Sunday, July 03, 2011

Food for thought

How capitalism works – there's money to be made in the extraction and sale of Chrysotile (white) asbestos. Trouble is it is highly carcinogenic, is listed as toxic under Canada's environmental laws, and has been removed from public buildings (including the Prime Minister's office). The UN Rotterdam Convention of 143 countries wants the substance listed, banned, or severely restricted. The industry insists it is safe if handled properly and safely, but almost all of it is exported to third world countries with no safety laws whatsoever. The WHO has estimated that over 100 000 per year die from the product's effects. What to do? No problem. Captain Harper to the rescue. Simply block the listing of the chemical at the convention and carry on business as usual, $100 million a year! John Ayers

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