News Archive

A paper published in the Journal of the National Cancer Center in September 2024 by scientists from China, Germany, Sweden and Canada reported that “the burden of MM [malignant mesothelioma – the signature cancer associated with exposure to asbestos] has been significantly increasing in China over the last three decades and will continue to increase in the upcoming decade, suggesting an urgent need for a complete ban on chrysotile asbestos in China.” China is one of the few countries still mining asbestos. In 2022, it produced 130,000 tonnes (t) and consumed 261,000t. See: Burden of malignant mesothelioma in China during 1990–2019 and the projections through 2029.

Restructuring of Asbestos Company

Sep 27, 2024

The article cited below highlighted key factors in the successful restructuring of a major asbestos production conglomerate in China. The state-owned Qinghai Chuang'an company in Qinghai Province, China had been on the verge of bankruptcy due to multiple factors including its distance from target markets and rigid business practices. As a result of a three-year transformation process, the company’s brand had been repositioned and its market competitiveness enhanced. See: 向新求变、向绿而生——青海创安以改脱困的启示 [Seeking innovation and green development: enlightenment from Qinghai's efforts to create a safe and secure environment and escape poverty].

Addressing the Lung Cancer Epidemic

Sep 6, 2024

The announcement that Liu Qian – a famous magician in China – contracted lung cancer generated a lot of media coverage last week. Having been diagnosed early, Liu Qian had an operation and gave up smoking. Many of the articles about his diagnosis highlighted famous people who also died of lung cancer. The article cited below included a description of the types and stages of lung cancer, available treatments as well as main risk factors including: smoking, air pollution, secondhand smoke, and exposure to chemicals such as chromium and asbestos. See: 48岁刘谦自曝罹患肺腺癌引热议，如何预防中国第一大癌? [48-year-old Liu Qian's self-exposure of lung adenocarcinoma has caused heated discussions, how to prevent China's first major cancer?].

Talc Health Warning

Sep 2, 2024

A warning from thoracic surgeon Chen Jinxing alerted women in China to the health hazard posed by the use of asbestos-containing talc-based cosmetic products. Dr Jinxing, who is the director of the Department of Surgery of National Taiwan University Hospital, explained that exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer, ovarian cancer and malignant endometrial cancer and suggested that consumers do not choose “cheap powdered cosmetics, and remove makeup as soon as possible.” See: 女性不抽菸仍罹肺癌台大医示警：化妆品也有风险 [Women who don't smoke still suffer from lung cancer National Taiwan University doctor warns: cosmetics also have risks].

Avoiding Asbestos Exposures

Sep 2, 2024

The curious article cited below underscored the hazard posed by handling asbestos-containing automotive products. The author failed to mention the availability of asbestos-free alternatives. Highlighting the recommended training, procedures and equipment, “including but not limited to protective masks, protective clothing, protective gloves and goggles,” for handling these products, the author concluded that: “strict adherence to safety measures is not only a protection for the health of personnel, but also a responsibility for the environment.” See: 处理石棉材料时应采取哪些安全措施？这些措施有哪些环保意义? [What safety measures should be taken when handling asbestos materials? What are the environmental implications of these measures?].

Asbestos Alert over Cancer Spike

Aug 21, 2024

The article cited below which appeared on a news portal in China on August 18, postulated four explanations for the elevated cancer risk in males. The second reason given was: “Occupational exposure: Men are more likely to engage in some high-risk occupations, such as construction, chemical, mining and other industries, and may be exposed to harmful substances, such as asbestos, benzene and other carcinogenic chemicals, increasing the risk of cancer.” China is both one of the world’s largest asbestos-producing and asbestos consuming countries. See: 癌症较容易找上男性！医生揭4大原因 [Cancer is more likely to strike men! Doctors reveal 4 reasons].

Scary New Data

Aug 2, 2024

A rehash of a story uploaded last week included a very worrying addition. The news first reported on July 24, 2024 about the expansion of China’s asbestos export markets in Asia detailed the first ever shipments of chrysotile (white) asbestos from Gansu Province to Tajikistan. A similar text uploaded on August 1, 2024 added the following information: “According to statistics, in the first half of the year, Dunhuang Airport Customs supervised the export of more than 8,000 tons of chrysotile asbestos from local enterprises, showing a continuous growth trend.” See: 甘肃省温石棉首次出口中亚国家 [Chrysotile asbestos from Gansu Province is exported to Central Asian countries for the first time].

Expanding Asbestos Exports to Asia

Jul 25, 2024

On July 22, 2024 a train carrying six containers of 120 tons of chrysotile (white) asbestos left Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China en route to Tajikistan. This was the first time that Gansu chrysotile asbestos was exported to a Central Asian country. In the past, China consumed almost all the asbestos it mined. It seems that the creation of additional transport routes is encouraging producers to expand overseas markets. Considering that asbestos regulations in most Central Asian countries are either non-existent or unenforced, this development is of serious concern. See: 甘肃温石棉首次出口塔吉克斯坦 [Gansu chrysotile asbestos was exported to Tajikistan for the first time].

