“Dince 1977, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified all varieties of asbestos as definitely carcinogenic to humans. This is a major public health and occupational health issue” declares the League against Cancer. Asbestos is a microscopic fibrous mineral which is naturally present in rocks. During the 20th century, it was commonly used in industry, particularly for the manufacture of buildings or infrastructure. For what reasons ? Mainly for its fire-fighting, mechanical resistance or sound insulation qualities.
Furthermore, the impacts of asbestos on health are numerous. When asbestos is damaged, particles invisible to the naked eye wander into the air we breathe. The smaller the particle, the more easily it can enter the airways. The League Against Cancer explains “that once arriving in the respiratory tract, the particles can interact with the cells of the organs where they are located (including the larynx, bronchi, lungs and pleura) or with blood cells which can then disseminate them to other organs (including the ovaries, colon, rectum, stomach) and develop diseases. In 1975, France began to control its use of asbestos and then banned it completely in 1997.
Laryngeal and ovarian cancers: what impact will this new decree have on the people concerned?
This Sunday, October 15, 2023, a decree published in the Official Journal recognizes as occupational disease, cancers of the larynx and the ovarycaused by inhalation of asbestos dust. A decision which aims to improve the care of people affected by these conditions. Indeed, with this decree, the workers concerned can “contact their primary health insurance fund to file a request for compensation and obtain recognition of their pathology as an illness of occupational origin”, we can read in this decree. Once the occupational disease is recognized, several aids can be received. Here is what this changes according to ServicePublic.fr.
When the occupational origin of the illness is recognized, you can then receive:
- Higher daily allowances than in the event of non-occupational illness,
- Specific compensation linked to your permanent incapacity.
After receiving your declaration of occupational illness, the CPAM gives you an occupational illness form which allows you to benefit from free care linked to your illness. You must present this sheet to each healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc.). This sheet is valid until the end of the treatment.
Sources:
French Republic, Légifrance, Decree No. 2023-946 of October 14, 2023
The League Against Cancer, Preventing and promoting health, Asbestos and cancers
Service-publique.fr, Occupational illness: steps to take, April 12, 2023
Read also :
⋙ Occupational illness: definition, list, table, rights to compensation
⋙ Ovarian cancer: what are the signs to watch for?
⋙ Ovarian cancer: this promising test would allow early detection to be 91% reliable