In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the battle against cancer is being fought on multiple fronts, from groundbreaking national screening programs to innovative treatment methods like personalized precision medicine. However, a less highlighted but equally critical aspect is managing environmental carcinogens, particularly asbestos, which has been linked to various cancers, including lung cancer.
The Persistent Threat of Asbestos
Despite a ban in 2006, asbestos continues to pose significant health risks within the UAE, appearing in both old constructions and alarmingly, in new buildings. Asbestos exposure can lead to severe health issues, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer death globally.
Notwithstanding global strides towards eliminating asbestos use due to its carcinogenic properties, its application persists in various sectors and is still not completely banned across all of the Middle East. This continued use is primarily driven by asbestos's cost-effectiveness and fire-resistant qualities, which make it attractive for construction and industrial applications. In many Middle Eastern countries, regulations against asbestos are either lax or poorly enforced, leading to ongoing exposure risks for workers and the general population. This scenario underscores the urgent need for comprehensive asbestos management strategies that encompass stricter regulations, rigorous enforcement, and widespread public education on the risks of asbestos exposure. Such measures are critical not only for cancer prevention but also for advancing overall public health standards in the region.
National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
The UAE has taken significant strides in cancer prevention and early detection, integrating lung cancer into the National Cancer Early Detection Programme. This inclusion is crucial, given the strong link between asbestos exposure and lung cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection in improving survival rates.
Legislative and Regulatory Efforts
Efforts to control asbestos use in the UAE are complex, requiring both stringent enforcement and public education. Current regulations need to be bolstered with Federal oversight to ensure uniform compliance across all Emirates. Enhanced awareness programs are essential to educate the workforce and the general public about the dangers of asbestos and the importance of adherence to safety standards.
The Role of Asbestos Management Consultancies
Asbestos management consultancies in the UAE play a pivotal role in the national cancer prevention strategy. These consultancies not only help in identifying the location of asbestos in existing buildings through Asbestos surveys, they also help in the managing of safe Asbestos removal projects working tirelessly to ensure that constructions are free from this hazardous material. By doing so, they contribute significantly to reducing cancer risks associated with asbestos, aligning with the UAE’s health agenda to cut cancer mortality rates.
Conclusion
As the UAE continues to advance its healthcare goals, the integration of environmental health safety, particularly asbestos management, into its cancer eradication strategy is more crucial than ever. It’s a collective responsibility, involving government bodies, healthcare providers, and specialized consultancies, to safeguard the population against asbestos-related cancers and ensure a healthier future for all.
If you have any Asbestos related concerns, contact us to see how Anthesis Consulting Middle East can help you:
Charles Faulkner (Head of Environment, Health and Safety, and Asbestos Team Leader)
Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320
Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com