In much of the world, the production and sale of asbestos-based products is either banned completely or strictly regulated in an effort to minimize potential health hazards associated with the fiber. In contrast, Mexico has seen minimal regulation and reports indicated an actual increase in the production of asbestos products in recent years. As a result, some estimates suggest that the reported cases of mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related illnesses could easily double in the coming years.
The Business of Mexican Asbestos
In some ways, the increased production and rampant problems associated with asbestos in Mexico is a direct result of more stringent regulations elsewhere. As it turns out, roughly 50 percent of asbestos products exported from Mexico go to America. The majority of the leftovers go to other Central American companies and Cuba. In effect, Mexico has become a global dealer of asbestos production for those countries that are no longer allowed to manufacture such products themselves.
While developing countries such as China and India also produce high amounts of asbestos products, it is clear that there is enough demand in asbestos production to spur the Mexican government to avoid regulation.
To feed this global need, there are currently 2,000 Mexican companies that incorporate asbestos into their products. These products range from brake pads and boilers to roofing materials and plumbing pipes. Not all of these products are being exported, either. In 2007, it is estimated that more than 17,000 metric tons of asbestos were used in Mexico. As a comparison, America used approximately ten times less than this figure in the same year.
Hurdles to Asbestos Regulation
Even without restricted production or an outright ban on asbestos in Mexico, health conditions could be greatly improved if the government initiated workplace safety regulations for factories and businesses that manufacture asbestos products. Due to the high level of airborne fibers that accumulate in these production facilities, those who work with asbestos are most at risk for mesothelioma and other lung conditions.
As an example of the deplorable conditions currently found in these facilities, take a look at the American Roll factory in Iztapalapa. Pollution is so rampant, that the burning rubber smell that comes from the factory burns the eyes and causes headaches well beyond the borders of its walls. Children at a local school have complained about such symptoms for years.
Mesothelioma deaths and other conditions have arisen in individuals who live near the factory. While calls for improved regulations have been going on for nearly ten years, the government has done nothing to improve the hazardous conditions of the factory. A similar story can be told in countless other places in Mexico.
The biggest hurdle for change stems from the Mexican asbestos lobby group – the Instituto Mexicano de Fibro Industrias (IMFI). With close ties to the government, they have championed the use of asbestos and steadfastly stated that it can be produced safely. As a result of this lobbying, frequent protests and complaints from both medical practitioners and townsfolk worried about the safety of themselves and their children continue to be ignored.