Asbestos Exports to Africa

Jul 9, 2024

On July 4, 2024, 50 tons of chrysotile asbestos departed by train from Dunhuang City – in China’s northwestern Gansu Province – to Tianjin Port, where the cargo will be sent by ship to Nigeria. This is the first time Gansu asbestos has been exported to Africa. As a result of streamlined customs procedures in Dunhuang, asbestos export markets have expanded in recent years to include Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia in Southeast Asia and Nigeria in Africa. The author of the text cited below predicted that the new system will facilitate a “growth in (asbestos) export volume.” See: 甘肃温石棉首次出口非洲 [Gansu chrysotile asbestos exported to Africa for the first time].

Logistical Links: Update

Jul 4, 2024

The article cited below described the effectiveness of measures being implemented to further trade between Kazakhstan and countries in Asa including new and improved trade links and bilateral trade agreements between China and Kazakhstan. Shipments of chrysotile asbestos fiber are among the exports being shipped from Kazakhstan to China and from China to other countries in central Asia. See: “一带一路”为中亚农产品和矿产品提供出海便利 [The Belt and Road Initiative provides convenience for Central Asian agricultural products and mineral products to go overseas].

Call to Ban Asbestos!

Jun 4, 2024

A remarkable article uploaded on May 31, 2024 on China's leading health portal – 39.health – called for an immediate and comprehensive asbestos ban. Upon further research it transpired that the article was on a site based in Taiwan which explained why the author was brazen enough to be so outspoken. China is one of the world’s leading asbestos producing and using countries. The text quoted the views of Dr. Chen Tianhui and his team from the Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, all of whom supported the need for asbestos bans in developing countries. See: “是时候全面禁用石棉了！”超级致癌物石棉，就藏在你身边 [“It's time for a total ban on asbestos!” Asbestos, a super carcinogen, is hiding right next to you].

Warning about Asbestos Hazard

Apr 17, 2024

The article cited below from a source in China, reaffirms the carcinogenic nature of chrysotile asbestos, citing evidence from the WHO and IARC. The author emphasized the variety of asbestos products, warning that: “People who are exposed to asbestos for a long time can face serious health risks. Eventually, this underlying inflammation may evolve into serious diseases such as asbestosis, pleural mesothelioma, etc., and may even lead to the development of malignant tumors such as lung cancer.” China is the world’s 2nd largest asbestos user and 4th largest producer. See: 被60多国禁用的一级“致癌物”，1Kg含百万根尖针！为何我国随处可见 [A first-class “carcinogen” banned by more than 60 countries, 1kg contains millions of sharp needles! Why can it be seen everywhere in China?].

Mesothelioma Treatment in Zhejiang

Jan 17, 2024

The case of mesothelioma patient Ms Liu was discussed in the article cited below which was about the increase in the occurrence of rare cancers in China. As a child, the patient had often visited her grandmother’s workplace which was an asbestos factory. Now in her 50s, this breast cancer survivor is receiving “standardized treatment” for pleural mesothelioma. The link between her exposure to asbestos and her cancer is highlighted by the author of the text. See: 罕见的肿瘤，罕见的医生为什么有这么多患者？ [Rare tumors, rare doctors Why are there so many patients?].

New Hubs Expedite Asbestos Shipments

Jan 9, 2024

The article cited below confirmed the opening of new transport routes for shipping Chinese exports, including asbestos fiber, from northwest China to Indonesia. Eighty percent of China’s asbestos fiber production comes from Gansu Province, on the edge of the Gobi Desert. In the past, the long distances involved and the high shipping costs incurred hampered the development of the asbestos industry; the new logistics will allow foreign markets to be better served by Chinese asbestos suppliers. See: 首条“敦煌-青岛港”石棉海铁联运专列成功发运！ [The first "Dunhuang-Qingdao Port" asbestos sea–rail intermodal special train [cargo] was successfully shipped!].

Monetizing Asbestos Waste

Jan 3, 2024

It was announced in December 2023, that a contract had been struck allowing a mining company to reprocess vast quantities of asbestos waste to reclaim high-purity silica, magnesium oxide and iron oxide. Asbestos mining in China produces 4-5 million tons of asbestos tailings (mining waste) every year. It is believed that, to date, 400 million tons of this waste has been produced as a result of the mining of chrysotile (white) asbestos over a 65-year period. See: 变“包袱”为“财富” 青海创安矿业科技有限公司启动500万吨/年石棉尾矿综合利用项目并签署一期EPCO合同 [Turning “burden” into “wealth” Qinghai Chuang'an Mining Technology Co., Ltd. launched a 5 million tons/year asbestos tailings comprehensive utilization project and signed a phase I EPCO contract].

