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ToxinFree
SENTINEL ARCHIVE / CASE #087

Japan

Complete ban on all asbestos including chrysotile effective 2006 under the Industrial Safety and Health Act. Following the Kubota Shock (2005), aggressive removal programs launched.

2006Full Ban
2006
Year Banned
9.1
per million/yr
Mesothelioma Rate
~280,000 buildings
Buildings at Risk
1960s-1990s
Peak Usage Era

Regulatory Timeline

  1. 1970s

    1. 1975Regulation

      Ministry of Labour restricts sprayed asbestos applications in construction

      ↗ Source

  2. 1990s

    1. 1995Legislation

      Crocidolite and amosite banned; chrysotile still in widespread use across construction sector

      ↗ Source

  3. 2000s

    1. 2004Legislation

      Near-total ban enacted under Industrial Safety and Health Act, with narrow exceptions

      ↗ Source
    2. 2006Legislation

      Complete ban on all asbestos products including chrysotile; all exceptions removed

      ↗ Source
    3. 2008Court Ruling

      Kubota Shock aftermath: landmark corporate liability ruling drives nationwide asbestos removal programs

      ↗ Source

Key Figures in Detail

Context and sources behind the numbers

2006Ban Year

All forms of asbestos have been banned since 2006. Buildings constructed before this date may still contain asbestos materials.

9.1Mesothelioma Rate

9.1 cases per million people per year. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, with a latency period of 20–50 years.

This rate indicates significant historical asbestos exposure in the population.

Source year: 2020

Buildings at Risk

Estimated scope of asbestos-containing materials still present in the built environment.

~280,000 buildings

1960s-1990sPeak Usage Era

The period when asbestos was most heavily used in construction. Buildings from this era have the highest probability of containing asbestos materials.

Material Identification Guide

Common materials still present in buildings

asbestos-cement flat sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

asbestos-cement roofing sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

spray-applied fireproofing

HIGH RISKFriable

1958–1978

pipe insulation

HIGH RISKFriable

1920–1980

asbestos insulating board

HIGH RISKFriable

1930–1980

↗Learn more

What To Do If You Live Here

  • Your country has banned asbestos, but older buildings may still contain legacy materials.
  • Buildings built before the ban year may contain asbestos-containing materials.
  • Hire a certified asbestos surveyor before any renovation or demolition work.
  • Do not disturb older building materials without professional testing.

Check Your Property

Enter your building's age and type for a personalized asbestos risk assessment.

Check My Property's Risk

Sources

Last updated: 2026-03-13

Information aggregated from public sources including IBAS, EPA, and WHO. Not legal or medical advice.

How we source our data →