September 16th, 2005
The Japanese government is taking steps to address compensation payouts to those affected by asbestos adverse health effects. The government has admitted that not enough was done in the past. It is thought that the dangers of asbestos exposure were known many decades ago, but little was done to provide protection for those working with or exposed to asbestos dust and fibers.
The cabinet has now decided that a law will be drafted that will outline compensation payouts for victims of asbestos related illness. The laws will also include people that lived near asbestos factories and sites that have been affected by asbestos related illness. The bill is due to be submitted in January.
A government spokesman stated: "There is room for us to learn lessons because collaboration among ministries and agencies was not necessarily sufficient."
Japan has hit the headlines over recent months as more and more cases of asbestos related disease have come to light. Whereas many countries banned the use of asbestos in the 1980s when the health hazards of exposure became widely know, Japan continued to allow its use. It is only now that the authorities in Japan are planning a blanket ban on the substance by 2008.
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