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As many residents of five villages near asbestos mines in South Chungcheong Province are confirmed to have developed lung diseases, Province Governor Lee Wan-koo announced Wednesday the province will seek the legislation of a "Special Act on Asbestos Hazards" to resolve the issue.
"Asbestos hazards should be approached from various aspects, including water quality, soil, air, and ecosystem restoration, not to mention the residents' health. The Province will come up with a draft bill at the earliest time and urge the government and political circles to enact a special law," added Governor Lee.
To this end, South Chungcheong Province will cooperate with three other local authorities --Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and North Gyeongsang Provinces -- where asbestos mines are located, while establishing a committee and task force in the province itself to deal with asbestos hazards.
Of a total of 21 asbestos mines nationwide, 15 are located in South Chungcheong Province (seven in Hongseong, four in Boryeong, three in Taean, and one in Cheongyang), three in Gyeonggi Province, two in North Gyeongsang Province, and one in Gangwon Province.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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