from the hazards of asbestos. The government has a role in such a lucrative industry, which it earned lots of revenue from (Braun, & Kisting, 2006). It therefore failed to set up its policies and standards that later compromised on the safety of its citizens. The owners of the companies were motivated by self-interests and desires in expense of the welfare of the workers who worked hard to make ends meet (Nelson, Murray & James, 2011). Even though the author acknowledges that there is no sufficient evidence that connects asbestos activities to the economy, it is imperative that, the government also shared the export revenues accrued from the industry (McCulloch, 2005). Therefore, the government has a question to answer and a duty to protect its citizens.

In conclusion, I must acknowledge that the article has covered the issues extensively and provided a limelight to the situation and the way forward. Indeed asbestos is one of the health hazards that need to be addressed sufficiently to ensure that such problem does not occur again. The various channels of communication such as mass media, non-governmental organizations and any other institutions that is concerned with the welfare of the people should join hands to eradicate and bring to an end business or transaction related to asbestos. Laws should be stringent to ensure that these businesses are eradicated. We want a safer environment to ensure that our health is safe.

References

Braun, L., & Kisting, S. (2006). Asbestos–Related Disease in South Africa, American Journal of Public Health, 96(8):1386-1396.

Davies, J., Williams, B., Debeila, M., & Davies, D. (2001). Asbestos–related lung disease among women in the Northern Province of South Africa, South African Journal of Science, 97(3/4): 87.

LaDou, J et al. (2010). The Case for a Global Ban on Asbestos, Environmental Health Perspectives, 118(7): 897-901.

Lange, J., Mastrangelo, G., & Cegolon, L. (2012). Infectious disease risk in asbestos abatement workers, BMC Public Health, 12(1): 665-667.

McCormack, V et al. (2012). Estimating the asbestos–related lung cancer burden from mesothelioma mortality, British Journal of Cancer, 106(3): 575-584.

McCulloch., & Tweedale, G. (2004). Double Standards: The Multinational Asbestos Industry and Asbestos–Related Disease in South Africa international journal of health services, 34(4):663-680.

McCulloch, J. (2005). Asbestos, lies and the state: Occupational disease and South African science 1, African Studies, 64(2): 201-216.

Nelson, G., Murray, J., & James, I. (2011). The Risk of Asbestos Exposure in South African Diamond Mine Workers, Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 55(6): 569-577.