The cessation of asbestos application is not a single, globally synchronized event. Rather, it’s a complex process varying significantly by country and specific application. While many industrialized nations have implemented bans or severe restrictions on its utilization, other regions continue to employ it in various capacities, particularly in construction and manufacturing.
The decline in asbestos consumption stems from a well-documented link to severe health consequences, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Awareness of these risks prompted progressive legislative action, aiming to protect workers and the general public. The timing of these actions is closely tied to the evolving scientific understanding of the mineral’s dangers and the availability of safer alternatives.