According to statistics from the Minerals Yearbooks of the United States Geological Survey from 1980 to 2022 , the proportion of asbestos production by country has changed significantly worldwide in recent decades. While significant quantities were still being mined in 22 countries around 1980, there are only four main producers in 2022.
These countries include Brazil, China, Kazakhstan and Russia. According to data from the Minerals Yearbooks, the annual production of asbestos has fallen globally since 1980 (4.7 million tons) to around a third by 2022 (1.3 million tons).
In terms of production, however, there is no constant trend for individual countries. In Russia, for example, 0.75 million tons of asbestos were mined in 2020, significantly more than in 2015 (0.65 million tons). Brazil, one of the main producers, has also shown strong fluctuations in asbestos production in recent years. Compared to 2018, the country has almost doubled its production level from 101,000 tons to around 197,000 tons by 2022.
The race video below illustrates the historical development of asbestos production by country worldwide over time from 1980 to 2022.
Video on asbestos production by country worldwide from 1980 to 2022
Asbestos
Asbestos is a collective term for naturally occurring silicate minerals. They differ in their appearance and chemical composition. They form fibrous structures.
Asbestos for industrial purposes and products
Due to its special properties, asbestos was an ideal additive for building materials and industrially manufactured products. In particular, fire-resistant products such as fire protection materials, protective clothing, insulating materials, brake and clutch linings and many other materials were made from it.
While asbestos bans have been introduced in some countries in Europe since the 1980s, such bans do not yet apply in many other countries around the world. An overview of the current asbestos bans worldwide can be found here. Hazardous asbestos products can still be produced for various purposes. If strict asbestos bans on the mining, manufacture and trade of products containing asbestos continue to be enforced, it is to be expected that global asbestos production will decline more sharply. This would be of crucial importance in terms of health protection.
Health hazards
Long-term exposure to released asbestos fibers, such as at the workplace, can damage health and even cause cancer. The ultra-fine asbestos fibers can reach the alveoli of the lungs through inhalation and cause serious lung and respiratory diseases. Serious illnesses often only occur 30 years after handling materials containing asbestos or other exposure, such as via ventilation and floors containing asbestos. Asbestosis is now recognized as an occupational disease. Even 30 years after the ban on asbestos in Germany in 1993, serious asbestos-related diseases are still occurring. Health protection against asbestos risks is not yet fully guaranteed by special occupational safety measures and controls. As asbestos is still present in large quantities, especially in old buildings, craftsmen in particular are at risk during renovation work. They come into contact with the dangerous fibers when working with old tile adhesives, fillers, old plaster, floors, roofs or other materials. There is still too little education and regulated protective measures are not sufficiently observed, which means that employees continue to expose themselves to asbestos risks to their health. According to data from the National Asbestos Profile (2020), around 34,000 people died from previous exposure to the asbestos fibers released in the period from 1990 to 2020.
Asbestos measurement with the GSA measuring devices SG12
The SG12 measuring device developed by the GSA Messgerätebau GmbH developed measuring devices SG12 is suitable. This measuring device can be used to carry out stationary fibre measurements in accordance with VDI 3492 for measuring asbestos fibers. It is also suitable for sampling KMF (ceramic fibers and glass fibers) and other inorganic fibrous particles. in accordance with VDI 3492 and ISO 14966. In particular, particle measurements of the various dust fractions such as A-dust or E-dust are possible with the SG12. The GSA measuring devices SG12 can be used in particular for stationary measurements of workplaces or sampling of hazardous substances.
Who can carry out asbestos measurements on site in my home or at the workplace?
Our sister company has over 30 years of experience in asbestos measurements on site. They will also carry out the associated analysis and advice for you. Here you will receive competent help – even without prior knowledge or your own equipment.
Sources:
Image source: Diagram created from data on asbestos production worldwide from the Minerals Yearbooks of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a scientific agency of the United States Department of the Interior, (see: www.pubs.usgs.gov / www.usgs.gov).
www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Publikationen/Berichte/Gd80-3.html
www.baua.de/DE/Themen/Chemikalien-Biostoffe/Gefahrstoffe/Informationsportal-Asbest/FAQ/Asbest-FAQ.html
www.de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbest
www.handwerksblatt.de/betriebsfuehrung/asbest-wie-ist-die-aktuelle-situation-in-deutschland
www.krebsinformationsdienst.de/krebs-vorbeugen/krebsrisiko-asbest
www.pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2006/1298/c1298.pdf
www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/gesundheit/umwelteinfluesse-auf-den-menschen/chemische-stoffe/asbest#ist-asbest-auch-ausserhalb-deutschlands-verboten
www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/asbestos-statistics-and-information