09:50 - 12:30, International Conference Hall
Plenary Session 1
Global Health Impact of Asbestos: Urgent Action is needed
Chairs: Kogi Kazutaka and Laurie Kazan-Allen
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Somkiat Siriruttanapruk
Research and Development Section, Bureau of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
ABSTRACT:
In Thailand, Asbestos has been imported for more than 30 years. Because of no asbestos mine in the country, it is only imported for manufacturing purpose from several countries such as Russian Federation, Canada, and Brazil. Nowadays, only chrysotile and amosite are allowed to use in the country. The data from Thai Customs Department showed that the number of imported raw material increased from 90,700 tons in 1987 to 181,348 tons in 2002 (with the cost of US$ 54 Million). Most of them (90%) are used in cement manufacture, i.e. roof tile and cement pipe. In 2004, sixteen asbestos-use factories with 1,900 workers are registered at the Department of Industrial Work, Ministry of Industry. Most of them (13/16) are located in central area of the country. Environmental monitoring has been carried out periodically since the year 2000. The data showed that most of measured samples had asbestos level higher than standard level (2 fibers/cc.).
Asbestosis or other asbestos related diseases have never been reported to the Workmen's compensation fund in this country. However, only few pleural thickening cases (13/701) were notified from one study. The latest survey in 2003 showed that 29% of high risk workers (41/140) had some abnormality in chest x-ray examination. Although asbestosis or other asbestos related disease cases have never been reported or detected, the prevention and control of the diseases is still very important. Nowadays, at least 3 government agencies (Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Labor, and Ministry of Public Health) have a major role in controlling of asbestos. These organizations have to collaborate to set up and develop control measures to reduce asbestos exposure among high risk population.