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epresentatives from more than 10 countries are slated to attend the annual Ban Asbestos Network conference in Bandung, West Java, on Oct. 17, to support the launch of a branch in Indonesia.

Indonesia Work Safety and Security Network local coordinator Darisman said that Indonesia was a big importer of asbestos and could expect to see an increase in the number of people suffering from
asbestosis.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that became popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its ability to absorb sound, average tensile strength and resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage.

However, inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illness, including malignant lung cancer; asbestosis, a type of pneumoconiosis; and mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated with amphibole asbestos exposure.

A ministerial decree in 2001 categorized asbestos as dangerous building material but it did not ban its use, and set a “tolerable” limit of 0.2 millimicrons per fiber. In other countries, asbestos density is limited to 0.001 millimicrons per fiber.

According to reports, Indonesia imported 40,000 tons of asbestos in 2006 and an estimated 90,000 tons in 2009. It is generally used for roofing and in brake linings.

“Asbestos has been banned in many countries. Many products need to be labeled asbestos-free because it is very dangerous. Ironically, asbestos use in Indonesia is increasing,” Darisman said at a recent discussion with the Bandung Journalists Discussion Forum.

According to research, some people living near two asbestos factories in Bogor and Bekasi are likely suffering from asbestosis caused by breathing concentrated asbestos dust in the air near the plants in the West Java cities, said Sawung, a local researcher for the Indonesian Forum for the Environment.

Asbestosis has a high mortality rate and is triggered by the retention of asbestos fibers, which often causes scratches in the lungs as well as respiratory tract cancer.

Effects of long exposure to asbestos fibers can usually be detected five to 10 years after initial exposure, and then only by a CT scan, he said.

“In Bandung, cases of asbestosis were once handled by the Rotinsulu Hospital, but the medical records of patients are no longer available,” said Sawung, adding that the network’s establishment is crucial.