Asbestos waste is causing cancer, ombudsman launches investigation

The ombudsman, through a media communique, has announced that he has begun investigations of Ex Offizio (on official duty) regarding environmental pollution from materials and untreated asbestos compounds.

The slight detection of asbestos fibers into human organization through respiratory paths and the contamination that these fibers create in human organization, causing a series of cancerous diseases and respiratory organs, makes a constant threat to health and human life from asbestos” compounds, said the communique.

International standards are emphasized, as is Law No. 04/L-060 for waste, and Administrative Guide No. 22/2015, for the management of Asbestos - maintaining wastes, with the aim of preventing asbestos fibers from being released into air and water, determine measures, techniques and standards for treating and storing asbestos products.

“However, despite environmental impact, asbestos, untreated and unbalancing waste can be observed throughout the country's territory. Moreover, the public's lack of information on the risk of this product, as well as the treatment of waste from asbestos, is observed as a positive duty to the state and a fundamental principle of respecting the right to safe and healthy environment”, is said further in the communiqué.