SYDNEY, Australia - Oct. 31, 2017 - PRLog -- National Asbestos Awareness Campaign Announces Australian Research Works Toward Global Asbestos Ban
Launching the National Asbestos Awareness Campaign (November) that raises potentially life-saving awareness of the dangers of asbestos; the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) announced an international first in the campaign to ban asbestos globally.
There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres. 13 Australians die of asbestos-related diseases every Week. 12 from malignant mesothelioma. Another 13 are diagnosed with this incurable cancer caused from inhaling asbestos fibres when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed.
Asbestos and asbestos-related diseases are increasingly recognised as a preventable global health threat. Although Australia banned asbestos in 2003, our asbestos legacy affords the unenviable statistic of continuing to record the world's highest number of mesothelioma deaths per capita.
Led by Professor Ken Takahashi, Director of the ADRI and Professor of the Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney, the first global collaboration by twelve scientific leaders in world health are producing a special issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH).
"Global Panorama of National Experiences in Public Health Actions to Ban Asbestos" aims to prevent asbestos-related diseases globally through an international asbestos ban, specifically in developing countries.
"When ACMs are disturbed releasing microscopic fibres that can be inhaled, this can cause deadly diseases to develop 20-50 years after exposure including malignant mesothelioma. There is no cure. The average survival time following diagnosis is 10-12 months," he said.
Although Australia is among 61 countries that have banned asbestos, we've seen the inadvertent import of asbestos-containing goods and materials including children's crayons, parts in quad bikes, building materials and in other products.
"A global asbestos ban can aid in preventing illegal imports of new ACMs to Australia. However, while imported products do pose a health threat, the greatest risk to the health of Australians from ACM is already here; it's in our homes and our workplaces.
"With the number of Australians developing asbestos-related diseases predicted to rise in coming years as a result of exposure to asbestos when renovating homes and commercial properties, increasing awareness of the dangers of asbestos to educate communities on how to manage it safely is vital," he said.
-ENDS-
Complete Media Release and Journalist Notes: https://asbestosawareness.box.com/v/AAM-17-ADRI
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