Background
With mining investments in South Africa and factories based in the UK, Cape Intermediate emerged as one of the largest asbestos companies in the world. Formerly known as Cape PLC, they extensively utilised asbestos products in the construction industry. These included Marinite insulation and Asbestolux, which play a central role in mesothelioma, lung cancer asbestosis and pleural thickening cases in the UK.
Unfortunately, the UK ranks at the top globally for the highest number of deaths related to mesothelioma, with over 2500 people losing their lives to this tragic illness every year. Additionally, pleural thickening, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer each contribute to a comparable number of fatalities according to the HSE (Health and safety Executive).
Actions
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) addressed a formal letter to Altrad, the parent company of Cape, bringing to light the fact that Cape was cognisant of the risks associated with asbestos. The APPG believe that they provided misleading reassurances concerning the dangers posed by asbestos, according to The Guardian. Members of Parliament (MPs), who likewise sent a formal letter to the globally recognized corporation, have urged it to contribute £10 million towards mesothelioma research. This call stems from their understanding that the company was aware of its actions “putting people in danger.” The MPs emphasised that Cape had undermined the government’s regulatory efforts concerning asbestos. They believe Cape achieved this by disclosing sampling data related to the cancer-causing substance selectively, and advocating for increased allowable dust levels, as well as diluting product warnings.
As a result of these events, campaigns have been held by groups such as the AVSG (Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum) demanding a donation of £10miliion towards mesothelioma research. Ian Lavery from the Labour Party said in his statement: “Your company has played a major role in exposing people to the toxic substance, meanwhile profiting at their expense. Your contribution to medical research may go some way to recompense victims of asbestos disease.”
The AVSGF also stated: “They (Cape) put their profits before the lives of their own workers and those of transport workers moving their products, joiners and other construction workers using their products and the women who developed mesothelioma through washing their husbands’ overalls.”
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