How biobanks strengthen research into asbestos and silica-related diseases

Advances in treating asbestos and silica-related diseases rely on strong, community-driven research foundations. One of the most powerful tools we have today is the growth of biobanks. Biobanks house secure collections of donated biospecimens that support scientific discovery.

For families, workers, and communities affected by dust diseases, these biobanks offer a meaningful way to contribute to research that aims to improve diagnosis, care, and future health outcomes.

What biobanks do

Biobanks store carefully collected samples, often blood or tissue, from volunteers. These samples, known as asbestos biospecimens, help researchers understand how diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and silica-related lung conditions develop and progress.

Because these samples are collected with participant consent and strict ethical oversight, they create a safe and trusted foundation for new scientific insights.

Supporting biobanks helps drive asbestos research

Community participation is central to our research. When people diagnosed with asbestosis and other dust-related diseases contribute biospecimens, they help expand the diversity and quality of data available to scientists. This strengthens research into mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Our biobank allows researchers to:

• Study how asbestos fibres affect the body over time
• Explore potential early detection pathways
• Improve knowledge of how the disease develops in different individuals
• Build stronger evidence to guide future treatments

These insights would not be possible without the generosity of the people who contribute to this research infrastructure.

Biobanks strengthen silica disease research

Silica dust exposure continues to affect workers in industries such as stonemasonry, construction, tunnelling, and mining. With rising cases of accelerated silicosis, developing better prevention, screening, and care strategies is more urgent than ever.

Biobanks help fill important knowledge gaps. By supporting silica disease research, biospecimens give scientists the opportunity to:
Better understand different types of silica exposure

• Examine how silica-related disease progresses
• Identify potential biomarkers that may assist with monitoring someone’s condition
• Strengthen long-term evidence aimed at improving health outcomes

This kind of consistent, reliable data helps researchers ask and answer the questions that matter most.

The benefits of contributing to biobanks

A biospecimen contribution is a personal decision, and every contribution, big or small, supports collective progress. Biobanks create long-lasting value by:

Building strong research infrastructure

Biobanks form part of essential research infrastructure, providing a system that allows scientists to access high-quality data and specimens over long periods. This helps ensure research is more robust, reliable, and reflective of real-world experiences.

Supporting ethical progress

Biobanks operate under strict ethical standards. This means contributions are used responsibly and transparently, always with the goal of supporting public benefit.

Helping future generations

For many families touched by asbestos or silica-related diseases, contributing to a biobank is a meaningful way to support future improvements in diagnosis and care.

Biobanks build hope for the future

Biobanks bring people, researchers, and health professionals together in a shared effort to improve understanding of asbestos and silica-related diseases. Each contribution strengthens the evidence base that guides prevention strategies and future treatments.

By supporting biobanks, we are helping create a future where early detection is more achievable, care is better informed, and families have access to stronger, evidence-led support.

Want to learn more about the ADDRI biobank?

The ADDRI Biobank is a secure, ethically governed resource that supports stronger research into asbestos and silica-related diseases. With the donated biospecimens, researchers can deepen understanding of conditions such as mesothelioma, silicosis and other dust-related lung diseases.

If you are considering a biospecimen contribution, you can find clear information about:

• Types of specimens collected, including blood, tissue and other approved samples
• Where collection occurs, through partner clinics and hospitals
• How specimens are stored, protected and used in research

Every contribution strengthens evidence that can guide earlier detection, prevention and care.

You can learn more here.