The World Health Organisation speaks on Asbestos

In September 2024 the World Health Organisation gave it’s view on asbestos: Asbestos-related diseases can be prevented, and the most efficient way to prevent them is to stop the use of all forms of asbestos.

The use of asbestos is already banned in more than 50 countries. The fact sheet also says:

• All forms of asbestos cause cancer to humans.
• A substantial proportion of manual workers in the construction industry globally are exposed to asbestos.
• More than 200 000 deaths globally each year are estimated to be caused by asbestos
• Asbestos accounts for more than 70% of all deaths from work-related cancers.
• Asbestos also causes chronic respiratory diseases.

Exposure to asbestos causes cancer of the lung, larynx and ovaries, and mesothelioma. It also causes chronic respiratory diseases such as asbestosis.  The level of ill health caused is estimated to be the loss of nearly 4 million disability-adjusted life years.