Asbestos neglect: Why asbestos exposure deserves greater policy attention. Issue 5 (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Douglas, Thomas; Van den Borre, Laura
• Is Part Of: Health policy. Volume 123:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 516
• Page End: 519
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Asbestos -- Malignant mesothelioma -- Lung cancer -- Occupational health -- Environmental health -- Home renovations -- Global health; Medical education -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Delivery of Health Care -- Periodicals; Education, Medical -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; Health Planning -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Enseignement médical -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Medical education; Medical policy; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2019.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-8510

Abstract

Highlights: Asbestos exposure remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Victims are disproportionately from disadvantaged groups. Awareness of the health risks from asbestos is low, even in high-risk groups. Broad public awareness campaigns, are needed. Greater public subsidies should be provided for asbestos testing and abatement. Abstract: While many public health threats are now widely appreciated by the public, the risks from asbestos exposure remain poorly understood, even in high-risk groups. This article makes the case that asbestos exposure is an important, ongoing global health threat, and argues for greater policy efforts to raise awareness of this threat. It also proposes the extension of asbestos bans to developing countries and increased public subsidies for asbestos testing and abatement.