To study development of lung function changes following exposure to asbestos
Project outcome(s) and deadline(s) for completion of the project
Selection of study subjects from the database of former workers occupationally exposed to asbestos by beginning of occupational exposure (2006)
Entry and processing of follow-up data from lung function tests and chest films (2007-2009)
Statistical analysis of data and final assessment of reduction of selected lung function parameters in study groups. Integration of results for estimate of post exposure 43/59 progression of lung function damage (2009-2010)
Target group and/or beneficiaries
Retired and former workers occupationally exposed to asbestos in an asbestos processing plant in the Czech Republic under different conditions of particulate matter air pollution:
• Group 1: workers occupationally exposed to asbestos since 1975
• Group 2: workers occupationally exposed to asbestos since 1976 – 1996
Groups 1 and 2 were selected so as to reflect conditions prior to and after the implementation of effective measures against airborne particulate matter at the asbestos processing plant, respectively.
Summary of the project (max 100 words)
Assessment of changes in selected lung function parameters in workers occupationally exposed to asbestos at an asbestos processing plant in the Czech Republic who started their job under different conditions of particulate matter air pollution at workplaces.
Estimate of the progression of lung function damage in these workers over post exposure years. The results obtained would be a key to the implementation of preventive measures for reducing occupational risk and follow-up check-ups in the occupations and countries where asbestos has still been processed.
Dissemination
WHO documents, scientific meetings and publications
Impact (global or regional)
Both regional and global
Progress on Project (max 100 words)
Over 2006, records of 615 persons were studied for the purpose of this work.
From this, 331 subjects have been investigated for whom at least 2 lung function examination results were obtained at an interval of not less than 1 year. These subjects were then divided into 2 groups to reflect the conditions prior to and after the implementation of effective measures against airborne particulate matter at the asbestos processing plant:
Group 1: workers occupationally exposed to asbestos until 1975
Group 2: workers occupationally exposed to asbestos from 1976 to 1996.
Data has been entered into an appropriate statistical program throughout 2006 for analysis.
No report received on further progress by June 2010.
List of major outcomes already achieved by this project
Pending confirmation from Project Leader
List of additional major outcomes expected from this project by 2012
Tentative summary by CC Initiative Leader but pending confirmation from Project Leader
Selection of study subjects from database of former workers occupationally exposed to asbestos (2006)
Data-entry and processing of follow-up data from lung function tests and chest films (2007-2009)
Statistical analysis of data and final assessment of reduction of selected lung function parameters in study groups. Integration of results to estimate post-exposure progression of lung function damage (2009-2010)
GPA Objective 1 :To devise and implement policy instruments on workers’ health,
Action 1.10
Priority Initiative
Priority 1.3: Develop and disseminate evidence-based prevention tools and raise awareness for the elimination of asbestos-related diseases
Responsible CC or
NGO Name
Bureau of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Project leader
(contact name and
email address)
Dr. Somkiat Siriruttanapruk
somkiatk@health.moph.go.th
Network partners
(CC name, country,
email)
UOEH (Japan), KOSHA and CUK (Korea), NIOEH (Vietnam)
WHO Regions
involved in this
CONTRIBUTING
project (contact
name and email)
WHO (SEARO and Geneva)
Country ministries
involved in this
CONTRIBUTING
project (contact
name and email)
Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Labour, Thailand
External partners
for this CONTRIBUTING
project (contact
name, organization
and email)
Summary of the
project (max 100
words)
Thailand is currently the world’s fourth largest importer of asbestos. This will be
one of the most important public health problems in the country in the near future.
The aims of this project are to implement and support the national strategic plan and action for prevention and control of asbestos-related diseases in Thailand.
Asbestos has been imported to Thailand for more than 40 years for use by
several industries. In 2006, the amount of imported asbestos was approximately 39/59 140,000 tons. There were at least 16 asbestos-using factories with 1,800 exposed workers in the country. With the support of international agencies, such as ILO and WHO, Thailand has already set up and developed the national strategic plan and
action for control and ban of asbestos / elimination of asbestos-related diseases. The plan consists of 4 main topics:
1) Workers and public protection
2) Prevention, control, and ban of asbestos use in industries
3) Collaboration among relevant organizations at all levels
4) Improvement of disease diagnosis and surveillance
Target group and/or beneficiaries
Workers who are exposed to asbestos in their working environment, the public who use asbestos containing materials
Events opportunities
For furthering the
project
National and international meeting
Expected results of
this project by 2012
(outcomes)
1. Description of the asbestos situation at national and local level
Ministry of Public Health, Vietnam (Dr Tran Thi Ngoc Lan);
Ministry of Public Health, Thailand (Dr Somkiat Siriruttanapruk);
National University of Singapore (Dr David Koh cofhead@nus.edu.sg);
United Nations University, IIGH, Malaysia (Dr Syed Aljunid)
External partners
for this CONTRIBUTING
project (contact
name, organization
and email)
ILO (Dr. Igor Fedotov fedotov@ilo.org)
Liaoning Province CDC, China
Srinakarinwilot University, Thailand
National University of Malaya (UKM), Malaysia
Summary of the
project (max 100
words)
Identify and share technologies for prevention of asbestos diseases at all three levels of prevention in recognition of the variable national phases in terms of asbestos use and recognition of asbestos diseases. In particular, produce training materials (e.g. toolkit in the form of CDs, web information, reference video) for the effective expert training of relevant experts at all three levels of prevention. Formulate a model from which other parts of the world can benefit.
Target group and/or beneficiaries
Beneficiaries are countries (practitioners and administrators) currently depending on asbestos use which should be expecting an unfolding of asbestos diseases soon.
Events opportunities
For furthering the
project
Annual National Seminars (AAI1 - 2008 done in Kitakyushu; AAI2 - 2009 done in Thailand; AAI3 - 2010 planned in Fukoka).
Expected results of
this project by 2012
(outcomes)
Development of training tools for prevention (e.g. video)
Holding of International Seminars
International Training Sessions
Indicators of
achievement
(impact)
Surveillance system of asbestos exposure and ARDs installed
Major Milestones
(list up to three
dates and
milestones)
By 2010, assist countries to complete national profiles on asbestos use and ARDs
Prevention of asbestos diseases and transition to asbestos-free societies
Funding source(s)
Japan Society for the Promotion of Sciences (JSPS)
Dissemination
Training materials (e.g. toolkit with digitalized content; reference video)
List of major outcomes already achieved by this project
Development of training tools for expert training on prevention of ARDs, e.g. video - COMPLETED
Organisation of annual international seminar (AAI1 - 2008 COMPLETED)
Organisation of annual international seminar (AAI2 - 2009 COMPLETED)
Progress report as at June 2010
Asian countries are trying to cooperate to tackle the severe health risk caused by asbestos exposure. To this end a regional meeting – the Second Seminar of the Asian Asbestos Initiative (AAI) – was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 21-23 December 2009. The meeting of health ministries and experts from 15 Asian countries highlighted the need for joint action to tackle the problem of ARDs. Japan and Korea have already imposed a total ban on asbestos (Singapore ceased use de facto); however, the use of asbestos is on the rise in many developing economies in Asia. Experts confirmed that the region accounts for half of the world’s total consumption of asbestos; this could have grave consequences for many Asian countries.
List of additional major outcomes expected from this project by 2012
Sharing and transferring of core technologies in preventing ARDs through development of training tools and organization of international seminars
Elaboration of national profiles on asbestos use and ARDs (2010)
Initiate surveillance system of asbestos exposure and ARDs (2011)
Organization of annual international seminars (2009 scheduled in Thailand, 2010 scheduled in Japan)
