Asbestos

Found on http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rn/2004-05/05rn12.htm

The asbestos problem⁽⁴⁾

The Hardie Group manufactured asbestos products (cement, piping, insulation and brake linings) for over 70 years in NSW, Queensland and Western Australia.⁽⁵⁾ It is not alone in facing asbestos compensation claims.  Estimates of Australia’s total liability for future asbestos claims start around $6 billion.⁽⁶⁾ Fellow corporate heavy weights CSR and BHP Billiton are targets, and federal and state governments also have substantial asbestos liabilities.  Claims are not limited to those who worked in asbestos mines and factories.  Former power station, shipyard and dock workers, railway labourers and members of the defence force, especially the Navy, are at significant risk from asbestos-related diseases.   These diseases can take decades to develop—a major difficulty for compensation planning.   Mesothelioma (cancer of the chest cavity) can emerge 40 years after exposure.  Since 1945 about 7000 Australians have died from this disease, estimated to rise to 18 000 by 2020.  Other asbestos related cancers may be around 30—40 000 by the same time.