Canada: Don't Hide Deadly Exports
- by: Care2.com
- recipient: Prime Minister Stephen Harper
In a recent international summit, Canada played a lead role in blocking the inclusion of asbestos under the UN treaty the Rotterdam Convention, which would force exporters like Canada to warn recipient countries of the health hazards of asbestos. When inhaled, asbestos fibers can lead to a rare form of lung cancer for which there is no cure.
Canada said they "actively promote safe and controlled use of the substance domestically and internationally," but the fact is asbestos can't be used safely in developing countries.
In late April, Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke at a campaign stop: "The government will not put Canadian industry in a position where it is discriminated against in a market where it is permitted" -- regardless, apparently, of dangerous health hazards.
Tell Prime Minister Harper that asbestos is a dangerous product that can't always be used safely, and Canada needs to inform countries that purchase asbestos products of its health hazards.
Dear Prime Minister Harper,
Canada recently blocked the inclusion of asbestos under the United Nations treaty The Rotterdam Convention, despite the fact that, when inhaled, asbestos can lead to a rare form of lung cancer, mesothelioma, for which there is no cure.
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Canadian delegates have said they "actively promote safe and controlled use of [asbestos] domestically and internationally," despite the fact that it cannot be assured asbestos will be used safely in developing countries. Safe use requires specific procedures, training and equipment to make sure the harmful asbestos fibers are not inhaled.
Purchasing countries should be made aware of asbestos' deadly health hazards. I urge you to support the inclusion of asbestos in the Rotterdam Convention.
