CAUT | ACPPU
Canadian Association of University Teachers
Issues & Campaigns
CAUT National Asbestos-Related Diseases Database (NARD)
In November of 2004, CAUT initiated a National Asbestos Awareness Campaign to raise awareness among CAUT Associations regarding the hazards of exposure to asbestos products in the workplace.
Over the past 18 months, it became clear that there was no mechanism to collect data on educational staff who have become ill or succumbed to a workplace asbestos-related disease. To remedy this problem, CAUT’s Health and Safety department has constructed such a database, with the goal of having members or their survivors participate in a confidential gathering of vital statistics regarding asbestos-related exposures.
Why is this important?
Asbestos is regulated in Canada as a Designated Substance, and is recognized as a carcinogen. However, it is often misdiagnosed and under-reported as an occupational disease. This has had devastating consequences not only for those affected, and their families, but also for creating effective prevention safety models in the workplace. It is imperative that Canadian universities and colleges clearly understand the danger of poor occupational hygiene practices and misinformation regarding asbestos. One way to do that is to provide evidence of the prevalence of asbestos-related disease among current and former staff and students at Canadian universities and colleges.
It is widely expected that within five years there will be a worldwide explosion of cases of mesothelioma – a fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. This disease, like most asbestos-related diseases, has a long latency period. “Latency” is the period of time it takes from exposure to development of the disease. For mesothelioma, the latency period is generally 30 to 40 years. Latency periods vary for other asbestos-related diseases.
This long length of time between exposure and appearance of the disease is often why people do not recognize the connection between them. CAUT, along with many other organizations and unions, is trying to provide that link and an action plan to deal with it.
Purpose of the database
The database will compile statistics to provide data to document the extent of the problem, to create a compelling case for increased protection for current staff and students, to assist with potential workers’ compensation claims, and to assist academic staff associations with sick leave and work accommodation programs for affected members. Greater recognition of the danger can also result in earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Please participate
CAUT encourages you to participate in NARD. If you or a family member has or has had an asbestos-related disease, please fill out the confidential form.
If you know of a colleague, employee or former student who has or has had an asbestos-related disease, please bring the database to their attention or to the attention of a surviving family member.
All the information you need is in the attached links, and you can contact CAUT’s Health and Safety department directly for further information.
Each participant’s confidentiality will be ensured. Data will only be used for statistical purposes.
Non-CAUT Participants
If you work or have worked at a Canadian university or college, but are not a member of CAUT, you are invited to participate in NARD also. If you were a unionized worker, your information can be forwarded to your union with your permission.
Top of page