The hidden legacy of asbestos and the search for safer alternatives

The hidden legacy of asbestos and the search for safer alternatives | Photo: Junipero Verbeke

For much of the twentieth century, asbestos was celebrated as an indispensable material. Its resistance to heat, corrosion and electricity made it a cornerstone of modern construction and manufacturing. Found in cement, roofing, insulation, flooring and brakes, it was promoted as durable and affordable. Yet the very qualities that made asbestos indispensable are also deadly. When inhaled, its microscopic fibres embed in the lungs, causing irreversible and often fatal diseases.

Although many countries have outlawed asbestos, its toxic legacy persists in older buildings and global supply chains where it remains in use. Understanding its dangers, and the safer alternatives available, is critical for shaping healthier and more sustainable futures.

What asbestos is and why it was used

Asbestos is a family of naturally occurring silicate minerals, mined in Russia, China, Canada and parts of Africa. The most common type, chrysotile, accounted for over 90 per cent of industrial application. Others, such as amosite and crocidolite, were prized for extra strength but proved even more hazardous. Global production peaked in the 1970s, exceeding 4.7 million tonnes per year.

Its fine fibres could be spun, mixed or pressed into products that resisted fire and chemical damage. The low cost of extraction made it particularly attractive for rapidly expanding cities and industrial hubs.

The health toll of exposure

The health risks of asbestos are now beyond dispute. Inhaled fibres remain in the body for decades, with illnesses typically emerging 20 to 50 years after exposure. The three most devastating outcomes are:

·       Asbestosis: chronic lung scarring, causing severe breathlessness.

·       Mesothelioma: a rare but aggressive cancer of the lung or abdominal lining—almost always caused by asbestos, with five-year survival rates well below 10 per cent.

·       Lung cancer: risk increases significantly for those exposed, especially smokers.

The World Health Organization attributes more than 200,000 deaths per year to asbestos, though the real toll is believed to be higher due to underdiagnosis and misreporting.

A material that refuses to disappear

Over 70 countries have imposed bans, yet asbestos is still produced and exported. Russia remains a major supplier, while parts of Asia, Africa and South America continue using asbestos products for affordable housing. In Europe and North America, the challenge is legacy exposure, ageing schools, homes and hospitals still harbour asbestos in insulation and flooring. Safe removal is complex and costly, burdening public budgets.

Natural and sustainable alternatives

Replacing asbestos has sparked innovation. Beyond fibreglass and mineral wool, organic and non-chemical materials now emerge as safer, greener options:

·       Straw-based boards (OSSB): compressed straw with eco-friendly binders generate structural panels free of formaldehyde.

·       Earthen plaster with natural fibres: clay mixed with straw, hemp or coconut fibre creates breathable, moisture-regulating wall finishes.

·       Agricultural by-product fillers: nut shells, olive stones and other waste powders improve insulation and durability in construction mixes.

·       Bacterial cellulose aerogels: grown from brewing waste, these ultra-light films offer exceptional thermal insulation without synthetic chemicals.

·       Geopolymer-wood composites: wood fibres bound with mineral geopolymers produce fire-resistant, climate-control panels.

·       Marine bacteria detoxification: emerging research suggests natural bacteria may one day neutralise asbestos waste, offering a sustainable disposal route.

These substitutes not only replace asbestos but also uphold sustainability, reducing chemical reliance, waste and carbon footprints.

The role of the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat

Central to the fight against asbestos is the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), founded in 1999. It serves as a vital information hub and network for groups pursuing a global asbestos ban and addressing the damage wrought by its historic ubiquity.

IBAS achieves its aims by:

·       Supporting and co-sponsoring national and international conferences to raise awareness and spur action.

·       Countering industry-led misinformation and amplifying voices of victims, creating a platform for those affected to speak out.

·       Serving as a conduit for exchange among victims’ groups, medical, legal professionals and concerned individuals—channelled through its coordinator, Laurie Kazan-Allen.

·       Keeping the public informed with up-to-date developments, research and policy shifts related to asbestos hazards.

Thanks to IBAS, reliable and coordinated advocacy continues, even amid attempts to obscure asbestos risks.

Towards healthier progress

The asbestos crisis highlights a central challenge in sustainable development: balancing affordability with long-term health. Safer, eco-friendly building materials must become accessible globally, especially where asbestos is still in circulation due to cost constraints.

Reducing exposure aligns with the global agenda for healthy work and living environments. Embracing organic and renewable construction materials is a step toward climate-conscious, resilient design. However, home- and property-owners must remain vigilant: professional asbestos surveys before renovation or demolition are critical, as accidental exposure remains dangerous.

Further reading on international campaigns to eliminate asbestos can be found at International Ban Asbestos Secretariat.