Present Status of Asbestos Mining and Related Health Problems in India. A Survey.

DOI Web Site Web Site PubMed

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • A Survey

Search this article

Abstract

At present in India more than thirty mines are in operation. It produces 2800 tones of asbestos per month (mainly chrysotile and tremolite) and in recent years substantial quantity (-70%) is imported from Canada. The quality of asbestos produced in India is very poor. The mining and milling and other related processes expose the people to cancer and related diseases. Women are more affected by their exposure in processing unit compared to male who are generally working in mines. Direct and indirect employment in asbestos related industry and mine is around 100, 000 workers. Latency period (length of the time between exposure and the onset of diseases) in India is estimated to be 20-37 yr. The causes for lung and breathing problem are mainly due to obsolete technology and direct contact with the asbestos products without proper precaution, because in India asbestos are sold without statutory warning. This paper reviews health effects (such as fibrosis, sequelae, bronchogenic cancer, and malignant mesothelioma) on the Indian mine workers caused due to asbestos mining related activities with respect to their present day condition.

Journal

  • Industrial Health

    Industrial Health 39 (4), 309-315, 2001

    National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top