Pulmonary mesothelioma is a primary malignant tumor of mesothelial surfaces, generally affecting the pleura and in fewer cases, the tissue that surrounds the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Prohibition of asbestos

In 1991 the World Bank stipulated as a policy, a preference not to fund the manufacture or use of products containing asbestos.

Asbestos (in its five amphiboles: ammonite, anthophyllite, actinolite, crocidolite and template) is prohibited under the Rotterdam Convention, signed by more than one hundred countries. Not without some controversy still exporting countries asbestos.

Asbestos has been banned in the following countries: Germany, France, Italy, Britain, Chile, Luxembourg, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Austria, Iceland, Finland, Norway, UAE, New Zealand, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Poland , Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal and Greece and has been severely restricted in Brazil and Australia.

Obligations of companies that use asbestos

Despite the ban on asbestos, there is a profuse legislation governing safety requirements to be met by employers and employees. For companies who are working at risk of exposure to asbestos, are required to enroll in a special register and submit a detailed work plan before undertaking any work involving the handling of this material and of course the binding of rest of the regulation of workers at risk for Asbestos

* It prohibits overtime and incentive systems and requires that the number of workers handling asbestos are kept to a minimum.

* When you can not replace asbestos or avoid exposure to technical measures, personal protection will be provided to workers, basically mask and full protective clothing.

* The exposed workers should have two lockers to avoid contact with work clothes and street clothes should change and shower before eating and at the end of the day. The cleaning work clothes shall be borne by the company.

* Workplaces where there is exposure to asbestos must be clearly demarcated and signposted. The floor and walls must be smooth to facilitate cleaning and this will be done every time you notice a visible accumulation of dust and with means to prevent the dispersion of fibers.

* Asbestos is transported and stored in suitable sealed containers. Stacks of bags shall be protected in plastic sleeves or similar and deposited on dry surfaces.

* Workers at risk of exposure to asbestos is subject to specific medical examinations prior to employment, annual surveys, and even post-depositional alteration surveys.

* The company is obliged to provide workers and their representatives any information regarding the risks, preventive and protective measures required as well as train workers in safe work methods.