Beijing Fight for Asbestos Compensation

Dec 1, 2023

The article cited below detailed the struggle by a daughter to obtain compensation from an employer for the asbestos death of her mother who had been recognized as an occupational disease victim. According to the family’s lawyer: “in addition to work-related injury insurance, employees also have the right to claim civil compensation from the employer…If the expenses beyond the scope of the reimbursement by the social security fund are borne by the worker, it is contrary to the current laws and regulations, and is a serious infringement of the rights of vulnerable workers.” See: 女子退休17年后被诊断为职业性肿瘤，起诉原单位索赔期间病逝 [The woman was diagnosed with an occupational tumor 17 years after her retirement and died while suing her former employer for compensation].

Rail Upgrade Speeds Asbestos Shipments

Nov 24, 2023

Streamlining and improvements on rail–sea links from China have increased the efficiency of transport links, thereby reducing the time taken for Chinese shipments of asbestos to reach markets in Thailand and Laos. On November 21, a train with 1,000+ tons of chrysotile asbestos in 44 containers left Dunhuang, Gansu Province; arriving by railway at the Chinese port of Tianjin Port, it was sent by ship to Bangkok. The scheduled delivery time for this cargo will be up to ten days less than previous modes of transport. As a result of this modernized system, asbestos exports from China are increasing. See: “敦煌-天津-曼谷”铁海联运石棉专列开行 [“Dunhuang-Tianjin-Bangkok” rail-sea intermodal asbestos special train launched].

Disposing of Toxic Building Waste

Nov 6, 2023

China’s Ministry of Environment last week announced the approval of additional protocols for dealing with building waste containing asbestos, deemed to be a toxic substance. Previous government guidelines stipulated that this waste be buried according to strict procedures. Following the amendment to the disposal regulations, the use of chemical or heat treatments to detoxify the waste will now be allowed. See: 石绵瓦不只能固化掩埋环境部增“热处理、化学处理法” [Asbestos tiles can not only be solidified and buried, the Ministry of Environment has added “heat treatment and chemical treatment methods”].

Logistical Developments Boost Exports

Oct 19, 2023

The article cited below marked the 10th anniversary of the opening of new, improved transport links in China which connected Chinese hubs to 30+ countries including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Thailand and Vietnam. The expedited delivery routes increased exports from China of multiple types of cargo, including raw asbestos fiber. In 2022, China was the world’s fourth largest asbestos-producing country – with an output of 130,000 tonnes (t) – and the 2nd largest consumer – with usage of 261,000t. In 2022, China imported ~174,000t of Russian asbestos. See: 「十年」兰州陆港国际货运班列通江达海 [“Ten Years” Lanzhou Dry Port International Freight Train Connects Rivers and Seas].

Asbestos Meeting in Qinghai

Sep 21, 2023

The annual meeting of China’s Asbestos Trade Association – the Chrysotile Asbestos Professional Committee (the Committee) – took place earlier this month. The remit of the Committee is to promote asbestos sales; expand the industry; and support the industry’s best interests. Presentations and recommendations made during the event considered measures to preserve the status quo so that the use of asbestos-based products in China could continue. Asbestos mines in China, the world’s third largest asbestos producer, are in Qinghai, Xinjiang, Shanxi, Gansu and Yunnan Provinces. See: 专家“会诊”为温石棉产业高质量发展献计 [Expert “consultation” provides suggestions for the high-quality development of the chrysotile asbestos industry].

Lung Cancer from Asbestos Exposure

Aug 21, 2023

A case study of construction worker Wang Zhihua from Hunan, central China who contracted lung cancer after workplace exposures to asbestos was featured in the article cited below on a Chinese news portal. Zhihua received hazardous exposure on a daily basis, as his main job was the installation of asbestos-cement boards. The text reported that “workers who have been exposed to asbestos for a long time have more than 5 times the risk of lung cancer than the general population.” See: 致癌物“石棉”，潜伏期可达40年，日常的6种物品都有，请自查 [Carcinogen "asbestos", the incubation period can reach 40 years, daily 6 kinds of items, please check yourself].

Calls for Asbestos Action!

Aug 17, 2023

Earlier this month, Dr Chen Tianhui and his team from the Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences in China called for “developing countries to ban asbestos altogether.” China is the world’s third largest asbestos-producing country and second biggest asbestos consumer. Points made in the article cited below included: “all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic to humans”; “in China, although the use of amphibole asbestos has been completely banned, chrysotile asbestos is still widely used”; environmental as well as occupational exposures pose serious threats to the population. See: 致癌物“石棉”，潜伏期可达20年，你用过的这些物品可能都有 [The first-class carcinogen “asbestos,” has an incubation period of up to 20 years, and may have been in items you have used].

Govt. Plans Stricter Asbestos Protections

Aug 7, 2023

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology banned the production of amphibole asbestos in 2002; it also set occupational exposure limits for chrysotile asbestos to protect workers. The Ministry, in collaboration with the National Health Commission, announced plans to “strengthen the standardized management of chrysotile asbestos production enterprises, increase the publicity of occupational disease prevention and control, increase awareness of the asbestos hazard…” and take other steps to protect the population from toxic asbestos exposures. See: 工业和信息化部答“长期接触石棉建材等制品会致癌？”问题 [The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology answered the question “Can long-term exposure to asbestos building materials and other products cause cancer?”

Asbestos Hazard Alert

Jun 14, 2023

A recent online article warned the public of the dangers of asbestos exposures in China, one of the world’s leading asbestos-producing and using countries. The author of the article cited below said that even though China had banned the use of all amphiboles, the use of chrysotile (white) asbestos remained legal and regulations to protect the population from toxic exposures were not yet in place. Workers and members of the public were warned to take steps to minimize asbestos exposures at work and at home. See: 级致癌物石棉，潜伏期可达数十年，你用过的这些物品可能都有 [Asbestos, a first-class carcinogen, has an incubation period of up to several decades, and you may have been exposed by many items you have used].

New Option for Asbestos Shipments

May 31, 2023

A train carrying 40 containers of 1,000 tons of asbestos fiber departed from the railway west cargo station in Dunhuang, a city in Northwestern Gansu Province, Western China on May 5, 2023 as part of a new rail–sea intermodal international freight train link between China and Thailand. The cargo was off-loaded at the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan in Zhejiang province and sent by sea to Bangkok, Thailand. The journey took just 20 days. The possibility of express shipments of asbestos from China – one of the world’s biggest asbestos producers and users – to other Asian countries is a disturbing development. See: 酒泉(敦煌)铁海联运国际货运班列开行 [Jiuquan (Dunhuang) rail–sea combined transport international freight route opened].

Asbestos Health Alert

May 11, 2023

The article cited below highlighted the consequences of human exposures to asbestos. Although asbestos use was banned in many countries, the author pointed out: “there is still no specific standardized system in China to detect and remove asbestos. Asbestos is still readily available for use in building materials … before asbestos is strictly banned, we still have to learn to protect ourselves and minimize contact with asbestos in daily life to prevent asbestos exposure.” China is one of the world’s top asbestos-producing and consuming nations. See: 1级致癌物石棉，已被美、日等66国禁用，可能正潜伏在你身边 [Class 1 carcinogen asbestos , has been banned by 66 countries including the United States [restricted – not banned] and Japan, may be lurking around you].

Mining Asbestos Tailings

Apr 20, 2023

A project to reclaim valuable material from asbestos mining waste looks likely to proceed following an April 12 announcement that a Chinese company Tongdao Holdings planned to purchase Xinjiang Dede Xinyuan Environmental Protection Technology Co. Ltd. (XDXEPT), a specialist in the development of tailings treatment and related environmental protection services. XDXEPT has 200 million tons of asbestos tailings which it plans to process to reclaim high-grade silica and magnesium. The acquisition is expected to be completed on March 31, 2024. See: 铜道控股拟收购一家主要从事尾矿治理开发的环保科技公司 [Tongdao Holdings announced its intention to acquire an environmental technology company mainly engaged in tailings treatment and development].

Asbestos Cancer Alert!

Apr 7, 2023

It is curious that the article cited below which warned about the cancer hazard posed by working with asbestos appeared on a Chinese news portal; China is one of the world’s biggest asbestos producing and using countries. In 2020, China produced 120,000 tonnes (t) of asbestos and consumed 243,000t. The text, which was about various factors likely to cause lung cancer, warned citizens of the serious health risks posed by occupational exposures to a variety of substances including asbestos, arsenic, chromium, formaldehyde, and vinyl chloride. See: 早期没有征兆！预防肺癌靠这些 [There were no early signs! Prevent lung cancer by these steps].

Mesothelioma Rise in Women

Mar 8, 2023

According to a publication by researchers from the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities which appeared in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the incidence of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma is on the increase amongst some female cohorts. The authors reported a positive correlation of mesothelioma rates with per capita gross domestic product, human development index and levels of occupational asbestos exposures. See: 中大：罕見癌症「間皮瘤」與石棉暴露關連大女性發病率有上升跡象 [CUHK: The Rare Cancer “Mesothelioma” is Linked to Asbestos Exposure, and the Incidence Rate of Females Shows Signs of Rise].

Asbestos Exposure & Lung Cancer

Mar 8, 2023

A health alert was issued in Taiwan about the health consequences of exposures to asbestos and other carcinogens; such exposures can cause lung cancer even in non-smokers. According to the Department of Health, amongst the causes of lung cancer is “industrial and occupational exposure to certain chemicals or building materials (such as asbestos, nickel, uranium, chromium compounds, arsenic, polycyclic hydrocarbons, and chloromethyl ethers)…” See: 肺癌｜不吸煙全家4人患肺癌 7因素高危致命 2大家居風險易忽略 [Lung cancer: ... 7 factors are high-risk and fatal, 2 major household risks are easy to ignore].

