Asbestos

Asbestos can cause various diseases, including cancers (bronchopulmonary cancer, mesothelioma). Widely used until it was banned in France in 1997, it is still very common in buildings.

Our Mission

  • To generate useful knowledge about population exposure to asbestos and the impact of such exposure on health

  • Identify high-risk situations and at-risk populations

  • To inform public authorities, relevant professionals, and the general public

In brief

Videos, infographics, key statistics, expert interviews… Find the latest news and key information on asbestos here

Lung cancer

The proportion of lung cancers attributable to occupational exposure to asbestos ranges from 5.9% to 16.2% among men and from 0.9% to 1.4% among women.

Asbestos fibers

In 2007, 24% of men and 3% of women had been exposed to asbestos fibers at least once during their working lives. 65% of retired tradespeople in the ESPrI cohort had been exposed to...

Pleural mesothelioma

Among cases of pleural mesothelioma, occupational exposure to asbestos is found in more than 90% of men, but only 40% of women.

In relation to

Mesotheliomas

thematic dossier

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer for which asbestos is the only known risk factor. Its incidence is on the rise, particularly among women. It qualifies for medical and social benefits.

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thematic dossier

Work-related illnesses

Dues à des expositions professionnelles, les principales maladies en lien avec le travail sont surveillées par Santé publique France dans l’objectif d’élaborer, avec les partenaires, les...

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