The National Health Assembly held at the turn of the millennium in 2000 resolved to do away with asbestos usage in Thailand, but this mandate has yet to be tangibly realized two decades later.
Aware of this issue, the Public Relations Department has organized an activity for exchanges on an asbestos-free Thailand.
Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Director-General of the Public Relations Department Lt. Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, and Deputy Secretary-General of the National Health Commission Office Prida Tae-arak were among the participants who exchanged viewpoints from different sectors concerning asbestos.
Dr. Prida said that although the National Health Assembly resolved in 2000 to make Thailand asbestos-free, this resolution has yet to be realized and more cooperation from various sectors would be needed.
He explained that support is needed from businesses and the public needs to become more informed about asbestos.
He also said he expected that some time is needed for the required contributing factors, such as the law and social pressure, to come together properly.
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals, of which there are six types.
Asbestos is very heat resistant and was used around the world as a building material for much of the 20th century, particularly in floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and insulators.
Inhalation of large amounts of asbestos fibers can lead to various health conditions, including lung cancer.
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