The International Ban Asbestos Secretariat has published a report entitled Killing the Future: Asbestos Use in Asia. The report documents the increased use of asbestos in Asia and the risk to workers in Asian countries. The report discusses the success of campaigns to downplay the health risk associated with asbestos use. For example, the report quotes a media interview with the Chairment of the Asbestos Cement Products Manufacturers’ Association in India who claimed that “Asbestos cement used in India is free of all health hazards.” The report notes that, although China is one of the top five asbestos producers, it also imports substantial amounts of asbestos, primarily from Russia, to satisfy domestic demands. The use of asbestos in China rose 40 percent in just four years (from 2000 to 2004). The report discusses the extensive asbestos releases that are caused during and after natural disasters such as the tsunamis and earthquakes. The report also notes that mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer using found in the lining of the lung, has been considered a very rare cancer, but is becoming increasingly common.
For the full report, go to http://www.lkaz.demon.co.uk (PDF)
