Asbestos News

Although asbestos exposure has been linked to deadly diseases like mesothelioma, some developing countries around the world have been increasingly using this low-cost building material to help grow their infrastructure.

However, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) have published a warning article in the journal Respirology, which predicted a "surge" in asbestos-related diseases and deaths in Asian countries during the next 20 years.

According to the study's results, Asian nations accounted for 64 percent of the worldwide asbestos use between 2001 and 2007.

Due to the well known association between asbestos exposure and lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, the scientists aimed to warn Asian governments and healthcare providers to be prepared for a steep increase in the prevalence of these types of deadly diseases.

They noted that asbestos-related health problems may not arise until decades after people have been exposed to the material, which is why the surge is predicted to take place in about 20 years.

Lead researcher Ken Takahashi, acting director of the WHO Collaborating Center for Occupational Health, said he expects that "the sharp increase in asbestos use in Asia will see a surge of mortality and morbidity from asbestos related diseases in this region in the decades ahead."