August 3,
2005
Asahi Kasei Corporation
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Matters related to asbestos use
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Asahi Kasei is performing an ongoing program to survey and monitor matters related to and associated with the use and handling of asbestos-containing products at our facilities.
Plant and equipment which may incorporate insulation or fireproofing materials which contain asbestos, or which may have done so in the past, are being identified. A systematic program to remove and replace any materials found to contain asbestos is being advanced.
We are also monitoring the health of personnel for any sign of disorders associated with asbestos exposure, and conducting a survey of the health of former personnel for the same. At present we know that three former personnel developed mesothelioma. One of them worked in production at our plant facilities in Nobeoka, retired in 1972, and passed away in 1990. Another worked in power supply and maintenance at our plant facilities in Nobeoka and in inspection and supervision of power supply at our plant facilities in Mizushima, retired in 1980, and passed away in 2003. The third worked at our plant facilities in Nobeoka, retired in 1987, and is undergoing treatment for mesothelioma. None of these cases has been classified as an occupational injury. A study of workplace records is ongoing to determine if any of the three may have had occupational exposure to asbestos.
Neither Asahi Kasei nor any subsidiary has ever performed Manufacturing or Handling of Asbestos-containing Products as defined in Japan's Asbestos Injury Prevention Regulations. None of our present or former personnel have suffered asbestos-related harm classified as an occupational injury. We have received no report of asbestos-related health problems among members of the public in the communities where our facilities are located.
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