It is unfortunate that there exists a persisting myth that some forms of asbestos are not harmful. This is far from the truth, and the research is clear and overwhelming that all forms of asbestos can cause cancer. Unfortunately, studies have been funded by industry players that conclude chrysolite asbestos is safe.
Realize that the asbestos industry has an incentive to fund studies that advocate for the continued use of chrysotile asbestos, but this does not mean that any form of asbestos is safe.
World Cancer Experts Are Clear: Chrysotile Is Dangerous Too
Leading cancer institutes and world organizations have clearly stated that chrysotile is a serious carcinogen, even though it differs in chemical structure from other forms of asbestos. This conclusion has been reached by the following:
- World Health Organization
- National Cancer Institute
- The International Labor Organization
- World Trade Organization
And, in 2014, the World Health Organization took the bold step of strongly recommending that all countries ban the use of all asbestos, which included chrysotile asbestos. The organization went further by noting that there has been no safe level of exposure that has been credibly established for any type of asbestos.
Chrysotile, specifically, has been found by the World Health Organization to cause the following forms of cancer:
- Lung cancer
- Ovary cancer
- Larynx cancer
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
Whether Chrysotile Is Less Dangerous Than Other Forms of Asbestos Is Not Relevant
Industries with a business-driven desire to argue that chrysotile is less dangerous than other forms of asbestos miss the point entirely. Chrysotile asbestos is a known carcinogen that causes cancer and mesothelioma, just as the other forms of asbestos do.
As such, claiming that chrysotile should still be used in limited amounts (specifically when no safe level of chrysotile use has been established) is a philosophical non-starter for those who value public health and safety.
It is already a problematic truth that asbestos was used for far too long, even after medical and scientific research effectively proved that asbestos exposure caused cancer.
Instead of looking for reasons to justify the use of any form of asbestos such as chrysotile, it is far wiser to simply end all uses of asbestos. This, in part, explains the disappointment of many who were hoping to see the EPA put an end to asbestos once and for all. Instead, the EPA chose to propose new rules that would limit, but potentially still allow new uses of asbestos and asbestos products to enter the market.
Talk to a Ledger Law Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and was also exposed to the harms of asbestos, the type of asbestos involved in the exposure does not matter. The Ledger Law Firm will argue on your behalf and speak the truth. Namely, all forms of asbestos can cause cancer, and asbestos exposure caused your mesothelioma diagnosis.
Once we prove that you were exposed to asbestos by a legally responsible party, we will pursue your right to financial security and justice. Contact us online for a legal consultation to discuss the facts of your mesothelioma claim.
