Canadian Vets still dying from asbestos exposure

Canadian WW2 Vets Still Dying from Asbestos Exposure from Navy Ships

Michael Katzko joined the Canadian Navy in 1942 to serve in the second world war. He was 18 years old. The battle ships he served on were lined with asbestos insulation as well as linings in pipes and boilers. In August 2003 Michael fell ill and went to a doctor to get a check up. Before this his health was excellent. He led an active life with his wife and family and still drove his car and was an accomplished wood carver. After a series of tests it was determined he had a type of lung cancer called Mesothelioma. It took 65 years for the cancer to metabolise which is one of the more insidious aspects of Mesothelioma. Only 4 months later on Jan. 1, 2008 Michael died from this disease.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is caused by previous exposure to asbestos. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways. According to the WCB, more workers die every year in British Columbia from asbestos related diseases than any other industrial cause.
It is ironic that having died from asbestos exposure on a Canadian Navy ship, Michael’s family recently received compensation from a US manufacturer.
US manufacturers of asbestos products have abandoned defending themselves against claims because the evidence is overwhelmingly against them that as far back as the 1920s they knowingly produced products that were hazardous to a person’s health. They chose to declare bankruptcy but in order to do so they had to set up Trust funds to cover future claims against them.
It is also ironic that Canadian diplomats met last week in Rome in talks to add asbestos to a list of hazardous chemicals. Two years ago Canada lobbied to have asbestos kept off the list. This year Canada abstained from stating their position.1
The list is part of the United Nations-backed Rotterdam Convention, a 10-year-old international agreement which gives countries a legal right to be informed about the hazards of chemicals and pesticides before importing them.
Canada is one of the world’s biggest exporters of asbestos. All of it is mined in Quebec.
Three medical journals are blasting Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government for "suppressing" a 2008 Health Canada report on the health dangers posed by asbestos and supporting exports of asbestos to developing countries.
Last week's edition of the Canadian Medical Association Journal is calling for a ban on the exports, which it describes as a "death-dealing charade."
The loss of his father so suddenly has prompted Bob Katzko, Michael son, to set up a Mesothelioma support group here in Vancouver. He hopes the group will allow people who have also lost a loved one a forum for support and sharing. Bob created the project while participating in a Landmark Education leadership program. Part of the coursework was to create a project that benefits the community. Landmark Education is an international training and development company, who is known for offering their flagship course The Landmark Forum (www.landmarkeducation.com).
Bob can be contacted at bobkat9@gmail.com.

One of the members of Bob’s group is an 87 year old Veteran who also served in the royal navy and has recently also been diagnosed with asbestos exposure. He is has notified Canadian Veteran Affairs and is waiting for their reply.

Another member is a vet with cancer who has contacted Veteran Affairs, “who have been steadfastly uncooperative and frustrating.”

When will Canada stop exporting asbestos and when will Veteran Affairs start contacting WW2 vets who served in the royal navy and warn them of the consequences of their possible exposure to asbestos.
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Sources
1. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081101.ASBESTOS01/TPStory/?query=asbestos