UNEP/ILO/WHO Environmental Health Criteria 203 – Chrysotile Asbestos – 1998

This report contains the collective views of an international group of experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization.

This report is a comprehensive examination of chrysotile asbestos; physical and chemical properties, sources of occupational exposure, the effects on humans and the evaluation of health risks of exposure to fibres.

The experts confirmed adverse health effects associated with occupational exposure to chrysotile are fibrosis (asbestosis), lung cancer and mesothelioma.

These effects have also been observed in animals exposed to chrysotile by inhalation and other routes of administration. Based on available data in miners and millers, there is an interaction between tobacco smoke and chrysotile in the induction of lung cancer which appears to be less than multiplicative.

The Task Group noted that there is an exposure-response relationship for all chrysotile-related diseases. Reduction of exposure through introduction of control measures should significantly reduce risks. Construction and demolition operations may present special control problems.

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