1. Introduction
India’s rapid industrialization and urban expansion have created a sustained demand for inexpensive and durable construction materials. Within this context, asbestos has been widely used, particularly in asbestos-cement products such as roofing sheets and pipes. While the health hazards of asbestos are well documented globally, India continues to permit the use of certain forms of asbestos, creating an ongoing public health and regulatory challenge. The Indian case highlights the tension between economic development priorities and long-term health protection.
2. Historical Context of Asbestos Adoption in India
The widespread use of asbestos in India began during the post-independence industrial expansion period. As infrastructure development accelerated, asbestos emerged as a cost-effective solution for housing, industrial facilities, and public buildings. Domestic production initially relied on limited local deposits, but as demand increased, India became heavily dependent on imported asbestos, particularly chrysotile.
Government support for affordable housing and industrial growth further reinforced asbestos use, embedding it deeply within construction practices across both urban and rural regions.
3. Current Patterns of Use and Import Dependence
Today, India remains one of the world’s largest importers of chrysotile asbestos. The material is primarily used in asbestos-cement roofing sheets, water pipes, and insulation products. These products are marketed as durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for India’s climatic conditions, including high temperatures and monsoon rainfall.
The continued reliance on imported asbestos reflects both economic considerations and the limited adoption of alternative materials. Cost sensitivity in low-income housing projects and small-scale industries remains a major barrier to transitioning away from asbestos.
4. Occupational Exposure in Formal and Informal Sectors
Asbestos exposure in India extends beyond factory settings. Workers in construction, demolition, waste recycling, and maintenance are frequently exposed, often without adequate protective equipment. Informal labor arrangements are common, and many workers are unaware of asbestos-related risks.
Occupational health surveillance is limited, and routine medical screening for asbestos exposure is rare. As a result, early signs of asbestos-related disease often go unnoticed, particularly among migrant and contract workers who lack long-term employment records.
5. Environmental and Community-Level Risks
Environmental exposure to asbestos is an increasing concern in densely populated areas. Aging asbestos-cement roofs and pipes can deteriorate over time, releasing fibers into the surrounding environment. Demolition and renovation activities, especially when conducted without regulatory oversight, further contribute to airborne asbestos contamination.
Communities living near asbestos product manufacturing plants or disposal sites may experience prolonged low-level exposure, raising concerns about long-term health impacts beyond occupational settings.
6. Health System Challenges and Disease Recognition
Asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma are widely believed to be underdiagnosed in India. Long latency periods, limited awareness among healthcare providers, and inadequate diagnostic infrastructure contribute to misdiagnosis.
Mesothelioma cases are often mistaken for tuberculosis or other respiratory diseases, delaying appropriate treatment and obscuring links to occupational exposure. This under-recognition limits compensation claims and weakens the perceived urgency of asbestos regulation.
7. Legal Environment and Regulatory Enforcement
India does not enforce a complete ban on asbestos. While certain hazardous forms are restricted, chrysotile asbestos remains legally permitted. Occupational safety regulations exist under labor and environmental laws, but enforcement varies widely across states and industries.
Legal challenges and advocacy by civil society organizations have increased public awareness, yet policy reform has progressed slowly. International pressure and global health recommendations have not yet translated into comprehensive national legislation.
8. Prospects for Policy Reform and Transition
A gradual transition away from asbestos in India will require coordinated action across multiple sectors. Key priorities include promoting affordable alternatives, strengthening occupational health systems, improving disease surveillance, and ensuring just transition measures for affected workers.
Public awareness campaigns and professional training for construction and demolition workers are essential to reduce ongoing exposure. India’s approach to asbestos will significantly influence future public health outcomes, particularly as infrastructure development continues..