Some 2008 World Asbestos Statistics

Asbestos is deadly chemical, and it is still used in the United States. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has successfully done its part to reduce asbestos use and consumption, the presence of some asbestos in the United States is, as of now, inevitable. Similarly, the use of asbestos in the world, for now, is inevitable. Asbestos is a very useful chemical, and if it is used in limited amounts the likelihood of it causing a disease falls.

In the United States, although asbestos use and consumption has fallen, it is still notable. In 2007, 1,820 of asbestos were imported and used here, while in 2006 2,230 tons were. Additionally, U.S. exports of asbestos fell to 1,089 tons in 2007 from 3,410 tons in 2006. Because the United States does not produce any of its own (it ceased mining and domestic production of asbestos in 2002), it imports all the asbestos it needs. The vast majority (86%) of the U.S.'s asbestos imports comes from Canada, while the remaining comes from other countries. 84% of imported asbestos is used for roofing purposes, while the other 16% is put to other uses. The only type used in the U.S. is chyrsotile. The federal government does not have any stockpiles of asbestos

Just as looking at U.S. statistics reveals low levels of usage, looking at world statistics also reveals low levels of usage. A number of countries have taken steps to ban asbestos. In 2008, South Korea began a process that would lead to a ban in 2009. New Caledonia has banned asbestos, and in 2011 all exemptions from the ban will end. Additionally, Canada's asbestos mining companies recently filed for bankruptcy.

Despite the fact that other nations are aware of asbestos's health hazards, many still continue to produce asbestos in large quantities. In 2006, Brazil produced 236 tons; in 2007 230 tons. In that same period, Canada's production fell from 244 to 185. China's production did not change, but Kazakhstan's production fell from 355 tons to 350 tons. Zimbabwe's production fell from 100 to 95 tons. Russia's production, however increased from 925 to 1,030 tons. The rest of the world's production fell from 100 to 45 tons. In sum, total world production fell from 2,300 tons in 2006 to 2,290 tons in 2007. Current estimates say that there are 200 million tons of asbestos still available.

Asbestos is a danger to people's health, but it will likely continue to be produced.

For more information on asbestos as well as on mesothelioma, contact the Houston mesothelioma attorneys Williams Kherkher by calling 1-800-220-9341 or be sending them a message.

Joseph Devine