Asbestos-related diseases are a significant global health issue, with exposure leading to various severe conditions such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory illnesses.
Global Death Toll from Asbestos Exposure
- Annual Deaths: Approximately 255,000 deaths occur worldwide each year due to asbestos-related diseases. Of these, about 233,000 are work-related, highlighting the occupational risks associated with asbestos exposure ;UKATA
- Major Contributing Diseases:
- Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer: Responsible for around 41,000 deaths annually.
- Mesothelioma: Accounts for approximately 43,000 to 59,000 deaths each year.
- Asbestosis: Contributes to about 7,000 to 24,000 deaths annually
- Occupational Exposure: An estimated 125 million people worldwide are exposed to asbestos in the workplace, with exposure leading to over 70% of all deaths from work-related cancers .World Health Organization+5World Health Organization+5IOSH+5
Regional Impact
- United States: Asbestos-related conditions cause approximately 40,000 deaths annually, with chrysotile asbestos being the last form used until a recent ban was implemented .Axios
- United Kingdom: The UK reports over 5,000 deaths annually due to asbestos exposure, with substantial amounts of the material still present in buildings constructed before the 1999 ban ;UKATA
Efforts and Challenges
- Global Bans: Over 60 countries have fully banned asbestos, yet it remains in use in several nations, posing ongoing health risks.World Health Organization+3Mesothelioma Centre+3Axios+3
- Prevention Strategies: The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the elimination of asbestos-related diseases through measures such as banning all forms of asbestos, replacing it with safer alternatives, and ensuring safe removal practices .World Health Organization
Conclusion
Asbestos continues to be a major public health concern globally, with a significant number of deaths attributed to exposure in various settings. Efforts to eliminate its use and protect individuals from exposure are crucial in reducing the associated health risks
United Kingdom asbestos Training Association (UKATA) was set up to train workers in the awareness, identifying and removing asbestos, the challenges remain to control exposure to workers and the public but though systems and education death rates should reduce.
SAMS offer a UKATA Asbestos awareness training for more information visit UKATA Asbestos Awareness Course Online: £6.50 pp