Challenges in Identifying and Diagnosing Asbestos-Related Diseases in Emerging Economies: A Global Health Perspective.

ABSTRACT: Background: Asbestos, a durable fibrous silicate once widely used for its thermal resistance, remains in use in countries like India and China despite being banned in over 70 nations and classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by IARC. Prolonged occupational exposure causes asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant pleural mesothelioma, but in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) the true burden is underreported due to weak regulation, low awareness, limited diagnostics, and inadequate occupational health systems. Objectives: This review aimed to examine the epidemiological patterns and diagnostic challenges of Asbestos-Related Disease (ARDs) in emerging economies, with a focus on the applicability and limitations of existing and emerging diagnostic strategies. Methods: We

SUBMITTER: Roy P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12458074 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature