Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA Lao Office, the Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) and other representatives launched the Lao National Asbestos Profile.
The Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) has launched the Lao National Asbestos Profile, a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to address asbestos exposure and related health risks. The development of this comprehensive profile began in July 2023 in collaboration with Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA.
Key findings
The research reveals that Laos continues to import chrysotile asbestos for the production of roof tiles. However, the number of asbestos roof tile factories has significantly decreased, from 16 in 2014 to just 6 in 2024, with five of these factories owned by overseas investors.
The profile highlights a particularly alarming statistic: approximately 198 Lao workers, including 80 women, are at very high risk of asbestos exposure in these six factories.
A call to action
The Lao National Asbestos Profile serves as a critical resource for policymakers, workers, and consumers in Laos. It paves the way for informed action to prevent asbestos-related diseases and mitigate the significant environmental, health, and economic consequences of continuing to use asbestos-containing products.
Workers at high risk
The profile identifies key sectors where workers face the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
- Construction and demolition
- Vehicle maintenance (including cars, trucks, and motorbikes)
- Transport
- Power plants and energy production
- Firefighting
- Waste disposal
Beyond occupational hazards, the use of asbestos-containing materials in homes and workplaces poses risks to the broader community. Over time, building materials require maintenance, which can involve surface treatment or removal, potentially releasing hazardous asbestos fibres.
According to statistics from the Lao Cancer Centre, lung cancer ranked as the third most common cancer in Laos between 2017 and 2020, further emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures.
Australian support
The launch ceremony was attended by a representative from the Australian Embassy, Bounmy Souvannalath, Senior Program Officer for Education and Inclusion. On behalf of the Australian Ambassador to Laos, she congratulated the LFTU and the Trade Union Asbestos Committee for their efforts.
Souvannalath highlighted Australia’s experience with asbestos-related health impacts. Despite banning asbestos 20 years ago, Australia still sees more than 4,000 deaths annually from asbestos-related diseases due to exposure before the ban or during the renovation of older buildings containing asbestos. The Australian government continues to invest heavily in asbestos management and removal.
The development of the Lao National Asbestos Profile was made possible through the technical and financial support of:
- Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA
- The Asbestos Safety Eradication Agency (ASEA), Australia
- Australian Aid through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP)
This collaborative effort reflects the strong commitment of the Australian community to eradicate asbestos-related diseases in the region and build a safer, healthier future for workers and communities in Laos.
The Asbestos. Not here. Not anywhere. campaign receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
