In their legal action against Spanish building materials manufacturer Uralita, the Association of Asbestosis Sufferers of Cerdanyola and Ripollet (Barcelona province), together with trade union UGT ha…
In their legal action against Spanish building materials manufacturer Uralita, the Association of Asbestosis Sufferers of Cerdanyola and Ripollet (Barcelona province), together with trade union UGT have decided to include so-called “passive“ asbestosis sufferers and declare them as suffering from a work-related illness. The secretary of the association, Leont Trabaln explained to asbestosis sufferers and their families on 28 September 2004 what legal moves would be taken against Uralita, which they accuse of causing the illness. The association has accounted for around 50 passive sufferers to date, meaning those who allegedly contracted asbestosis because they lived in the proximity of the factory or were linked to affected workers. The claims by active sufferers (workers) could be resolved by non-judicial means while claims by passive sufferers will have to be pursued through the courts. Uralita used asbestos at its factory located between Cerdanyola and Ripollet until 1998, but has only recognized in court its responsibility in claims brought by ex-workers. In regard to passive sufferers of asbestosis, the firm has never admitted responsibility.