Currently, 78% of cases of occupational cancer recognized in the European Union are attributed to exposure to asbestos.
New rules have been published in the Official Journal, defining laryngeal and ovarian cancers as occupational diseases resulting from the inhalation of asbestos dust. This recognition will allow those affected to benefit from better compensation and appropriate support. Affected workers can submit a request for compensation to their health insurance fund.
This measure follows an investigation by the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), revealing that these cancers were under-reported when they were linked to occupational exposure to 'asbestos. Asbestos, used in construction in the 20th century, is now banned in many countries due to its health risks. It remains the main cause of occupational cancers.
Although asbestos has been banned in the EU since 2005, its fibers remain in many buildings, responsible for thousands of deaths annually in Europe.
 Frank Verain
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16/10/2023 | 
