The use of asbestos is tightly regulated in the United States. This is not the case in a number of developing countries. A number of countries still have very relaxed rules when it comes asbestos control. In Uganda recently the law makers have recently demanded that government replaces all asbestos roofs of educational institutions countrywide so as to stem possible contraction of cancer by pupils and students.

Oyam North MP Okullo Epak sparked the debate about asbestos on Thursday. The UN banned use of asbestos in the 1980s after it was discovered that its residual fibers could cause lung cancer.

"We are very concerned about this matter eventhough we do not have statistics on who has been affected," said line Minister Gabriel Opio.

He said that during the next financial year, government would start re-roofing the said schools but that the exercise would be done in phases over years.


Posted by: Olivia    Source

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