Asbestos fund to be set up

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The Japanese government and companies that have used asbestos are to establish a fund to contribute to the medical expenses of people with asbestos-related diseases.

The fund will cover mesothelioma, lung cancer and other conditions caused by inhaling asbestos and will pay consolation money and funeral expenses to victims' families. It will be similar to other bodies that pay compensation to environmental pollution victims.

The number of eligible people is unknown so far. Details of the new fund are to be worked out during the next few months.