Abstract

Asbestos has been used extensively in Europe for well over 100 years and annual mesothelioma mortality is still increasing. However, the rapid decline in usage led to a substantial reduction in exposures in European worker populations. This effect can be seen in declining death rates in younger age groups in most countries. Projections suggest that peaks will typically occur over the next decade. Although asbestos is now banned in European Union member states, some countries in the east of Europe continue to produce and consume asbestos in large quantities. Even within the EU, however, much asbestos remains in place in older buildings and strict control of abatement work will be required.