ASBESTOS, Que.—Tired of having his town associated with a cancer-causing mineral responsible for killing tens of thousands of people globally, the mayor of Asbestos, Que., says it’s time for a name change. Hugues Grimard said Wednesday the name carries an unfortunate connotation and it’s preventing the town from developing foreign business ties. The World Health Organization says the inhalation of asbestos fibres causes lung cancer, mesothelioma and other diseases and has killed tens of thousands of people. That has Asbestos the town looking to diversify its economy, and councillors voted unanimously to change the name. He said he had no alternative name in mind and wanted residents to submit ideas, adding council would like to announce the new name sometime in 2020.

Source: thestar November 27, 2019 21:18 UTC