# Significant risk of developing asbestos-related diseases in Japan's industries: An analysis of workers' compensation

## TL;DR

This study shows that workers in Japan's construction and shipyard industries remain at high risk for asbestos-related diseases, even after a ban on asbestos use.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific industries and occupations in Japan with elevated risks of asbestos-related diseases using compensation data.

## Key findings

- Construction workers have the strongest associations with all asbestos-related diseases.
- Shipyard workers in the manufacturing sector are particularly vulnerable to asbestos-related diseases.
- Mesothelioma is the most prevalent asbestos-related disease in Japan over the past 17 years.

## Abstract

Asbestos has been used in various industries, and prolonged exposure can increase the risk of asbestos-related disease (ARD). Although the use of asbestos has been prohibited in Japan since 2012, it was imported well into the 2000s. This study aimed to identify industries in Japan whose workers are at heightened risk of developing ARD.

This study was based on a comprehensive analysis of fiscal year data from the Survey of Claims and Decisions on Benefits for Asbestos-Related Health Damage and calendar year data from the Status of Pneumoconiosis Health Management Implementation in Japan. Occupations associated with asbestos exposure risk were identified using the Japan Standard Industrial Classification (Rev. 14, 2023). The incidence rate ratio (IRR) was estimated using Poisson regression analysis.

This study includes 8,971,500 person-years from 2006 to 2022. Construction workers showed the strongest positive associations with all ARDs. Within the manufacturing sector, shipyard workers were particularly vulnerable to ARDs, although a notable exception to this was the positive correlation with asbestosis among workers in the ceramic industry (IRR 1.56; 95% CI 1.12–2.17). Mesothelioma is the most prevalent ARD over the past 17 years.

This study suggests that, despite asbestos being banned in Japan for the past 13 years, cases of ARDs continue to occur in various industries, with construction and shipyard workers being at highest risk. Consequently, individuals with prior asbestos exposure require continuous monitoring to avoid potential adverse health consequences.