In Laos, asbestos is still widely used in construction, mainly because it’s cheap. But that low cost comes at a high price: the health of workers and entire communities.
Recently, 350 roof sheet factory workers and high-risk community members, including ethnic minorities and migrant workers, came together to learn about the dangers of asbestos exposure. The initiative, led by the Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU), was supported by medical professionals and local leaders who also provided basic lung health checks to participants.
The training was held in communities near a roof sheet factory that still uses asbestos as a core material. The factory, operating for over 20 years, is located along a busy road with open storage areas. During the training, the team observed workers handling asbestos without proper protective gear and asbestos waste being discarded along nearby roads, posing serious risks to both workers and residents.
These activities are part of LFTU’s broader campaign to push for stronger asbestos regulations on the road to a national ban, in line with the Lao National Action Plan on the Elimination of Asbestos-Related Diseases, launched by the Ministry of Health in 2018.
The training focused on:
- The health impacts of asbestos exposure
- Identifying high-risk exposure groups
- Strategies to prevent exposure
- Safe asbestos waste management
Many participants said they were unaware of the long-term health risks that asbestos exposure poses.
Most of the factory’s workforce is casually employed, meaning they miss out on social security and regular health checks. This makes them even more vulnerable.
Doctors conducting the health checks identified several individuals with lung function issues and referred them to local hospitals for further examination and treatment. With participants’ consent, LFTU will maintain a registry to support future follow-ups and help workers access potential compensation.
The findings from these health checks will also strengthen LFTU’s campaign efforts to ban asbestos in Laos—because no one should have to risk their life for a job.
The Asbestos. Not here. Not anywhere. campaign receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
