Guelph Brake Pad Manufacturer Adds Voice To Asbestos Fight With The ABS Asbestos Offensive

ABS Friction has added their voice calling for a ban on asbestos and the importation of products containing asbestos into Canada. To create awareness, ABS has launched the “ABS Asbestos Offensive” an information campaign aimed at the automotive industry where asbestos is still common in imported brake pads and consequently a lethal hazard for mechanics.

Here is the link: http://www.absfriction.com/asbestosoffensive.

“In 2016 there are still too many brake pads that contain asbestos being imported and sold in Canada,” said Rick Jamieson, President, CEO and Co-founder of ABS Friction. “In fact, imports of asbestos-related items rose to $6-million in 2014 from $4.9-million in 2013 and the bulk of these goods consisted of asbestos brake linings and pads, which hit $3.6-million in imports in 2014, a seven-year high.*

Though I am encouraged by the Prime Minister’s recent statement that the government will ban asbestos, we want to keep the ban on asbestos top of mind. Here, in Guelph we are working with our MP, the Honourable Lloyd Longfield and our MPP, the Honourable Liz Sandals as well as automotive industry organizations across Canada and North America. We invite people to review the information on our site and welcome their comments.”

Asbestos is by far the top on-the-job killer in Canada, accounting for almost 5,000 death claims since 1996. But that does not reflect the true depth of its effects. Many victims die of mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer, but it may take 20 to 50 years after exposure to materialize. *

“We have seen the effect of asbestos exposure first hand on mechanics and auto trades people,” said Joe Schmidt, Director of Research and Development and Co-Founder, ABS Friction. “As a Canadian manufacturer who has made asbestos-free brake pads since we began 20 years ago, we want our voice to be heard – it’s time to put this issue to bed.”