Asbestos in the Middle East

The brave men and women of the United States armed forces are exposed to a wide variety of threats on a daily basis. While the threats of enemies and living conditions are well known and recognized, the potential threat of asbestos is frequently ignored or unknown.

According to records kept by various sources which date to 2003, roughly two hundred thousand dollars worth of chrysotile asbestos, or “white asbestos,” was imported to Iraq. Unlike its neighbors in the Middle East, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Iraq has not placed any ban on the use of asbestos.

In addition to the massive amounts of asbestos that have been imported into Iraq since 2003 alone, the other countries of the Middle East are not much safer. Not a single one has ratified International Labor Organization Law Number 162. Number 162 has created an outline of health and safety procedures related to asbestos. In addition, the ILO law also includes regulations for employers put forth in an effort to protect the safety of all workers.

Because the ILO law has not been enacted or adopted in Iraq, there is, in reality, nothing protecting workers and other individuals from the adverse effects of asbestos exposure. These threats do not discriminate based on a person’s uniform.

Asbestos containing materials may be present in a variety of locations in Iraq, not excluding military housing and other structures that are likely to be used by military personnel.

Contact an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

If you have been exposed to asbestos at work or while at home, contact the mesothelioma lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 1-800-781-3955.