Rise in Asbestos Exports

Feb 24, 2023

New transport systems in China are being used to increase asbestos exports to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and South Asia from Qinghai, a landlocked province in the northwest of China, according to a February 20th news report from the Qinghai Provincial Department of Commerce. In 2022, there were 111 international freight trains from Qinghai, more than ten times the number in 2021. Amongst the cargo on the trains were shipments of asbestos, soda ash, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other goods. See: 青海：“青字号”产品借RCEP享优惠税率“出国” [Qinghai: “Qingzihao” products enjoy preferential tax rates “going abroad” through RCEP].

Asbestos Sector Update

Oct 26, 2022

According to an article from the China News Service, the asbestos mining sector in Qinghai Province, which accounts for one third of the country’s asbestos reserves and has a domestic market share of more than 60%, has “achieved a boom in production and sales.” The 64-year old conglomerate has experienced ups and downs during its history but industrial restructuring, market-oriented operation and mixed ownership reform have stimulated growth. Chrysotile production from January to September 2022 was 22% greater than the same period in 2021; sales also grew by 43%. See: 青海柴达木盆地老矿企三年改革实现“破冰” 产销两旺 [The old mining enterprises in the Qaidam Basin in Qinghai have achieved “breakthroughs” and both production and sales are booming].

New Asbestos Link to Asia

Jul 29, 2022

On July 24, 2022, for the first time, a new rail-sea link was used for the export of asbestos mined in China. This link will, it was claimed, streamline the movement of goods, reduce costs and shipping times. The initial shipment of Chinese asbestos was composed of four containers of 80 tonnes. The goods will go by train to Qinzhou Port, Beibu Gulf, Guangxi; from there, the cargo will go to Indonesia. In 2019 and 2020, Indonesia was, respectively, the 4th and 5th biggest asbestos-consuming nation in Asia. See: 肅敦煌首次通過西部陸海新通道鐵海聯運列車出口石棉 [Dunhuang, Gansu exports asbestos for the first time through the rail-sea combined transport using the new western land-sea passage].

Demolition of “Outdated” Asbestos Houses

May 25, 2022

Officials in Xiqiao Town, a municipality in the Nanhai District, Foshan, Guangdong, China announced last week that, pursuant to new ordinances, they were progressing efforts to improve the management of urban and rural areas by demolishing properties including houses roofed with asbestos material. The cleared sites will be redeveloped by public-private partnerships and will include the construction of a modern industrial park and other facilities to encourage economic growth in the district. See: 南海逐步消除石棉瓦房铁皮锈屋扎实完成“两违”治理工作任务 [South China Sea gradually [region] eliminates asbestos, tile houses, iron rust houses, and solidly completes the task of “two violations” governance].

Asbestos Alert in China

May 23, 2022

Scientific findings published online on May 19, 2022 by researchers from China and Australia highlighted the dreadful consequences of toxic exposures in these countries, noting that asbestos caused the largest number of work-related lung cancer deaths in both. The co-authors of the paper cited below warned that: “the continued use of certain types of asbestos [in China] and the lack of health education on occupational carcinogen may further increase LCM [lung cancer mortality] burden attributable to occupational exposure. See: Age-period-cohort analysis of lung cancer mortality in China and Australia from 1990 to 2019.

New Rail Link: Faster Asbestos Shipments

Apr 22, 2022

On April 21, 2022, the inaugural trip of a new railway service linking China to Laos and Southeast Asia was featured in news released by the Chinese Government. According to information provided, cargo dispatched from Dunhuang, Gansu Province in 20 containers included 530 tonnes of Chinese asbestos. The exported goods were destined for Vientiane, Laos from where they will be transported by road to Bangkok, Thailand. The new railway link will shorten the delivery time to Bangkok by 12 days. See: 甘肃开通首列中老铁路国际货运列车 [Gansu opens first China-Laos railway international freight train].

Accepting China’s Asbestos Reality

Nov 4, 2021

In something of a remarkable turnaround, an article uploaded on November 1, 2021 to a Chinese website announced that a new treatment – based on the use of nivolumab combined with ipilimumab (CheckMate-743) – for the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure, mesothelioma had been approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China. China is amongst the world’s largest producers and consumers of asbestos and information on the occurrence of asbestos-related diseases had been hard to access. See: 打破恶性胸膜间皮瘤治疗僵局，免疫“双子座”改写患者生存期 [Break the deadlock in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, immune "Gemini" rewrites the survival period for patients].

Mesothelioma Trends 1990 to 2017

Aug 17, 2021

A new study by a coalition of scientists, the majority of whom were based in China, examined the global incidence of mesothelioma – the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure. The authors reported a substantial rise in the number of cases of mesothelioma and mortality rates worldwide, and concluded that a “complete and immediate ban on asbestos use may be warranted.” The nationality of 18 of the 20 authors is noteworthy as China has, for years, been one of the world’s biggest consumers and producers of chrysotile asbestos. See: Assessment of Global Trends in the Diagnosis of Mesothelioma From 1990 to 2017.

National Award for Asbestos Mine?!

