Slight risk not an injury

The Louisiana Supreme court has ruled that a slightly increased risk of future cancer from asbestos-laden dirt is not an injury at the present time, thus overturning a US$471,000 award to two families against Conoco Inc. However, the court upheld a finding that asbestos reduced the value of their homes by 10% and awarded damages of US$14,700. Early reports also suggest that the families may be able to go back to court should they develop asbestos-related illness in the future.