2014-2018 | FWO
The potential global epidemic of asbestos-related diseases is a widespread concern. Recent research shows Belgium has the fourth highest mesothelioma mortality raterates in the world. Although Belgium has a long history of asbestos use, few research efforts have investigated the population-wide health impact of asbestos exposure. A unique dataset with census-linked mortality register data allows me to study differential mortality by individual demographic and socio-economic characteristics over a 20-year period. This study aims to provide the first systematic examination of Belgian asbestos-related mortality both for work-related and environmental exposure and to assess the past, present and future impact of asbestos on mortality. The project will provide (a) a descriptive analysis of the impact of asbestos geographically and over time, using mesothelioma mortality as an indicator; (b) an inventory of historical asbestos exposure data in Belgian asbestos industries; (c) an assessment of causes of mortality by occupation potentially related to asbestos exposure; (d) an estimation of the overall burden of asbestos on mortality; (e) a quantification of the contribution of asbestos exposure to differentials in life expectancy and premature mortality; and (f) an estimation of future asbestos-related mortality.
