Expert Reveals Concerns Over Plans

An asbestos expert at Irwin Mitchell has stated that reports of protests against plans to set up an asbestos cement roofing sheet factory in the Bihar state of India highlight the strong feeling towards the deadly material.

The Hindu reports that demonstrations have been held by villagers near to the proposed site of the factory premises, which has been put forward by Balmukund Cement & Roofing Ltd.

It is believed that work on the site will be based around the use of chrysotile, which is the chemical name of white asbestos.

Irwin Mitchell has represented a number of workers across the UK who have developed the lung cancer mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos through their time working in the industrial sector.

Others who have faced problems include those who have been employed in buildings such as schools, where the material – often used as fire prevention – has been unduly disturbed.

Commenting on the situation in Bihar, Satinder Bains of law firm’s Birmingham office said: “I am concerned to learn that the site of the proposed asbestos factory will be in a village with a population of some 25,000 men, women and children and within 1,000 metres of up to 20 schools.

“The situation is a grave one and reports have rightly stated how it is reminiscent of the Lancashire manufacturing giant Turner & Newall - once the world's largest asbestos conglomerate - which in 1871 set up an asbestos factory in the Spodden Valley area of Rochdale.

“We are still seeing to this day the awful legacy of that asbestos plant and have dealt with hundreds of cases where people working or living in the area went on to develop asbestos related diseases.

“It is clear that, if the plans for this factory are successful, the health and safety of workers and those living close to the site is a priority. Every effort should be made to ensure no one suffers as a result of contact with this terrible material.”

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