House bill seeks ban on hazardous asbestos-laden products

A bill is now pending in the House of Representatives seeking a nationwide ban on the use of all asbestos-containing products that pose danger to health. House Bill 3079 aims to eliminate the risk of exposing people to asbestos-related respiratory illnesses such as shortness of breathing due to asbestosis and a rare type of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. The bill , authored by Reps. Narciso Santiago III (ARC) and Marcelino Teodoro (Marikina, Lakas-CMD), will prohibit the "importation, manufacture, processing or commercial distribution of asbestos-containing products." Teodoro noted at least 40 countries have banned asbestos-containing products after scientists classified asbestos as a Category-A human carcinogen, the highest cancer hazard classification for substance. He said there is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos and even low levels of exposure may cause asbestos-containing diseases. Asbestos, often mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats is being used mostly in construction business, such as in roofing, coatings, friction products, and insulation. Asbestos is known for its ability to resistance to heat, electricity, and chemical damage. It also provide goods sound absorption and has a high tensile strength. The bill points out that even the families of persons working or exposed to asbestos-containing products can be at risk because of the asbestos they bring home on their shoes, clothes, skin and hair. - GMANews.TV