2 hrs ago
Kymore Battles Toxic Asbestos Waste Linked to UK Industrial Giant
Kymore is a town in India where dangerous asbestos waste is still reportedly found.
Asbestos can release tiny fibers that may harm people's lungs when they breathe them in.
The waste is linked to a British company called Turner & Newall, which once operated an asbestos factory there.
A news investigation estimated that about 1 million tonnes of waste remain around the town.
It said asbestos debris can be found near schools, playgrounds, homes and sports fields.
Some residents believe their illnesses were caused by being exposed to the waste.
One resident, Somesh, has advanced cancer and doctors cited by the investigation said he may have less than six months to live.
Old company records from the 1970s showed that a doctor warned managers to explain the dangers to workers.
Campaigners say there is still no money set aside to clean up the waste.
An ITV News investigation estimated that about 1 million tonnes of asbestos waste remain in Kymore, Madhya Pradesh.
Asbestos-contaminated soil and debris were reportedly found near playgrounds, sports fields, homes and open land.
Residents and doctors described respiratory illness, cancer and substantial medical costs associated with asbestos exposure.
A 1970s Turner & Newall document warned that Indian workers needed to be told about asbestos dangers.
Campaigners say no funding was provided to remove the waste after Turner & Newall collapsed in 2001.
- Who
- Residents of Kymore, Turner & Newall, doctors, campaigners and the UK government are involved.
- What
- An investigation reported that Kymore remains contaminated by large quantities of asbestos waste linked to a former Turner & Newall factory.
- Where
- Kymore, Madhya Pradesh, India, including playgrounds, sports fields, residential areas and open land.
- When
- The contamination has reportedly persisted for decades; the cited company warnings date to the 1970s, and Turner & Newall collapsed in 2001.
- Why
- The reported contamination is linked to asbestos waste left after Turner & Newall operated a factory in the town.
Key facts
- Estimated waste
- About 1 million tonnes of asbestos waste
- Reported affected areas
- Playgrounds, sports fields, residential areas and open land
- Company linked to waste
- Turner & Newall
- Historical warning
- A Turner & Newall doctor warned in the 1970s that workers needed to be told about asbestos dangers.
- Company collapse
- Turner & Newall collapsed in 2001 amid asbestos litigation in the United Kingdom and United States.
- Reported health effects
- Respiratory distress, asbestosis, lung cancer and other serious illnesses
- Government response
- A UK government spokesperson called the claims shocking and said UK companies should respect human rights and the environment.
Quotes
UK government spokesperson
A spokesperson responding to the ITV News investigation on behalf of the UK government.
“These claims are truly shocking, and our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones as a result of these irresponsible actions. We expect all UK companies to respect human rights and the environment throughout their operations and supply chains, and we are also considering the findings of a review of the UK’s approach to responsible business conduct.”
telegraphindia.com
theprint.in
“Everywhere you walk in this area, there's asbestos. At first you think, well, maybe it's stones or rocks, but no, it is just broken pieces of asbestos.”
telegraphindia.com
theprint.in
Dr Muralidhar Venkiteswaran
A doctor who has diagnosed Kymore residents over the years.
“I'm really shocked that practically everyone seems to have asbestosis in this town, in this particular town.”
telegraphindia.com
theprint.in
Sources
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