November 7, 2012

Dying man wants asbestos registry

A Saskatoon man, who is dying from an asbestos-related cancer, is urging the province to make lists of public buildings that contain asbestos available to everyone.

Howard Willems worked as a building inspector for 31 years and says people should know if they’re going into buildings that have asbestos, especially if construction work is being done.

Asbestos becomes airborne if disturbed during construction and those hazardous fibres can be inhaled.

The Opposition NDP has introduced a private member’s bill that would require details about asbestos containment in public buildings be listed online.

New Democrat Cam Broten said people could then take steps to protect themselves.

Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said a registry creates a false sense of security and the best assumption anyone can make is that all buildings built before 1980 contain asbestos.

THE CANADIAN PRESS

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