In 2017, Brazil took a historic step by banning asbestos, a mineral once widely used for its heat-resistant properties but now recognized for its serious health risks. However, even after the ban, asbestos remains a topic of concern due to the legacy of its use and the need for safe management of materials containing asbestos (MCA). A recent seminar organized by Fundacentro, titled “Contemporary Challenges of Asbestos After the Ban,” explored the key issues related to asbestos in Brazil, focusing on the end of extraction, health surveillance, and safe removal practices.
The Ban and Its Implications
The ban on asbestos, enforced by the Brazilian Supreme Court in 2017, was a major victory for public health advocates, but challenges remain. One significant issue discussed during the seminar is the law passed by the State of Goiás (Law No. 20514), which permits the extraction and export of chrysotile asbestos—a loophole that contradicts the national ban. Although the law’s repeal was on the Supreme Court’s agenda, the vote was delayed, leaving the issue unresolved.
In response to ongoing asbestos extraction in Goiás, a new state law (Law No. 22935) was introduced in August 2023, establishing a five-year deadline for the termination of all asbestos-related activities. This law mandates a structured process for ending asbestos extraction, starting from the signing of a compliance agreement. The continuation of asbestos mining poses health risks not only to workers but also to communities living near extraction sites and industries handling the material.
Safe Asbestos Removal: A National Priority
One of the major topics discussed at the seminar was desamiantagem, or asbestos removal, an essential process for ensuring public health. Given that an estimated 7 million tons of asbestos-containing materials are still installed across Brazil, the need for safe removal practices is critical. The seminar highlighted publications like Desamiantagem: O que você precisa saber and Guia de Boas Práticas de Desamiantagem, which provide essential guidelines for workers, building managers, and the public on how to handle asbestos safely.
Carlos Minc, a state deputy from Rio de Janeiro, introduced Law No. 1409/2023, which seeks to create a statewide asbestos removal program. This law emphasizes the safe identification, removal, and disposal of asbestos from public and private facilities. Following the guidelines set by Fundacentro, the law advocates the gradual replacement of asbestos and its proper disposal to prevent exposure.
Surveillance and Health Risks
The seminar also addressed the importance of health surveillance for individuals exposed to asbestos. Fundacentro researcher Eduardo Algranti discussed the need for ongoing monitoring of both direct and indirect exposure, especially among workers in construction, mining, and asbestos-related manufacturing. In Brazil, the production and use of asbestos peaked in the 1980s and 1990s, and despite the ban, large quantities of asbestos remain in buildings and products.
Diseases linked to asbestos exposure, such as asbestosis, pleural thickening, and various cancers, continue to affect exposed individuals. Studies show a direct correlation between asbestos consumption and mesothelioma cases, a rare but deadly form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Algranti’s research underlines the urgent need for continued health monitoring of exposed workers and their families, as environmental exposure can also pose risks to communities near asbestos processing plants.
The Path Forward: Legislation and International Perspectives
In addition to Brazilian efforts, the seminar included insights from international experts like Alessia Angelini from Italy, a country that banned asbestos over 30 years ago. Italy’s experience highlights the importance of a comprehensive asbestos management strategy, including regular monitoring of asbestos-related diseases and a structured removal process. Italy’s ban, established through Law 257 in 1992, required a two-year transition for industries to eliminate asbestos use, serving as a model for Brazil.
Italy’s strict regulations ensure the safe removal and disposal of asbestos. However, challenges remain, such as the need for specialized landfills to manage asbestos waste. Angelini’s presentation underscored that improper handling of asbestos can lead to fatal accidents, emphasizing the importance of following best practices for asbestos removal.
Conclusion
The Fundacentro seminar made clear that while Brazil has made significant progress by banning asbestos, much work remains to be done to ensure the safe removal of asbestos and the protection of exposed individuals. From the legal challenges in Goiás to the need for nationwide asbestos surveillance, Brazil must continue to strengthen its asbestos management policies. Safe removal practices, combined with ongoing health surveillance, will be essential to mitigating the long-term impacts of asbestos on public health.