Asbestos theme for Workers' Memorial Day

Asbestos has been chosen as the theme for this year's Workers' Memorial Day on April 28. Each year asbestos kills over 4,000 people in Britain and the number is projected to rise to 10,000 by 2020 as a result of past exposure to the substance.

Trade unions have been campaigning for a worldwide ban on the use of asbestos. In February, Sao Paulo, the biggest city in Latin America, banned the use of asbestos in construction and it is hoped that other states in Brazil may follow. Brazil is a major producer of asbestos, so the ban will be an enormous blow to an industry keen to exploit the market in the developing world.

British unions have given practical help in campaigning for alternatives to asbestos around the world. The GMB general union, for example, outlined an initiative to help Brazilian workers press for alternatives to asbestos at a global conference in Sao Paulo last year.

In 1999 the UK joined other countries in Europe in banning the importation, sale or new use of the last remaining form of asbestos allowed - white asbestos or chrysotile. The European Union has banned asbestos from 2005, and all countries joining the EU from now on will be covered by the ban.

Briefings on asbestos and details of activities for Workers' Memorial Day are on the TUC website: www.tuc.org.uk/h-and-s/