WHO and ILO recommend ban on asbestos

Published on Tue 30 Oct 2007

The World Health Organisation and the International Labor Organisation have produced a position paper that calls for a ban on all forms of asbestos. The paper entitled 'Elimination of asbestos-related diseases' states that:

"Bearing in mind there is no evidence for a threshold for the carcinogenic effect of asbestos and that increased cancer risks have been observed in populations exposed to very low levels, the most efficient way tp eliminate asbestos-related diseases is to stop using all types of asbestos. Continued use of asbestos cement in the construction industry is a particular concern, because the workforce is large, it is difficult to control exposure, and in-place materials have the potential to deteriorate and pose a risk to those carrying out alterations, maintenance and demolition."

Although the use of asbestos has been banned in the European Union its use is growing in developing countries. The paper also states the WHO will work with intergovernmental organisations to develop national programs for the elimination of asbestos diseases (NPEAD).

The document can be downloaded in PDF format from the WHO library