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Sixty years later, where is the shadow of asbestos still hanging over us?
Over the past 60 years since asbestos was widely used, the effects of this environmental carcinogen still affect many areas around the world. The continued presence and deadly consequences of this toxic substance raise deep health concerns, particularly the resulting malignant tumor called mesothelioma. This cancer primarily affects the pleura, but can also involve the peritoneum and other organs. Understanding the dangers, prevalence and areas of asbestos impact can help us better understand when and how to reduce the impact of this substance.
According to 2013 data, approximately 125 million people around the world have been exposed to asbestos at work.
The background and epidemiology of asbestos
Asbestos was commonly used in construction and industry in the early 20th century, when little was known about its health risks. Over time, scientific studies have increasingly shown a linear relationship between asbestos exposure and dose, meaning that the more exposure, the higher the risk. Mesothelioma has a latency period of up to 40 years, meaning many people are decades away from receiving a diagnosis.
As of 2015, approximately 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, with a higher proportion of male patients than female patients.
Affected areas
Although all countries are affected by asbestos, certain areas have particularly high incidence rates. Figures from Australia and the UK show that mesothelioma cases are much higher in these places than elsewhere. Buildings that were constructed or renovated using asbestos continue to be hotbeds of health threats. According to one study, the mortality rate in some villages in Türkiye due to asbestos exposure even reached 50%.
In some small towns in Greece, due to the presence of asbestos fibers in the environment, the incidence of mesothelioma is approximately 300 times higher than in normal asbestos-free areas.
Health Risks and Prevention
Health experts have determined that workers, and even their families, who have been exposed to asbestos in the past are at increased health risk. Cleaning the work clothes of asbestos workers or living near asbestos workers can lead to secondary exposure. Community members should be aware that asbestos is still present in many older building materials. Regular environmental inspections and personnel training have become priorities in these areas to reduce future exposure events.
Looking to the future
As global awareness of the dangers of asbestos increases, many countries have begun to ban the use of asbestos. However, for those who have been exposed to the substance, the effects in some small communities will persist. This prompts us to think further about how risks from asbestos can be managed and eliminated more effectively in the future.
As cases of mesothelioma gradually increase, senior leaders in society are calling for stricter laws to detect and remove asbestos materials.
