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The global burden of asbestos continues to pose significant health risks despite increased awareness and regulations.

Asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, persist due to historical and ongoing exposure in various industries worldwide. Low and Middle Income countries face particular challenges due to limited resources for asbestos management and a lack of stringent regulations. Efforts to mitigate this burden involve advocacy for national bans on asbestos mining and use, stricter policies protection of workers, improved asbestos identification and removal strategies, and heightened public health campaigns to raise awareness about the risks associated with asbestos exposure. Collaboration among governments, health organisations, and industries remains crucial in addressing and reducing the enduring impact of asbestos on a global scale.

Global asbestos problems

Only 14 countries have developed National Asbestos Profiles to map their asbestos use and burden of disease.

4,000+ Australians estimated deaths per year from occupational asbestos-related diseases.

230,000+ estimated global deaths from occupational asbestos-related diseases.

30,870 Mesothelioma cases peported globally in 2020, estimated to rise to 53,000+ in 2040.

97% of the global trade of chrysotile asbestos was in Asia (including India).

How does ADDRI help?

As the only World Health Organization Collaborating Centre dedicated to the elimination of asbestos related diseases, ADDRI is charged with actioning a broad range of work globally. The aim of our work is to increase global understanding of asbestos and dust disease diagnosis and surveillance, patient care and the environmental management and impacts of asbestos and deadly dusts. We deliver real-world lifesaving impact and develop resources that are used across the world.

 

Our international resources

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e-Toolkit

An internationally recognised eToolkit on Asbestos-related diseases (ARDs), important research to fill knowledge gaps on the elimination of asbestos and much needed training on ARDs in developing countries.

Explore the toolkit
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Global training

We are preparing to train in Vietnam and Laos in 2024 to build in-country capacity to improve diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of asbestos-related diseases.

See what we did in Indonesia
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Clinical guidelines

ADDRI is working with the University of Cartagena Colombia to develop clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of Non-Malignant Disease due to Asbestos Exposure.

Read about the project here

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