A number of researches around the world have proven the link between asbestos and diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result of this, asbestos has been banned in four countries along with the European Union. The shocking fact that has come to the fore is that asbestos is still a hot selling product in the developing countries. The asbestos industry has not paid any heed to the ban and restrictions put on the use and trade of the mineral and are still selling asbestos in the developing nations. An investigation into the working of these industries was recently performed by the BBC and the International Consortium Of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
In the developing countries, the demand for cheap building materials is high compared to that of developed countries. This is the reason why more than one million metric tons of asbestos were exported to countries like Mexico and India from around the world. Asbestos is incorporated into materials used in constructing homes and lining the water pipes in these countries. The reason behind the popularity of this mineral is its low cost as compared to high end materials such as steel and concrete pipes, and polypropylene fiber cement.
India houses the second largest market for asbestos after China. Year 2008 saw the use of 350,000 metric tons of asbestos. Also, usage of this mineral has increased by 83% since the year 2004. People know that this construction material poses a threat to their health; however, they still choose to use it, just to save cost.
The most common type of asbestos is known as chrysotile or white asbestos. According to the Director of ICIJ, David Kaplan, a number of trade centers and institutes in New Delhi, Mexico City and Montreal have been sharing information and bringing forth initiatives for public relations in order to encourage “controlled” use of the white asbestos.
The asbestos industry has launched a huge advertising campaign to promote its products, but the investigation predicts epidemics of diseases related to asbestos on a large scale as a result of this campaign.
Asbestos, is the principal cause of several diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos related lung cancer, among others. People can be exposed to this toxic silicate mineral in their homes, offices and construction sites through inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers that are released in the air. Therefore, it is important to limit the use of this mineral and thus, avoid the threat of asbestos-related illnesses.