The Impact of Asbestos on Mortality in Belgium

The concern for a further global rise of asbestos-related diseases is growing. A recent WHO study on global mesothelioma deaths reported between 1994 and 2008, shows an increase in mortality worldwide (Delgermaa, Takahashi et al. 2011). Because Belgian data have not been reported as a consequence of the regionalization process, Belgium was not included in this study.
With companies as Eternit, Belgium has been a top producer and a top consumer of asbestos worldwide. Nonetheless, asbestos-related mortality remained largely unexplored for Belgium.
Our aim is to improve the understanding of the impact of asbestos in an international perspective by providing a descriptive analysis of mesothelioma mortality in Belgium (1969-2008).
Compared to the results of the WHO study, Belgium ranks fourth in the world in age adjusted mortality rates, just behind the UK, Australia and Italy. The high male/female ratio points to occupational related hazards, a fact confirmed by our geographical analysis. Mesothelioma mortality is higher in areas with a history of industrial asbestos use. Finally, our results also suggest a further increase in asbestos-related mortality in Belgium.