Work

Experience of Japan in Achieving a Total Ban on Asbestos

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: This paper aims to examine the process through which a total ban on asbestos was achieved in Japan. We reconstructed the process, analyzed the roles of involved parties/events, and drew lessons from the Japanese experience of achieving the ban. In Japan, a bill to phase out asbestos was proposed in 1992 but rejected without deliberation. Wide support for such a ban subsequently grew, however, largely due to the actions of trade unions and civil societies in establishing a coalition, raising awareness, organizing asbestos victims and their families, and propagating information on international developments. A governmental decision towards a ban was made in 2002 based on several national and international factors. A huge asbestos scandal in 2005 preponed the achievement of a total ban and led to the establishment of comprehensive measures to tackle asbestos issues. However, challenges remain for the elimination of asbestos-related diseases.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14101261

Authors: Sugio Furuya, Ken Takahashi

Institutions: The University of Sydney, Asbestos Diseases Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Global Justice

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,016