Russian Opinion on Asbestos: All Fibers Equal

Asbestos-related health risks have been evaluated on the basis of past experience, when occupational exposures were much higher; while the linear no-threshold (LNT) approach has usually been applied. However, applicability of the LNT dose-response pattern to low levels of asbestos exposure has never been proven. Asbestos-related research has been influenced by vested interests and biases. Furthermore, current evidence does not provide sufficient support for a separate approach to serpentine (chrysotile) and amphibole asbestos by official regulations, the more so as the international trade provides for mixing of different asbestos types. Carcinogenicity and other harmful properties of different asbestos fibers, and of man-made asbestos substitutes, should be tested in large-scale animal experiments. Importantly, researchers must be independent from vested interests. In the meantime, the All Fibers Equal basis for the asbestos-related regulations would be an optimal solution. Current asbestos-related policies are irrational: asbestos production and use are banned by some countries, while others are increasing the manufacturing and exports. The rules and regulations should be internationally coordinated and revised on the basis of scientific knowledge.