1. Introduction
Asbestos has played a significant role in India’s industrial and construction sectors for several decades. Due to its affordability, durability, and resistance to heat and corrosion, asbestos became widely used in roofing materials, cement sheets, pipes, and insulation products, particularly in rapidly urbanizing and rural areas. While many countries have completely banned asbestos, India continues to face complex challenges balancing economic development, public health protection, and regulatory enforcement.
2. Types of Asbestos Used in India
India has primarily relied on chrysotile asbestos, which is imported from countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, and previously Canada. Chrysotile is commonly referred to as “white asbestos” and has been promoted by industry as a safer alternative compared to amphibole asbestos. However, scientific consensus confirms that chrysotile is also carcinogenic and poses serious health risks when inhaled.
Amphibole asbestos, such as crocidolite and amosite, is officially restricted in India. Nevertheless, concerns remain about contamination, improper labeling, and legacy materials still present in older infrastructure and industrial sites.
3. Industrial and Socioeconomic Importance
Asbestos-containing materials have been widely used in India due to their low cost and suitability for local conditions. Asbestos-cement roofing sheets are commonly found in factories, warehouses, schools, and low-income housing, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions. These materials are favored for their thermal insulation properties and resistance to monsoon weather conditions.
The asbestos industry has provided employment to thousands of workers, both directly in manufacturing plants and indirectly through construction and installation activities. This economic dependence has historically influenced policy decisions and slowed the transition toward safer alternatives.
4. Exposure Risks and Vulnerable Populations
In India, asbestos exposure is not limited to industrial workers. Construction laborers, demolition workers, waste handlers, and informal-sector workers are at significant risk due to limited awareness, lack of protective equipment, and weak enforcement of safety regulations. Environmental exposure can also occur in densely populated areas where asbestos-containing materials deteriorate over time.
A major concern is the informal nature of much of India’s labor market. Workers may be exposed without proper training or health monitoring, and occupational diseases often go undiagnosed or unreported. Additionally, family members may experience secondary exposure from contaminated work clothing.
5. Health Impacts and Disease Burden
Exposure to asbestos is associated with serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma. In India, the true burden of asbestos-related diseases is believed to be underreported due to limited diagnostic capacity, lack of specialized cancer registries, and long latency periods between exposure and disease onset.
Mesothelioma, in particular, is often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis or other respiratory illnesses. This misclassification delays treatment and obscures the link between occupational exposure and disease, reducing opportunities for compensation and prevention.
6. Legal Framework and Policy Gaps
India does not have a comprehensive ban on asbestos. While certain forms are restricted, chrysotile asbestos continues to be legally imported and used. Regulations related to occupational safety exist under labor and environmental laws, but enforcement is inconsistent across states and sectors.
Public interest litigation and advocacy by health organizations have raised awareness of asbestos-related risks, but policy progress remains gradual. International health agencies, including the World Health Organization, have repeatedly urged India to phase out asbestos and adopt safer alternatives.
7. Transition Challenges and Future Directions
Transitioning away from asbestos in India presents technical, economic, and social challenges. Affordable alternatives must be accessible, especially for low-cost housing and infrastructure projects. Worker retraining, industrial conversion, and public awareness campaigns are critical components of a successful phase-out strategy.
Improved disease surveillance, occupational health monitoring, and stricter enforcement of existing regulations are essential to protect current and future generations. India’s experience with asbestos highlights the broader challenge faced by developing economies in managing hazardous materials while pursuing growth.