Cape Plc and the Global Asbestos Legacy

In the mid-1990s, a British lawyer launched a groundbreaking lawsuit against Cape Plc, a UK asbestos company, for the harm caused to thousands of South African miners and their families. It marked the first time a parent company was held liable for conditions in its overseas operations.

Evidence revealed that Cape Plc was aware of the lethal effects of asbestos dust but continued its operations while concealing the dangers. The case ended in a 2004 settlement compensating 7,500 victims, though many had already died.

While asbestos is banned in many industrialized countries, its legacy endures, particularly in communities where it was mined. Its microscopic fibers can remain in the lungs for decades, causing cancers long after exposure. In some low- and middle-income nations, asbestos is still produced without adequate safety protocols. The Cape case underscores how multinational corporations can create lasting health crises beyond borders, often without lasting accountability.

28-07-2025