ASBESTOS, KNOWN AS THE “SILENT KILLER,” REMAINS A HEALTH AND LEGAL EMERGENCY. DURING THE FINAL EPISODE OF ONA TV, THE FOCUS IS ON THE TOPIC “ASBESTOS: PSYCHIC, MORAL AND EXISTENTIAL HARM”, addressing the consequences of exposure to the mineral and the challenges related to forensic medicine and jurisprudence. THE EVENT, ORGANIZED BY ONA APS, STRESSES THE URGENCY OF PREVENTION, JUSTICE AND SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS
The dangers of asbestos: damage to psychophysical health
Asbestos, unfortunately defined as the “great killer of the third millennium”, continues to represent a social, health and legal scourge, claiming victims and leaving a legacy of pain and injustice.
During a debate, moderated by Mediaset journalist Valentina Renzopaoli, authoritative figures from the legal, medical and academic panorama discussed. The lawyer Ezio Bonannicassation expert and chairman ofNational Asbestos Observatory (ONA) emphasized how legal battles are a crucial lever to ensure the recognition of victims’ rights, underlining that “Every success in court marks progress toward fairer justice for those who suffered.”
Criminologist Dr. Melissa Trombetta, an employee of ONA, highlighted the dramatic psychological and social consequences resulting from long-term exposure to this toxic material, describing it as a burden that profoundly affects the lives of people and their families.
Dr. Pasquale Bacco, expert in forensic medicine, emphasized the importance of accurate and detailed documentation to prove and quantify the damage suffered by victims, an essential element to support compensation claims.
Finally, Prof. Matteo Villanova, professor at “Roma Tre” University, underlined the need for a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the complex problems related to asbestos, emphasizing how only the synergy between law, science and society can lead to concrete and sustainable solutions. .
The Verdict and Case of Marshal Abbate
An emblematic example of the struggle for victims’ rights is represented by the recent ruling of the Court of Taranto on the Marshal’s case Francesco Abbate. After more than 40 years of service in the Navy, with continued exposure to toxic materials such as asbestos, Abbate passed away in 2020 from related conditions. The Ministry of Defense had initially rejected the request for recognition of Defense status victim of dutybut thanks to the legal commitment of the ONA and the lawyer. Bonanni, the court handed down a devastating sentence, awarding the victim’s family a special donation and lifelong benefits, totaling approximately 500,000 euros. «The Ministry of Defense had rejected the request, despite it being clear that the marshal’s death was caused by his activities on board the ship. This ruling is an important achievement and victory for all asbestos victims», Bonanni stated.
Prevention: an indispensable necessity
The Court of Taranto’s ruling on Marshal Abbate’s case, which has now become final, further reinforces the urgency of addressing the prevention issue. The need to avoid new exposure to asbestos and other toxic and carcinogenic substances remains central. This commitment is not only limited to physical protection, but also extends to so-called tertiary prevention, aimed at compensating for the damage suffered by victims and their families. Compensation not only alleviates the economic burden of the tragedy, but also contributes to establishing judicial and historical truths, essential elements for full justice.
In fact, court rulings are a fundamental pillar of primary prevention, as they set important precedents and fuel greater public and institutional awareness. It is essential to consider, in addition to the biological damage related to the damage to psychophysical integrity, also the moral and existential damage, as well as the psychological damage resulting from the severe stress conditions to which the victims are exposed. These aspects, if adequately recognized and compensated, represent a step forward towards a more just and responsible society.
An interdisciplinary swimming pool for the control of asbestos
The ONA APS has established an interdisciplinary pool consisting of forensic physicians, criminologists and technicians, with the aim of providing comprehensive support to victims and their families. This group is committed not only to effective legal assistance, but also to combating dangerous behavior that could lead to new risks or irreparable damage.
In essence, the lawyer’s actions are also to prevent greater and irreversible damage, as the lawyer has clarified. Paolo Nesta (President of the Council of the Bar Association of Rome) during the conference that took place on November 23, 2023, moderated by the late Franco Di Mare, who later died of mesothelioma.
The emergency regarding the armed forces always remains. In fact, there are many men in uniform, some of whom have also been sent on peacekeeping missions, especially in the Balkans, who have even contracted serious diseases, such as mesothelioma, due to exposure to asbestos and depleted uranium. Not only the case of Marshal Abbate Francesco described above, but also the story of Colonel with the honorary role Carlo Calcagni, who served in the Italian army and who today actively collaborates with the National Asbestos Observatory, as well as with the Victims of Duty. Even the same member of the National Council of ONA, M.llo Nicola Panei, was diagnosed with asbestosis, due to his long-term exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens during his service in the Fire Department of the Italian Air Force.
The role of the Academy for Legality
In this context, the role of the Academy of Legality, chaired by Paola Vegliantei, is therefore essential, as is that of the Committee for the Restoration of the November 4 Festival, led by Lieutenant Pasquale Trabucco. Also valuable is the contribution to the National Asbestos Observatory by Dr. Arturo Cianciosi, who coordinates the medical sector and, besides being a lawyer, is one of the pioneers in the fight against asbestos in Italy. Ezio Bonanni.
Under the sign of interdisciplinarity, ONA has launched a new episode, available on the association’s YouTube channel, discussing the asbestos issue, reiterating the importance of cooperation between different professionals, not only in the legal field. The relevance of the psychological, moral and existential damage resulting from asbestos exposure and associated protective measures
The National Asbestos Observatory – ONA APS, together with the Asbestos Helpdesk, continues to support all victims and their families through advice available on the toll-free number 800 034 294.