Today, April 22, marks Earth Day! Earth Day is the largest civic event in the world, celebrated around the world by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. You might have guessed what the main focus of this celebration is…the Earth!
On this day, we would like to bring some attention to a problem that faces our planet.
Currently, countries all over the world are being affected by asbestos, a naturally-occurring mineral found within our Earth. In America, it has been worked into construction materials for houses and commercial buildings, consumer products, automobile parts, and more, putting many at risk for the fatal diseases that are associated with exposure to the substance. It is still not completely banned in the country.
Fifty-five countries around the world have banned the use of asbestos, but some countries continue to mine the substance to export it to developing nations. Not only does this activity hurt the earth today, the future of peoples’ lives is at stake.
Along with a lack of safety standards when handling the substance, many developing nations that use asbestos in their building materials have yet to find safe ways to dispose of unwanted construction debris. This creates hazardous landfill sites that pose serious risks to people and the planet.
Everyone wants to live on a beautiful, thriving Earth, and banning asbestos use across the globe is just one way to reach this goal.
