Open AccessElimination of asbestos use and asbestos‐related diseases: A n unfinished story
Author(s) -
Park EunKee,
Takahashi Ken,
Jiang Ying,
Movahed Mehrnoosh,
Kameda Takashi
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
cancer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.035
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1349-7006
pISSN - 1347-9032
DOI - 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2012.02366.x
Subject(s) - asbestos , mesothelioma , asbestosis , developed country , developing country , chrysotile , newly industrialized country , international trade , environmental health , business , medicine , economic growth , economics , pathology , population , materials science , metallurgy
Asbestos is a proven human carcinogen. Asbestos‐related diseases ( ARD s) typically comprise lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, thickening and effusion. International organizations, notably the W orld H ealth O rganization and the I nternational L abour O rganization, have repeatedly declared the need to eliminate ARD s, and have called on countries to stop using asbestos. However, the relevant national‐level indicators (e.g., incidence/mortality rates and per capita asbestos use, as well as their interrelationships) indicate that ARD s are increasing and asbestos use is continuing in the world. Lessons learned by industrialized countries in terms of policy and science have led to a growing number of countries adopting bans. In contrast, industrializing countries are faced with a myriad of forces prompting them to continue using asbestos. Full‐scale international cooperation will thus be needed, with industrialized countries sharing their experiences and technologies to enable industrializing countries to make smooth transitions to banned states and achieve the goal of eliminating ARD s.