Miriam gains support for Asbestos Ban Bill

The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines have expressed support for Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago's Senate Bill No. 741 banning the use of asbestos in the construction and manufacturing industries.

"Many people believe that there is no risk of exposure to asbestos through the use of new commercial products. However, asbestos is still being used in roofing products, coatings, and friction products," Santiago said.

Santiago, chair of the Senate committee on economic affairs, explained that there is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos. According to studies, even low levels of exposure may cause asbestos-related diseases.

"Banning asbestos from being used in or imported into the country will provide certainty to the safety of manufacturers, builders, environmental firms, workers, and consumers," Santiago said.

Asbestos, which has already been banned in 40 countries including the entire European Union, is considered a serious health hazard. It has been classified by scientists as a Category A human carcinogen, the highest cancer hazard classification for a substance.

Both the JFCP and TUCP are looking forward to the passage of the bill, which has a counterpart measure in the House of Representatives under House Bill No. 3079.