Prevalence and Level of Occupational Exposure to Asbestos in Canada in 2016.

Ann Work Expo Health

CAREX Canada, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.

Published: April 2023

AI Article Synopsis

  • The study aimed to update the estimates of asbestos exposure in Canada from 2006 to 2016, focusing on occupational exposure by various factors such as industry and sex.
  • Approximately 235,000 workers are still exposed to asbestos, with most being male; only 5% fall into the high-exposure category, while 49% are in low exposure and 46% in moderate.
  • The construction sector has the highest number of exposed workers, indicating a shift from high to lower exposure levels despite the continued presence of asbestos in older buildings.

Article Abstract

Objective: Asbestos use has decreased over time but occupational exposure still exists today due to the presence of asbestos in older buildings. The objective of this study was to update CAREX Canada's prevalence of exposure estimate from 2006 to 2016, and to assess the level of occupational exposure by industry, occupation, province/territory, and sex.

Methods: Estimates by occupation, industry, province/territory, and sex were calculated using labor force data from the 2016 Census of Population and proportions of workers exposed by occupation and industry, which were previously developed for the 2006 estimates and updated here to reflect new knowledge and changes in exposures. Statistics Canada concordance tables were used to account for changes between the 2006 and 2016 job and industry coding systems. Expert assessment was used to qualitatively assign levels of exposure (low, moderate, or high) for each occupation and industry, with consideration of workers' proximity and access to asbestos-containing material, and the condition and content of asbestos.

Results: Approximately 235 000 workers are exposed to asbestos on the job in Canada. The majority of Canadian workers exposed to asbestos are male (89%). Only 5% of all exposed workers are in the high-exposure category, while most workers are in the low (49%) or moderate (46%) exposure categories. The construction sector and associated jobs (e.g. carpenters, trades helpers and laborers, electricians) accounted for the majority of exposed workers.

Conclusions: Occupational exposure to asbestos continues to occur in Canada. Updating the prevalence of exposure estimate and adding exposure levels highlights the shift from high to lower-lever exposures associated with asbestos-containing materials remaining in the built environment.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxac077DOI Listing

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