...The New York Times recently penned a profile on the Russian town of Asbest, named for the mineral that allows the town to thrive...[E]ach day, asbestos miners set explosions in a strip mine owned by a company called Uralasbest. The explosion sets off a cloud of dust that permeates the air and covers everything within its reach...The six individuals interviewed...all worked at the factory or mine and all report a persistent cough and other respiratory issues as well as a constant skin ailment that causes welts. Doctors say the skin problems arise from inflammation caused by asbestos exposure. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a branch of the World Health Organization, is currently involved in a multi-year study of the town of Asbest and those who work in the asbestos industry there. They are trying to determine whether or not exposure to asbestos causes other illnesses and ailments besides lung cancer or mesothelioma. Ovarian cancer...is a big concern...[T]he people of the town depend on the jobs supplied by Uralasbest to stay afloat. The industry, in general, employs 38,500 Russians...and some 400,000 depend on the factories and mines for their livelihoods...In Asbest, 17 percent of residents work for Uralasbest. Russians maintain that the chrysotile form of asbestos is safe. Most other countries disagree but the town of Asbest insists that chrysotile is an important part of its future...[The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Uralasbest to respond. Company's response is below.]