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COMMITTEE REPORT
March 19, 2015
S. 168
S. Printed 3/19/15--H.
Read the first time March 17, 2015.
To whom was referred a Joint Resolution (S. 168) to declare September 26, annually, as Mesothelioma Awareness, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:
JIMMY C. BALES for Committee.
TO DECLARE SEPTEMBER 26, ANNUALLY, AS MESOTHELIOMA AWARENESS DAY.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Whereas, mesothelioma is an aggressive, asbestos-related cancer that affects the linings of the lungs, abdomen, heart, and other organs and most patients die within only twelve to fifteen months from diagnosis; and
Whereas, the heavy use of asbestos in manufacturing, industry, and construction has been recognized as the worst occupational health disaster in U.S. history; and
Whereas, asbestos was used in the construction of virtually all office buildings, public schools, and homes built before 1975; and
Whereas, lack of testing by asbestos manufacturers and companies allowed this incurable disease to continue well into the 21st century; and
Whereas, a high percentage of all mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos on naval ships and in shipyards; and
Whereas, this is now believed to include many firefighters, police officers, and rescue workers from Ground Zero on September 11, 2011; and
Whereas, even brief exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma thirty years later; and
Whereas, because of occupational, Navy-service related, household, or even incidental exposures and the very long latency of the disease, tens of millions of Americans were exposed to asbestos and are now at risk for developing mesothelioma; and
Whereas, in 1999, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation was formed to eradicate the life-ending and vicious effects of mesothelioma, and early progress in developing effective treatments for the disease is now being made; and
Whereas, the establishment of Mesothelioma Awareness Day would raise public awareness of the disease and of the need to develop effective treatments. Now, therefore,
Be is resolved by the Senate:
That the South Carolina Senate does hereby declare September 26, annually, as Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
SECTION 2. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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