The Asbestos Controversy Surrounding Altrad: Calls for Responsibility and Change

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News Summary

Altrad’s acquisition of Cape has sparked debate over asbestos responsibility, with demands for funding and accountability for public health.

The Asbestos Controversy Surrounding Altrad: Calls for Responsibility and Change

In a dramatic development, Altrad’s acquisition of Cape, a prominent UK asbestos manufacturer, in 2017 has ignited a heated debate surrounding the legacy of asbestos in public health. The stakes are high as MPs and peers are lobbying for a ban on Altrad from government contracts unless the company contributes £10 million to mesothelioma research.

The Grim Reality of Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestos has been a silent killer in the UK, responsible for approximately 5,000 deaths annually, with diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis claiming countless lives. The alarming statistics reveal a nationwide health crisis, pushing lawmakers to take decisive action. A recent public hearing unveiled unearthing evidence surrounding Cape’s disastrous legacy, highlighting the company’s corporate denial regarding the dangers of asbestos.

A Call for Accountability

The all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on occupational safety and health has laid bare the shocking reality of Cape’s history, emphasizing that the corporation knowingly suppressed crucial health information to protect its profits. Despite bringing in impressive revenues of £4.5 billion in the previous year, Altrad’s commitment to community health is being called into question.

Public Sector Contracts and Controversies

Since 2012, Altrad has secured over 60 public sector contracts in the UK, with total values reaching an astronomical £1.67 billion. Notable projects include a staggering £1.5 billion contract for remediation work at Sellafield and a £30 million decommissioning contract for the Berkeley nuclear power station, both of which necessitate extensive asbestos removal. Yet, Altrad has faced criticism regarding its commitment to the issue as campaigners urge that any significant concessions regarding health funding be made.

The Demand for Research Funding

Altrad’s refusal to meet the £10 million donation request has sparked frustration among advocates who believe that this funding could facilitate transformational advancements in mesothelioma research. The company’s counter-offer of less than a third of the demanded amount came with unsettling conditions linked to legal claims. These actions have further fueled the narrative that Altrad is more focused on public relations than addressing the health crises formerly linked to Cape’s products.

Legacies of Danger and Hidden Truths

Internal documents have revealed that Cape was aware of the dangers of its asbestos products, such as the widely used Asbestolux, as early as the 1920s. This knowledge was concealed for decades as the company prioritized profit over public health, leading to a tragic affair where over 400 teachers have died since 1980 due to mesothelioma— a statistic that should deeply concern everyone. Shockingly, nearly 18,000 schools across England and Wales still harbor asbestos materials.

Calls for a National Removal Strategy

The APPG is pushing for the establishment of a national asbestos removal strategy, focusing particularly on schools and hospitals where health implications could be devastating. The campaigners are eager for Altrad and Cape to acknowledge their part in this tragic history and take necessary actions toward accountability.

Corporate Image vs. Genuine Help

Altrad, despite its substantial efforts in compensating more than £60 million to former employees with asbestos-related illnesses, faces accusations concerning the sincerity of its initiatives. While it’s claimed that all eligible claims have been settled and that Altrad’s the only firm with a dedicated compensation scheme, the past haunts them, stirring ongoing frustration among campaigners.

Looking Ahead: A Retreat from Responsibility

As pressure mounts, Altrad’s responses appear inadequate. The APPG is reaching out to significant government figures, including the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to discuss further recommendations. The outcry for change in the treatment of asbestos victims and for corporate entities like Altrad to face accountability intensifies, with public health at stake.

In the end, it is apparent that a lack of accountability could cost lives. As this saga unfolds, only time will tell whether Altrad steps up to the plate or continues to sidestep its historical legacy.