October 19th, 2006
Thousands of protesters in France gathered over the weekend in aid of trying to launch a nationwide lawsuit against companies and employers that allowed workers to be exposed to the deadly substance, asbestos, which is a known carcinogenic and can cause a variety of health problems including an asbestos related cancer known as mesothelioma.
The protesters gathered at a tower in Paris, which was once lined with asbestos. The march was from the Montparnasse Tower to the Health Ministry, and was led by relatives of those suffering from asbestos related disease as well as families of those that had died from exposure to asbestos.
One protester who lost her husband to an asbestos related illness stated: "I want there to be justice. My husband was replaced the day after his death. We feel like Kleenex, so I'm protesting today so that he didn't die for nothing."
Police reports indicate that over 3,000 people took part in the protests, and according to the protestors over 3,000 people each year die from asbestos related diseases in France.

