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Asbestos in developing countries: magnitude of risk and its practical implications
Tushar K Joshi1, Rohit K Gupta
1Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India. joshitk@vsnl.com
Summary
Chrysotile asbestos marketing persists in developing nations, despite evidence linking it to lung cancer and fibrosis. Global phase-out is urged due to rising asbestos-related deaths in these regions.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Developed nations restrict chrysotile asbestos, leading to aggressive marketing in developing countries, particularly in Asia (China, India).
- Chrysotile asbestos exposure is linked to pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer, even at low levels.
- Poor occupational health systems and diagnostic challenges in developing countries obscure asbestos-related disease statistics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the continued global marketing of chrysotile asbestos.
- To emphasize the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
- To advocate for the global phase-out of chrysotile asbestos use.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on chrysotile asbestos health effects.
- Analysis of asbestos usage trends in developing countries.
- Examination of occupational health and safety system limitations.
Main Results:
- Over 100,000 annual deaths globally attributed to asbestos-related diseases.
- Projected peak of asbestos-related deaths around 2020, with millions of fatalities expected.
- A significant rise in asbestos-related deaths anticipated in developing countries as rates decline in developed nations.
Conclusions:
- The Precautionary Principle necessitates a global phase-out of chrysotile asbestos.
- Underreporting of asbestos-related diseases in developing countries hinders policy-making and counters industry propaganda.
- The increasing burden of asbestos-related diseases in developing countries poses a major international scientific challenge.