The Guardian recently reported that the town of Asbestos in Canada is launching a campaign to attract tourists to the area – read the Guardian article.

The town is home to the biggest asbestos mine in the world, which is also the town’s largest employer.

Canada has come under significant international pressure in relation to its continued export of asbestos, much of which goes to the developing world where protection for workers is not in place.

To those of us who deal with the misery caused by exposure to asbestos, any attempt to encourage visitors to the area seems extraordinary. The Guardian reporter’s observation that her “alveoli ache” should make people think carefully about visiting.