Just As The Use of Asbestos Continues, So Does Corporate Wrongdoing

A Letter from Linda Lipsen to the Editor of the New York Times (Feb. 6, 2015)

Re “NewYork’s Real Scandal,” by Joe Nocera (column, Jan. 31):

For years, the asbestos industry has promoted the myth that asbestos is no longer an issue for the American public in order to make the case that it shouldn’t be held accountable today for the wrongdoings of the past.

Mr. Nocera played right into its hands when he wrote that it is a “sensible” notion that juries should not be allowed to fine asbestos corporations with punitive damages because “companies stopped making asbestos products” and there is “no behavior to correct.”

While certain asbestos products and uses have been prohibited, many others are still permitted; imports into our country continue; and throughout the world people are exposed to this toxin in their homes, workplaces and schools. It was reported in August 2014 that asbestos is currently being promoted in Asia as a product for the poor. One international asbestos executive commented that his asbestos was so safe you could eat it “for breakfast, lunch and dinner!”

Just as the use of asbestos continues, so does corporate wrongdoing. Recently, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit allowed asbestos victims to proceed with claims that an asbestos corporation and its lawyers destroyed evidence that showed its product contained asbestos.

It is essential for public health that the continuing dangers of asbestos are acknowledged and myths are not perpetuated in an effort to help the asbestos industry evade accountability.

LINDA LIPSEN

Washington

Linda Lipsen is chief executive of the American Association for Justice, an organization that advocates on behalf of trial lawyers and their clients.