Welsh Asbestos Case Underway

A group of Welsh workers who were exposed to asbestos on the job are at the center of an ongoing asbestos trial that is making headlines across the United Kingdom. The workers were exposed to asbestos while performing routine maintenance work on a furnace. The furnace, located at the Inco Company work site in Clydach, contained deadly asbestos. As the men worked to strip away corroded metal and brickwork from the furnace, they were exposed to thermal insulating material that contained toxic asbestos.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring substance, was once commonly used around the globe. Due to a natural resistance to heat and chemical damage, the material was ideally suited for applications in insulation, fireproofing, tiles, cements, textured paints, and automotive brake pads. Asbestos is now known to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can kill victims within months of being diagnosed. Mesothelioma cancer is attributed almost exclusively to being exposed to asbestos dust or fibers. Asbestos still lurks in older buildings in the US and the UK, as it is considered safe as long as it is not exposed to the open air and is not disturbed. Asbestos is generally very expensive to remove.

The Inco incident occurred two years ago, but is just now going to court. The incident caused charges to be brought forth against Vale Inco Europe. The company is being charged with four offenses under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. The company has pleaded guilty to all four counts. However, lawyers in the case have argued that the company worked rapidly to prevent the spread of toxic asbestos materials after the incident. The hearing is expected to resume in Cardiff, Wales on August 6th of this year.