Here is an article recently published by the Asian/Pacific Society of Respirology analyzing the increase of asbestos use and occurence of asbestos-related disease in Asia.

The proportion of global asbestos use attributed to Asia has been steadily increasing over the years from 14% (1920–1970) to 33% (1971–2000) to 64% (2001–2007).

Asbestos use in Asia has now reached formidable levels in terms of per capita use and absolute volumes and a surge of asbestos-related diseases should be anticipated in the coming decades.

Here is a paper by Deborah Altomare analyzing Ink4A and Arf role in mesothelioma pathogenesis.
p16(INK4A) and p14(ARF) are frequently co-deleted in human malignant mesothelioma and the authors here find that in vivo both CDKN2A/ARF gene products suppress asbestos carcinogenicity. Furthermore, while the inactivation of Arf appears to be crucial for mesothelioma pathogenesis, the inactivation of both p16(INK4A) and p19(ARF) cooperate to accelerate asbestos-induced tumorigenesis.

The Board of iMig deeply regrets that the Quebec Government has provided the loan guarantee that enables resumption of asbestos mining in Canada. It is further regretted that the majority market for the such asbestos is likely to be the developing countries. Our previous statement on the matter stands as below:

We, the Board of iMig, wish to expand on our position, in response to the points summarized in the New York Times article of February 3, 2011 (see article link in menu at right).
We strongly disagree with Mr. Coulombe’s …

A powerful editorial by Prof. Gilles Paradis on chrysotile asbestos export.

A useful resource recommended by our new iMig President Dr. Steve Mutsaers.
Dangers in the Dust: Inside the Global Asbestos Trade is based on extensive research in eight countries. The team relied on thousands of pages of documents, including court filings, scientific studies, and financial records, as well as on interviews with health officials, industry representatives, scientists, victims, lawyers, and activists.
The team’s reporting reveals close relationships among the industry, governments and scientists, and cites predictions from health experts that new epidemics of asbestos-related disease will emerge in the coming decades. Some …

An article from the Collegium Ramazzini on the need for asbestos ban regulations worldwide.
The first call for a universal ban on asbestos by the Collegium Ramazzini was made in 1999. Still, asbestos is though still mined and used in several countries across the globe.
This newsletter provides an update on the topic.

Suggested by Dr Jim teWaterNaude MBChB, MPhil (MCH), FCPHM

An article from the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat by Laurie Kazan Allen analyzing the effects of the increasing utilization of asbestos in Asia.

Mesothelial cells are a single layer of specialised pavement-like cells that line the body’s internal cavities and most organs. The primary function of this cell layer, termed the mesothelium, is to provide a slippery, non-adhesive and protective surface. However, mesothelial cells play other pivotal roles involving transport of fluid and cells across the surface of the body wall and organs, presentation of foreign molecules (such as bacteria and virus proteins) to immune cells, inflammation and tissue repair, formation and breakdown of fibrin …

A comprehensive report curated by Laurie Kazan-Allen on the asbestos-related diseases in India. An economical and political evaluation of the asbestos industry and its implications in society and healthcare stream. Prevention is key, especially in mesothelioma, where the carcinogen, asbestos, is well known and exposure to it can be controlled. Acting now will prevent the inevitable increase of deaths in a near future. India is the third largest user of asbestos after China and Russia (countries where it’s still produced too).