Jan 12, 2021

In what seems to be a rather bizarre pronouncement, on December 30, 2020 Chinese authorities recognized the Mangya chrysotile (white) asbestos mine as the first national industrial heritage project in Qinghai Province, in the northwest of China. The mine, which was founded in the 1950s, is operated by the country’s largest asbestos mining and processing enterprise and supplies asbestos fiber to 40% of the domestic asbestos market. In the article about this award, there is no mention of the occupational or environmental hazard posed by the commercial exploitation of asbestos. See: 青海茫崖石棉矿成青海首个国家级工业遗产项目 [Qinghai Mangya asbestos mine became the first national industrial heritage project in Qinghai].

Asbestos and Cancer in China

Oct 20, 2020

According to the Beijing Municipal Health Commission (the Commission) lung cancer “is one of the most threatening malignant tumors to the health and life of the population.” In a new upload entitled "Scientific Fight against Cancer: Early Understanding and Early Prevention of Lung Cancer" on its website, the Commission lists occupational exposures to asbestos as a significant factor in increasing the incidence of lung cancer, and pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, explaining that there can be a latency of 20+ years between exposures and the manifestation of disease. See: 科学抗癌：早了解早预防肺癌 [Scientific Fight against Cancer: Early Understanding and Early Prevention of Lung Cancer].

Raising Asbestos Awareness

Oct 19, 2020

An article uploaded to a Chinese language website on October 15, 2020 listed asbestos as the first of eight known causes of cancer and warned people to avoid exposure to products containing it. If occupational exposures cannot be avoided, then individuals should take precautionary measures such as changing work clothes before returning home. China is one of the world’s largest asbestos-producing and consuming countries. See: 原创随处可见这种物质，却是可怕的1类致癌物！为了健康，请远离这8种 [This kind of substance can be seen everywhere, but it is a terrible Class 1 carcinogen! For health reasons, please stay away from these 8].

Mesothelioma in Hong Kong

Oct 9, 2020

A lengthy and informative Chinese feature article marked International Mesothelioma Day with an interview with 72-year old Huang Bo, who was employed at Hong Kong’s Taikoo Dockyard for 50 years. In 2019, Mr. Bo was diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. At no time was he or his colleagues informed about the nature of the toxic product they worked with and they were never provided with protective equipment or clothing. There were 232 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in Hong Kong between 2006 and 2015. The import, transshipment, supply and use of all types of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials are now banned in Hong Kong. See: 國際間皮瘤關注日 [International Mesothelioma Awareness Day].

Update: Global Asbestosis Data

Jun 1, 2020

Data and conclusions in a study supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China reinforced opinions in a blog entitled China’s Rejection of Asbestos: Official regarding growing support of the Chinese government for a transition to asbestos-free technology. The authors of the paper stated: “Furthermore, the most pronounced increases in ASIR [age-standardised incidence rate] of asbestosis were detected in high-income North America and Australasia. These findings indicate that efforts to change the asbestos regulation policy are urgently needed.” See: Increasing incidence of asbestosis worldwide, 1990–2017: results from the Global Burden of Disease study 2017.

Call for Asbestos Ban in China!

May 6, 2020

In a new paper, scientists from medical and health institutions in Beijing and Guangdong, China are recommending that: “Enterprises should be encouraged to use safer substitutes and gradually ban asbestos materials in China” in order to eradicate an epidemic of asbestos-related diseases. As the text was included in the current issue of China CDC Weekly, an online platform for the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention – “a governmental and national-level technical organization” – it is probable that the authors’ findings will have been discussed at the highest levels of government. China is a major producer and consumer of asbestos. See: Distribution of Asbestos Enterprises and Asbestosis Cases — China, 1997-2019.

Asbestos Scandal

Jun 24, 2019

A column by medical expert Dr. Liang Xiansun was published this week in Hong Kong's first free health newspaper; the text highlighted the hazard posed by human exposures to asbestos citing statistics and advice from the World Health Organization about the ubiquity and consequences of the unregulated and widespread use of asbestos both in the past and currently. The author pointed out that experts are concerned about future epidemics of asbestos-related diseases in countries which are still producing or using asbestos such as Russia, China and India. See: 石棉危機 [Asbestos Crisis].

Calls for Global Asbestos Ban

May 28, 2019

Chinese researchers working with colleagues from the UK and Canada on May 23, 2019 published a paper on the website of JAMA Oncology, a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association, which called for a complete ban on global asbestos use and warned that: “rapidly developing nations such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China ‘face an impending public health crisis of an unprecedented scale’ because they continue to produce and use asbestos.” According to data from 2016, the four countries mentioned accounted for 80% of asbestos used worldwide. See: High Time for Complete Ban on Asbestos Use in Developing Countries.

Toxicity of Chrysotile Asbestos

May 14, 2019

Research published by Chinese scientists in the May 2019 Journal of Environmental Science and Pollution Research evaluated the oxidative stress in chronic lung toxicity caused by the exposure of Wistar rats to Chinese chrysotile asbestos. The results “indicated that chrysotile exposure led to an obvious increase in lung mass and slowed the growth of body mass…[the] results suggested that chronic chrysotile pulmonary injury in Wistar rats is triggered by oxidative damage.” The authors of the paper expressed the hope that their data would lead to further research on the toxicity of chrysotile. See: Oxidative effects of lungs in Wistar rats caused by long-term exposure to four kinds of China representative chrysotile.

