We will probably never know the exact number of asbestos deaths, but we know that between 1994 and 2008 in the Spanish State at least 4,000 people have lost their lives. Asbestos was used in many companies and sectors: occupational diseases emerge many years after being in contact with the product. It was last used in the 1980s and 1990s, since it was banned in 2002. That is why we say that in the coming years the consequences of killer asbestos will remain there.

The mineral has been hidden and most of its victims have not had a single declaration of occupational disease or compensation for damages suffered. The firmness of several affected relatives, supported by CCOO and other trade unions, has led the Parliament of Vitoria-Gasteiz to reach the case by Bildu, PNV and PSE, and from there to Madrid. Despite the opposition of PP, a proposal was adopted in Madrid calling for a compensation fund for people affected by asbestos, fed by companies, mutual societies and budgets.

It is necessary that the promoter of this fund should not stand still and urge the Government of Spain to implement the fund immediately. Because there are many victims who die without any compensation and their families are also left in oblivion. Governments authorised asbestos work until 2002, but their victims and relatives should now have a small repair.