More than two decades ago, the dangers of asbestos became widely acknowledged. The material, once praised for its durability and heat resistance, was soon exposed as a serious health hazard linked to deadly diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Despite widespread awareness and regulatory action in many parts of the world, asbestos continues to pose a significant threat. The question remains: Why are we still dealing with asbestos after 25 years?
A Brief History of Asbestos Use
Asbestos was once a go-to material for insulation, roofing, flooring, cement products, and fireproofing in industrial and residential construction. Its popularity peaked in the mid-20th century, long before the health consequences of exposure were fully understood.
By the late 1990s, scientific evidence and public pressure led many countries to introduce bans or restrictions. However, the legacy of asbestos use hasn’t faded — and in some regions, it’s far from over.
The Problem Isn’t Over
1. Legacy Asbestos in Old Buildings
One of the main reasons we’re still battling asbestos is its long-term presence in older infrastructure. Homes, schools, factories, and public buildings constructed before the 1990s may still contain asbestos in ceilings, walls, insulation, and pipes. Unless safely removed or encapsulated, these materials can deteriorate over time and release harmful fibers into the air.
Even minor renovations in these buildings can disturb asbestos, putting construction workers, occupants, and homeowners at risk.
2. Inconsistent Bans and Global Use
While many countries have restricted or banned asbestos, others still allow its use — particularly in roofing materials, brake pads, and insulation. Countries with large asbestos industries or limited regulatory frameworks may continue to mine, import, or manufacture asbestos-containing products.
This global inconsistency means that the problem is not only persistent but also interconnected. Imported goods, waste materials, or secondhand equipment can carry asbestos across borders, reintroducing risk even in countries with bans.
3. Lack of Awareness and Enforcement
In many areas, especially developing nations, asbestos awareness is low. Workers may not receive proper training or protective equipment. Asbestos-containing materials are sometimes handled casually due to limited regulation, cost constraints, or lack of enforcement.
Even in countries with strong policies, monitoring and compliance can fall short — particularly in smaller construction projects, private property renovations, or demolition jobs.
Health Risks Remain Serious
Asbestos-related illnesses have long latency periods — sometimes taking 20 to 40 years to appear after exposure. This means that people exposed decades ago are still being diagnosed today, and exposure happening now will continue to cause harm well into the future.
Diseases like mesothelioma remain incurable and are often fatal. According to the World Health Organization, more than 100,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases, and millions remain at risk.
What Needs to Be Done
To finally end the asbestos threat, several steps are essential:
- Global Bans: A unified global approach is necessary. As long as asbestos remains legal in any country, the risk continues.
- Safe Removal Programs: Old buildings need coordinated efforts for asbestos detection and removal, especially in schools, hospitals, and public housing.
- Worker Protection: Construction and maintenance workers must be trained and equipped to handle potential asbestos exposure safely.
- Public Awareness: Continued education campaigns are needed to inform people about the risks and precautions associated with asbestos.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos may seem like a relic of the past, but it continues to cast a long shadow. The fact that we’re still dealing with its effects after 25 years speaks to the complexity of the problem — from legacy infrastructure and global trade to uneven regulation and delayed health consequences.
Until comprehensive action is taken at both the local and global levels, asbestos will remain a threat. The battle isn’t over, and awareness is still our first and most powerful defense.
