In 2020, through a medical audit, it was confirmed that Jorge was diagnosed with lung cancer due to exposure to asbestos, a carcinogenic mineral. Jorge was among the 107 workers affected by asbestos, recognized by the Superintendence of Occupational Risks.
In a statement, they expressed their deep sadness and outrage over Jorge's death, indicating that this tragedy could have been avoided, as asbestos has been banned in Argentina since 2003. However, for many years, they worked without knowing they were exposed to this mineral in their workplaces.
From the Union Association of Underground and Premetro Workers (AGTSYP), the urgent need to eliminate asbestos from the entire network and replace contaminated fleets with equipment free of this carcinogenic material was emphasized. Additionally, they demanded measures such as removing asbestos, changing the affected fleets, declaring an emergency on line B, and conducting a survey of risk agents among all workers.
Asbestos, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a group of fibrous minerals that, despite its commercial use, can cause serious diseases and death in workers and individuals exposed. It is estimated that asbestos causes more than 200,000 deaths per year worldwide and has high morbidity.
The Union Association of Underground and Premetro Workers called for a total service strike in protest of the death of a worker exposed to asbestos. The strike will progressively affect the subway and premetro lines, starting with lines A and B from 10 to 12 hours, followed by lines D and H from 12 to 14 hours, and ending with lines C, E, and the Premetro from 14 to 16 hours.
The deceased worker, Jorge Navarro, was working at the Constitución Workshop. Assessments conducted by the WHO indicate that all forms of asbestos can cause various types of cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.
