The impact of asbestos on mortality in Belgium

    Onderzoeksoutput: Meeting abstract (Book)

    Samenvatting

    Background Asbestos is one of the most serious environmental and occupational health problems in modern history. Decades after exposure, asbestos can cause a number of fatal health problems. A recent comparative study of global mesothelioma deaths confirms the concern for a global epidemic of asbestos-related diseases (Delgermaa et al. 2011).
    With companies like Eternit, Belgium manufactured asbestos products at a large scale. However no prior demographic research on asbestos-related mortality has been conducted for Belgium.
    Objective This study aims to provide a descriptive analysis of the impact of asbestos on Belgian mortality, focussing on the relation with employment in the asbestos industry.

    Method Within a quantitative demographic research design, this study analyzes cause specific mortality data from the Scientific Institute of Public Health (1987-2008) and the WHO Mortality Database (1969-1997).

    Results Our findings indicate a significant rise in asbestos-related mortality since the 1980s. Strong differences in age adjusted mortality rates between sexes are apparent, pointing to occupational influences. Additionally our results indicate asbestos-related deaths are concentrated in specific geographical areas. Mortality rates are higher in areas with a history of industrial asbestos use.

    Conclusion Our results show strong indications for occupational effects in the impact of asbestos in Belgium.

    V. Delgermaa et al., "Global Mesothelioma Deaths reported to the World Health Organization between 1994 and 2008," Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 89, 716 -724C, 2011
    Originele taal-2English
    TitelPaper presented at the 27th IUSSP International Population Conference
    StatusPublished - 29 aug 2013
    EvenementXXVII IUSSP International Population Conference - Busan, Busan, Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
    Duur: 26 aug 201331 aug 2013
    http://busan2013.iussp.org/

    Conference

    ConferenceXXVII IUSSP International Population Conference
    Verkorte titelIUSSP 2014
    Land/RegioKorea, Democratic People's Republic of
    StadBusan
    Periode26/08/1331/08/13
    Internet adres

    Vingerafdruk

    Duik in de onderzoeksthema's van 'The impact of asbestos on mortality in Belgium'. Samen vormen ze een unieke vingerafdruk.

    Citeer dit