Asbestos Removal Program

Dec 19, 2018

On Tuesday, December 18, 2018, the Macau Water supply Company Ltd. announced that all remaining asbestos-containing plumbing in the city of Macau – an autonomous region on the south coast of China – would be replaced in 2019. This announcement had global import as China is both one of the world’s largest asbestos-consuming and asbestos-producing countries. Asbestos has been used to deliver water in Macau since the 1980s but is being removed because of the human health hazard. See: All plumbing containing asbestos to be replaced in 2019 - Macau Water.

Asbestos Alert: China

Nov 20, 2017

A Chinese commentary timed to coincide with November’s global action on lung cancer discussed several myths about the disease and its treatment, and listed five causative factors including exposure to asbestos. “Occupational exposure to asbestos, such as [in] construction, asbestos mining, insulation processing, and vehicle brake repair can cause damage to lung tissue if inhaled. Numerous studies have shown that asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.” See: 11月"全球肺癌关注月" 警惕肺癌的五大高危因素 [November “Global Lung Cancer Concern Month” alert five risk factors for lung cancer].

Good Omen?

Jul 24, 2017

A former asbestos factory in Chongqing, a major manufacturing city in southwest China, has been transformed into a space for artistic exhibitions and installations. Commenting on this news, the author of an online Chinese article asserts that this development heralds a new era for the Chinese economy in which “heavy industry businesses trapped in overcapacity and environmental problems are being shut down across the country and removed from urban areas to make way for services and consumer industries.” See: 中国昔日工厂正变身艺术园区外媒:用创意产业擦亮“锈带” [Former asbestos factory in China transformed into art gallery].

China’s Asbestos Boom

Jul 27, 2016

Despite the scientific and medical consensus regarding the deadly effects of asbestos exposures, the asbestos industry continues to flourish in China, according to a spokesman for the China Chrysotile (white asbestos) Association: “our production … can’t keep pace with demand from the construction industry so we have to import (asbestos fiber) from Russia.” According to this association, over the past decade, record quantities of asbestos have been used in China; chrysotile is, they allege, safer than any available substitutes. According to sources in China, in 2015 the country produced 227,000 tonnes of chrysotile, and imported 105,000 tonnes. See: China ignores WHO warnings in asbestos boom.

Alert on Asbestos and other Hazards

Jun 3, 2016

A commentary written in the run up to China’s implementation of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships has contrasted the “passive acceptance” of the on-board presence of asbestos-containing material of Chinese shipowners with the strict regulation and prohibitions demanded by foreign owners. Material inspections, third party audits, strict management controls are just some of the many expensive stipulations required to deal with the asbestos maritime hazard. See: 林洪山：遏制有害物质需要全面动员 [Containment of hazardous substances requires a comprehensive mobilization].

Chrysotile and Lung Cancer Mortality

May 20, 2016

Research undertaken over a number of years regarding the incidence of lung cancer mortality amongst a cohort of workers from a factory in Chongqing, China which used only white (chrysotile) asbestos for 40 years found that “chrysotile workers had a threefold-increased risk of lung cancer death… the high exposure group had a sixfold-increased risk of lung cancer death.” A paper just published confirms that “chrysotile exposure is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer mortality and development of asbestosis …” See: Exposure-Response Estimate for Lung Cancer and Asbestosis in a Predominantly Chrysotile-Exposed Chinese Factory Cohort.

Asbestos Cancer in China

Oct 20, 2015

A paper just published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, which investigated the effects of exposures to chrysotile asbestos on people in Southeast China, confirmed the existence of a “cluster of peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma in women… (all of whom) had been exposed to asbestos through work in asbestos textile workshops or living in a house where asbestos hand-spinning was practiced.” The authors recommend that the mining and use of asbestos be terminated to prevent the occurrence of a mesothelioma epidemic in China. See: Asbestos Textile Production Linked to Malignant Peritoneal and Pleural Mesothelioma in Women: Analysis of 28 Cases in Southeast China.

Consumers Shun China’s Exports

Jul 31, 2015

After the 2012 asbestos scandal involving Chinese cars, Australian consumers are opting for vehicles from other countries according to an article released today. Before asbestos engine components were discovered in Chinese cars exported to Australia by Great Wall Motors, more than 12,000 Chinese cars had been purchased that year. Of the 1.1 million new vehicles bought by Australians in 2014, only 4,200 were made in China. Asbestos and asbestos containing-products have been banned in Australia since 2003. See: Haval stalls as Chinese car sales evaporate in Australia.

