Asbestos and its substitutes: International coordination and independent research needed

Abstract

Sergei V. Jargin

Asbestos manufacturing and trade are prohibited by some countries while others continue to increase production and exports. Substitution of asbestos by artificial fibers would not necessarily lower the health risks. The incidence growth of malignant mesothelioma in recent years in developed countries, in spite of the bans and prohibitions of asbestos, is probably at least in part caused by a screening effect in asbestos-exposed populations and overdiagnosis in conditions of indistinct delineation of mesothelioma as an entity. The tumor diagnosed by the standard methods is not in all cases substantially different from other cancers. Furthermore, favoring of chrysotile asbestos when compared to amphiboles is at least in part caused by economic interests. Arguments in favor of the “all fibers equal” approach to the regulations applied to asbestos and its man-made substitutes are discussed here. In conclusion, bans and restrictions applied by some countries to the asbestos trade, manufacturing and use should be revised on the basis of independent research.