Were Dalian trains checked for deadly asbestos fibers?

Were those faulty China-made trains that MRT-3 is now using checked for cancer-causing asbestos? It begs asking as similar Chinese trains delivered to Australia and New Zealand were found to contain the carcinogenic substance.

As in the two countries, Philippine transport officials must beware of false assurances of asbestos-free train manufacture. Riders and maintenance workers could inhale or ingest deadly asbestos fibers.

The asbestos in New Zealand was discovered in 2014 during routine inspection of locomotives. At once National KiwiRail grounded all 40 units made by Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corp.

The same China state firm supplied MRT-3’s 48 light rail vehicles (LRVs). Delivered in 2015-2017, the units lacked or had defective parts, so were inoperative till late 2018. Last Nov.-Dec., the Dept. of Transport fielded two trains of three LRVs each, preparatory to using all 48. It showed no certifications of product tests or good condition, much less any checks for asbestos.

The Dalian trains arrived in New Zealand in 2014, about the same time that MRT-3’s units were being fabricated. Three months earlier asbestos dust also was found in Australian freight locomotives bought from China.

Dalian used white asbestos, or chrysotile, in soundproofing compound either coated in paint or sealed behind paneling. The paint and paneling readily chipped off, leading to the discovery of asbestos dust.  Unionists were outraged, as rail maintenance workers and riders were imperiled. (See https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-01/kiwirail-pulls-40-trains-after-asbestos-discovery/5292902)

Exposure to asbestos causes lung diseases, including deadly mesothelioma and lung cancer. Any amount of asbestos exposure, even limited, is considered dangerous. When inhaled or ingested, microscopic asbestos fibers lodge in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Over time the fibers can cause inflammation and scarring, leading to tumors or related problems. (See https://www.maacenter.org/asbestos/)

Australia bans imports of all forms of asbestos; New Zealand bars only raw form.

Nonetheless New Zealand’s KiwiRail specifically had told Dalian to not use asbestos. Dalian made further assurances of no asbestos in Dec. 2013 when the Australia furor became hot news, only for KiwiRail to find out in Mar. 2014 that it had been duped. Officials initially belittled the issue. The workers union blamed management laxity for the serious health risk.

Asbestos was discovered in ten freight locomotives supplied to Australia by China Southern Rail (CSR). Chrysotile was used throughout the locomotives, in insulation around the exhaust and muffler system, coolant pipes, and in the brake exhaust section. Dalian and CSR are under the state conglomerate China Railway Rolling Stock Corp.

As in New Zealand, the Australian contract stated absolutely no asbestos should be used. CSR alibied that a subcontractor had misinterpreted the specifications. Australia required swift corrections. Chinese assurances of asbestos-free manufacture was deemed a farce. (See https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-26/chinese-imports-spark-railway-worker-asbestos-scare/5118242)

Australian train and tram workers demanded inspections of all China-made railcars nationwide. NGOs and medical experts noted that China was the world’s largest user of chrysotile. Tens of thousands of export product types, including car engine gaskets, use asbestos. (See https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-27/the-transport-union-wants-the-nsw-government-to-guarantee-warat/5119830)

Australia earlier discovered lethal blue asbestos in Melbourne railcars. Deemed so serious a problem, the coaches were wrapped in plastic and buried in quicksand.

Cancer from asbestos has afflicted sailors and deckhands since the 1920s, as ships and submarines use it for heat and sound insulation. The epidemic among them has caused worldwide concern.

DOTr and MRT-3 officials have remained silent whether the Dalian LRVs had been tested for safety, durability, and reliability. Having arrived with missing and faulty parts, the trains clearly were not test-run for 5,000 km under varying speeds, curves, slopes, and weather conditions, as contracted.

The Dalian units are nearly four tons overweight and incompatible with the 73 older Czech-made LRVs and depot maintenance equipment. Ninety-four components were found flawed or uncertified. Sumitomo of Japan and TUV Rheinland of Europe had recommended return to Dalian for repairs. Singapore and Hong Kong had shipped back to CSR similar faulty LRVs.

 A five-percent kickback, or P190 million, allegedly accompanied the MRT-3’s Dalian purchase of P3.8 billion in 2013.

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“Sons of Lourdes we’ll ever be.”

The Lourdes School Quezon City will hold its grand alumni homecoming 2019 on Feb. 23, 6 p.m., at the Grade School grounds. Mark it in your calendar.

To be honored are members of the 1969 golden jubilee batch members. Main organizers are those from the 1994 silver jubilee counterparts.

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Catch Sapol radio show, Saturdays, 8-10 a.m., DWIZ (882-AM).

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