Mesothelioma in Asbestos Textile Workers

Jul 7, 2015

As a result of re-evaluations of forty-three patients diagnosed with peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma between 2003 and 2010 at a hospital in Southeast China, scientists have reported this month that all the members of this cohort were females, and all of them had had occupational and/or occupational exposure to chrysotile (white) asbestos. The majority of the patients were from two towns which had many small asbestos textile workshops. See: Asbestos textile production linked to malignant peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma in women: Analysis of 28 cases in Southeast China.

Criteria for Asbestos Diseases Revised

Mar 10, 2015

As of March 1, 2015, revisions made to criteria for the recognition of occupational diseases, including asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma, came into effect in China. These included: for lung cancer – reduction in length of cumulative occupational exposure to 1+ year, increase in latency period to 15 years+; for mesothelioma – decrease in latency period from 15 to 10 years. From 2006 to 2014, there were 1,824 cases of asbestosis recognized and 118 cases of asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma [18% of all occupational cancer cases (650)]. See: Amendments to Diagnostic Criteria for Occupational Diseases (in force from March 1, 2015).

Hong Kong’s New Asbestos Trains?

Mar 5, 2014

From 2008 to 2012, the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) bought 22 trains from the Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd, part of the China North Locomotive and Rolling Stock Industry Corporation. Although the MTR stipulated that no asbestos be used, the same series of China-made vehicles imported to New Zealand was recently found to be contaminated with asbestos. The Hong Kong Workers’ Health Centre is urging that a thorough examination of the suspected trains is undertaken in order to protect the health of staff and the public. See: Asbestos scare prompts checks on China-made trains.

Asbestos Exposure and Digestive Cancers

Jan 24, 2014

A new paper in Occupational and Environmental Medicine detailed research using data collected from a cohort of Chinese chrysotile asbestos miners and mill workers over 26 years that found “a clear exposure-response relationship between asbestos dust exposure and mortality from stomach cancers …” The paper concluded that there was “additional evidence for the association between exposure to chrysotile mining dust and excess mortality from digestive cancers, particularly stomach cancer.” Excess mortality was also observed from oesophageal and liver cancers. See: Exposure to chrysotile mining dust and digestive cancer mortality in a Chinese miner/miller cohort.

Hong Kong Asbestos Scare

Jan 9, 2014

The Haking Wong Building at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) will be reopened today (Jan. 9) after an asbestos scare. The building had been closed on Tuesday after asbestos-containing debris had been identified in maintenance rooms on six floors. A task force agreed to commission air quality tests to establish the risk of contamination being spread through the air-conditioning services. A spokeswoman for the University said yesterday said that the "The test results of airborne asbestos fiber level from air samples taken from the building suggested that the building is safe for normal occupation." See: HKU building cleared after asbestos scare.

Cancer Mortality in Chinese Miners

Sep 4, 2013

To assess the relationship of lung cancer mortality and other causes of death to asbestos exposure levels, a cohort of male workers from a chrysotile mine in China was examined in a study covering the period 1981-2006. The authors of the resulting paper conclude that: "There were clear exposure-response relationships in this cohort, which imply a causal link between chrysotile asbestos exposure and lung cancer and nonmalignant respiratory diseases, and possibly to gastrointestinal cancer, at least for smokers." The authors admit that in China there is a failure to diagnose cases of malignant mesothelioma. See: Cancer Mortality in Chinese Asbestos Miners: Exposure-Response Relationships.

Reclassification of Asbestos Hazard

Apr 15, 2013

News has been received that on December 27, 2012, a new "List of recommended substitutes for toxic and hazardous raw materials" was officially published by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Asbestos was included in category 3, the most advanced class for which substitutes have been developed and are being used. In the document, asbestos was categorized as a toxic and hazardous substance which could be replaced by safer alternatives. Chinese experts on the asbestos industry suggest that this reclassification along with existing restrictions and increasing prices could increase the popularity in China of asbestos-free products.

Asbestos danger in Hong Kong

Mar 29, 2011

At a Hong Kong press conference on March 29, 2011 warnings were issued about the threat posed by asbestos liberated during refurbishment and demolition work. A preliminary evaluation by the Hong Kong Workers' Health Centre (HKWHC) found that almost 80% of buildings earmarked for renovation by local authorities contain asbestos. Additionally, HKWHC's project manager Trevor Sun reported disturbing findings from Choi Yuen Village and Lower Ngau Tau Kok (II) Estate where contaminated building debris was observed throughout demolition sites. Sun called on the Environmental Protection Department and the Labor Department to step up government supervision. See: China Daily news report.

16th Asian Games Asbestos-Free?

Nov 15, 2010

The 2010 competition known as the XVI Asiad is taking place in the Chinese city of Guangzhou from November 12 to 27, 2010. Like the Beijing Olympics 2008, it is believed that the use of asbestos has been forbidden in the construction of the Games' infrastructure. A spokesperson for a building supplier based in Guangzhou confirmed that his company had sold in excess of 1.5 million square meters of asbestos-free fibre cement products for use in construction of buildings and facilities for the Games. See: China Expands Asbestos Ban.