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Fact 7 In 2001 the World Trade Organization reported: “The Panel found too that the efficacy of “controlled use” is particularly doubtful for the building industry and for DIY [do-it-yourself] enthusiasts, which are the most important users of cement-based products containing chrysotile asbestos.” The WTO stated “… we note that the carcinogenicity of chrysotile fibres has been acknowledged for some time by international bodies. This carcinogenicity was confirmed by the experts consulted by the Panel, with respect to both lung cancers and mesotheliomas, even though the experts acknowledged that chrysotile is less likely to cause mesotheliomas than amphiboles. We also note that the experts confirmed that the types of cancer concerned had a mortality rate of close to 100 percent. We therefore consider that we have sufficient evidence that there is in fact a serious carcinogenic risk associated with the inhalation of chrysotile fibres” (WTO, 2001). 
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Fact 6 No threshold level of asbestos exposure has been established below which all individuals would be risk free of contracting asbestos-related diseases – 2 including those exposed to chrysotile (Royal Commission, 1984; IARC, 1977, 2012; IPCS, 1998; IPCS 2004-2012; Collegium Ramazzini, 2015).  Fact 5 Currently, at least 55 countries have banned the use of all forms of asbestos (IBAS, 2015).  Fact 4 Latest data show the global burden of asbestos-related cancers estimated to be 194,000 deaths per year in 2013, up from 94,000 in 1990 (an increase of over 100%) with a disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) burden of 3,402,000 – up 94% from 1990 and accounting for nearly two-thirds of the burden from all occupational carcinogens (GBD, 2015). Fact 3 Chrysotile has been shown to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and cancers of the larynx and ovary (IPCS, 1998; WTO, 2001; IARC, 2012; WHO, 2014; Collegium Ramazzini, 2015).  Fact 2 Chrysotile is frequently found contaminated with amphibole forms of asbestos, most commonly tremolite (IARC, 2012). However, the UICC Canadian chrysotile, which has been shown capable of causing disease, has not been found to contain tremolite (Frank et al., 1998).  Fact 1 - For the past two decades, chrysotile has been the only commercially mined form of asbestos being mass marketed. It has constituted over 95% of all asbestos marketed over the past century. The latest data show global use of chrysotile is around 2 million metric tons per year (USGS, 2013). Though not used in new construction anymore, asbestos is still present in more than 500,000 public buildings. It is a known and deadly threat that still claims in the region of 4500 lives each year (over half of all occupational cancer deaths) of people who were exposed around 35 to 40 years ago. Despite the risk being well known, inspectors still find workers cutting, drilling, sawing and breaking up materials that contain this hidden killer. If inhaled, these airborne fibres can lead to fatal illnesses. HSE prosecutes a number of employers and contractors each year for not taking adequate precautions when removing asbestos. There are stringent rules on asbestos removal for good reason, including restricting who can do the work. Some jobs must only be carried out by licensed, specialist firms.  HSE strongly recommends the use of certificated surveyors for asbestos surveys. The client/duty holder should not appoint or instruct an independent surveyor to carry out a survey unless the surveyor is competent. Our surveyors have training and experience in all aspects of survey work including survey planning, resources, technical specification, quality control and ACM assessment criteria & bulk sampling strategies. Our Surveyors are BOHS Proficiency Module P402 trained: ‘Buildings surveys and bulk sampling for asbestos in buildings’ as well as trained in asbestos awareness & working with asbestos. By Katie Nealon of Brayton Purcell LLP posted in Mesothelioma on Wednesday, February 10, 2016. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you are at risk for several different respiratory conditions in your lifetime. Fatal cancers and other conditions can occur years or decades after exposure to asbestos takes place. Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. There are different types of mesothelioma that occur within different parts of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining surrounding the lungs of an individual. Asbestos Lung Cancer: Many people think that the only cause of lung cancer is smoking tobacco. This is not the case. Exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer. Smoking tobacco can seriously increase the risk of lung cancer in an asbestos exposure victim. Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a nonmalignant disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue. Many times, asbestosis is mistaken for other respiratory conditions. Asbestosis can eventually lead to cancers like mesothelioma. These asbestos-related conditions are commonly mistaken for other respiratory illnesses, so alerting your doctor to any past exposure would be wise. This will help them more accurately assess symptoms as they arise.  |
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