Healthy employees
Over the last weekend, Dong Anh Investment Construction & Building Materials JSC (DOMATCO) carried out a periodic health examination and work environment measurement. The examination process including blood pressure measurement, x-ray scan, and spirometry was implemented by the specialists from Hospital of Construction.
Employee Nguyen Trong Hoang (40 years old) who was responsible for the inputs supply; therefore he was often exposed to pulp, asbestos, and cement. “The closed roofsheet production system prevents the environment from the emission of particles. During my twenty years of working here, the working environment has improved day by day. Consequently, I am healthy with a stable weight. Therefore, I would like to work here until my retirement” – He revealed. Meanwhile, Nguyen Thuy Nga – an employee in logistics – shared: “In my 23 years of working here, I have been health-checked once per year; and I haven’t been diagnosed with any disease”.
None of the employees has been diagnosed with cancer caused by chrysotile exposure
According to Mr. Le Van Nghia – General Director of DOMATCO – the use of chrysotile in construction is controversial with the supporters and the banners. Still, there has been no case of lung cancer, mesothelioma cancer or any related healthy issues caused by chrysotile recorded in the 36 years of the company operation.
“Chrysotile has been applying in construction material production in Vietnam for over 60 years. However, none has been found diagnosed with lung cancer and disease related to chrysotile production and exposure. Furthermore, the characteristics of AP roof sheet such as durability, low price, and convenience make it an ideal material for flooded areas. At the same time, this industry creates thousands of jobs with stable incomes” Mr. Nghia explained. He also declared to prioritize the workers’ benefits by continuously improving and modernizing working environment.
The Science and Technology Department at DOMATO is in charge of purchasing and investing in latest technology from France as well as customizing it based on current situation in Vietnam. After four years of researching with over 10 billion VNDs investment, the closed roofsheet production system is completed with the automation level up to 90%. This technology allows to keep chrysotile mixture process in a closed room so that employees are protected from direct exposure to chryostile.
“A research conducted by experts from Thailand indicated that chrysotile in AC roof sheets is firmly attached to cement and other additives; therefore, it doesn’t result in environmental contamination and health issues during construction” – Mr. Nghia informed.
He added that, according to the government roadmap schedule on construction material guideline, asbestos would be no longer used in production in Vietnam by 2030 due to the controversy of its effects on human health. Despite that, AC manufacturers suggested government to create polices based on sufficient scientific evidence because there had been no hard proof about diseases derived from chrysotile.
“We request the authority to research and clarify whether the dangerous risks of chrysotile are real as the surrounding rumor? In fact, chrysotile has been scientifically studying and applying for over 60 years in Vietnam, is there any case of diseases relating to chrysotile recorded? How about the risk levels of chrysotile comparing to other materials? If the product is considered dangerous for environment and human, we shall stop producing it immediately.” – He confirmed.
After all, DOMATO and other members of Vietnam National Roofsheet Association hope the Government Roadmap Schedule could be extended in order to minimize financial risks for producers, comfort employees as well as to contribute to the national economic growth.
Tien Phong