Global Asbestos Awareness Week is an annual initiative to help prevent asbestos exposure. Participants teach people about the ongoing risk of exposure around the world. They also advocate for stronger safety laws and regulations.
More than 60 countries have national asbestos bans. This leaves more than one hundred countries where asbestos is still legal. Global Asbestos Awareness Week is a time for working toward a future where no one is unnecessarily exposed to asbestos.
Risk of Asbestos Exposure Still Exists Around the Globe
Asbestos exposure is a continuing risk around the world. In 2021, global mine production of asbestos was estimated to be more than one million tons. The latest data places annual global consumption at approximately 1.2 million tons.
Asbestos-related diseases continue to kill more than 200,000 people globally each year. The large majority of these deaths are caused by work-related exposure. The actual number of asbestos-related deaths may be higher than the official number. Cases can go unreported or be misdiagnosed.
Global Asbestos Awareness Week Organizers Advocate a Global Asbestos Ban
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) sponsors the awareness week initiative. ADAO advocates for a ban on all mining, manufacturing and use of asbestos worldwide. Another key goal is to teach people about asbestos safety. This can help people avoid exposure.
It is also important to be aware of the victims of asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma cancer. After initial exposure, it can take a long time for the appearance of an asbestos disease. A person exposed to asbestos in 2022 may not develop an asbestos-related condition for decades. Even if a global ban occurs, asbestos-related diseases will continue to be a global problem. It is important to support advances in treating these diseases.
Developments Toward an Asbestos-Free Future
A lot of work remains to create a world where people are safe from asbestos exposure. But there are reasons to believe that the goals of Global Asbestos Awareness Week are achievable. This week is also a time to celebrate achievements and hope for a better, safer future.
In addition to potential new regulations, frameworks exist to help achieve a global ban. Two international conventions offer guidelines for national asbestos bans:
- The International Labor Organization (ILO) C162 Asbestos Convention
- The United Nations (UN) Basel Convention
Countries that adopt these conventions are more likely to establish an asbestos ban than those that do not adopt them.
There have also been developments in treating asbestos-related diseases. In 2021, advances in immunotherapy and surgery helped improve outcomes for mesothelioma patients. Scientists are continuing to look for ways to improve treatment and extend patient survival.
What Can You Do to Increase Asbestos Awareness?
There are several things individuals can do to increase asbestos awareness, including:
- Encouraging politicians to pass stricter asbestos laws and regulations
- Sharing information about asbestos awareness on social media
- Signing petitions to create national asbestos bans
Every Global Asbestos Awareness Week is a chance to work toward a safer future for everyone.
