News Coverage
Monday's highlights from the Capitol
Asbestos Illness
Published February 14, 2005
Nearly 3,000 Texans died from asbestos-related diseases from 1979 to 2002, according to a report released Monday by the Environmental Working Group.
"If lawmakers feel moved to address this issue, it needs to be addressed first and foremost as a public health issue," said Richard Wiles, vice president of the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit research organization.
Lawmakers have said the current system is in a state of crisis. Gov. Rick Perry, in his State of the State Address, called for legislation to reduce asbestos lawsuits in Texas.
More than 600,000 cases have been filed in recent decades and dozens of companies have filed for bankruptcy.
Proposed legislation would require more stringent testing of those claiming an asbestos-related illness and only allow those who are deemed sick to file suit.
Wiles said the asbestos issue is one of preserving public health, not of providing economic relief to companies that used the carcinogen.
"Precious little attention is paid to really helping innocent victims of asbestos exposure," he said.
Supporters of change in the legal system say it would provide more money for those who are truly sick.