Temporal Trends in Mortality and Disability from Occupational Asbestos Exposure in Southeast Asia, 1990–2023
Xiao-Ling Liu, Qi-Wei Zhang, Li Wei, Dong-Lei Shi, Zhao-Jun WangObjective:
Occupational asbestos exposure remains a major public health concern in Southeast Asia (SEA), where use persists and comprehensive assessments are limited.
Methods:
Global Burden of Disease 2023 data were used to estimate deaths and disability-adjusted life years attributable to occupational asbestos exposure in SEA and 13 countries. Trends were analyzed by estimated annual percentage changes and Joinpoint, stratified by sex, age, and cause.
Results:
Deaths increased markedly from 1990 to 2023, with rising age-standardized mortality rates. Males had substantially higher rates than females. Trends showed periods of increase, with continuous rises among females. Most countries showed increasing burden. Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer was the leading cause, followed by mesothelioma, with highest burden in older adults.
Conclusions:
Occupational asbestos exposure burden in SEA has increased with clear sex, age, and regional disparities, highlighting the need for strengthened control and prevention strategies.