Public Favors Asbestos Victim Fund

By Brian Vargo

Published on July 22, 2005

About 40 percent supported a trust fund approach being debated in the U.S. Senate, according to a recent poll. About 37 percent preferred lawsuits against companies and government agencies, which used asbestos to insulate and fireproof buildings. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, a fatal cancer near the lungs.

Poll results, released July 11, could influence legislators' opinions on Senate bill 852. The bill bans asbestos lawsuits and creates a $140 billion fund that would take an annual cash contribution from liable companies and their insurance companies and give a fixed amount to victims.

Manufacturers contend the bill will lower public court spending, since thousands of asbestos cases are in trial. Opponents say the fund won't fully compensate victims for medical bills and suffering.

Surprisingly, the fund-favoring poll was conducted by the Coalition for Asbestos Reform -- a trust fund opponent. The poll did have an upside for opponents. In a separate section, about 62 percent said they favored lawsuit reform instead of the fund. This reform means patients can't file lawsuits unless medical tests determine asbestos caused their cancer.

To become law, the bill needs approval from two U.S. congressional branches and the president. A final vote could take years.

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