Olympia, Washington - A bill which demands that all products containing asbestos and sold in Washington State stores be labeled as such, informing buyers that the product they’re purchasing could be hazardous to their health if not handled properly, has passed the second step towards becoming a law.
The Spokesman-Review reports that the proposed bill passed the House of Representatives this week with a vote of 65-28 in favor of the proposition, which was first introduced by Democratic Senator Andy Billig of Spokane.
Generally, the bill pertains mostly to construction products, many of which still contain small amounts of the harmful mineral. Under the proposed legislation, these products will be clearly labeled, allowing purchasers the option of finding a substitute product that does not contain hazardous asbestos.
Advocates for individuals already suffering from asbestos-related diseases due to on-the-job exposure, including construction workers, see the bill as a step in the right direction, though many believe the use of asbestos in the United States should be banned.
According to the article, the House first turned down an amendment proposed by Rep. Shelly Short, R-Addy, to lower the potential maximum penalties for not labeling from $10,000 to $1,000. Rep. Dave Upthegrove, D-Des Moines, explained that rather than a fine, violators are more likely to get a warning and the opportunity to take corrective action. The higher figure is a maximum, not a set amount for every infraction, he explained.
The next step in making the asbestos labeling bill a reality is a signature by Washington State Governor Jay Inslee. That should happen soon.
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