Pushing for Asbestos Bans in Southeast Asia

Dr. Ken Takahashi is doing more than just talking about a global ban on asbestos products and the eventual end of asbestos-related diseases. He is traveling the world to help make it happen — one small step at a time. Takahashi, who is the director of the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) and consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO), met recently with government officials in Laos, currently one of the highest per capita consumers of asbestos. And he liked what he heard. “I am optimistic there, but with caution,” Takahashi told Asbestos.com. “Ultimately, it is a battle for the cause, whether to prioritize long-term health or short-term economic gains.” He was part of a second annual workshop sponsored by the Laos Ministry of Health (MOH), which is discussing a National Action Plan to implement a ban of chrysotile asbestos. Takahashi is among an international collaboration of global leaders who are helping still-developing countries map out their plan. “My role is to assist the country in making the transition, which requires careful steps,” he said. “The country now lacks awareness, knowledge and expertise on health hazards of asbestos.” Asbestos Use Prevalent in Southeast Asia There currently are 62 countries that have banned asbestos, according to the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), leaving more than 100 others that continue to use it. Like Laos, many of the largest consumers of asbestos today are Asian nations. Asbestos...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: news