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November 30th, 2004
Following the recent prohibition of asbestos use in Japan, a specialist has expressed concerns over other Asian countries that are not following the example. Ken Takahashi, a professor in the environmental epidemiology department at the University of Occupational and Environmental Health in Kitakyushu, stated that more countries need to stop using asbestos and start researching the effects of this deadly material instead.
"The number of people with asbestos-induced diseases will increase in Asia in the future. We need to try to get more countries to stop using asbestos," stated Takahashi, who specializes in asbestos-induced illness and disease. He expressed his concerns at the height of an international conference designed to discuss the dangers of asbestos and possible solutions.
The Global Asbestos Congress 2004 will be attended by many experts in the field, as well as researchers, victims, families of affected sufferers, and support groups. Attendees will be from around the world, and the aim is to try and identify solutions for the problems caused by asbestos. This meeting follows a recent mesothelioma symposium in Las Vegas.
Although Japan has set the standard by the prohibition of asbestos use, Takahashi stated that even Japan would still be at risk for some time to come. Those working on older buildings and in places where asbestos is already rife could contract mesothelioma or another asbestos related disease. He stated: "We have to consider that asbestos-linked health problems will last for a long period of time."
