Asbestos by the Numbers

The numbers behind the global asbestos crisis. All statistics sourced from WHO, IBAS, and peer-reviewed epidemiological research.

people die each year from asbestos-related diseases

Source: WHO Global Cancer Observatory, 2020

countries have a full or effective ban on asbestos

Source: IBAS International Ban Asbestos Secretariat, 2024

countries still have no comprehensive asbestos ban

Source: Computed from IBAS data

0km²

km² of asbestos-cement roofing still in use worldwide

Source: WHO Environmental Health Report, 2018

Ban Status by World Region

Number of countries with and without a comprehensive asbestos ban, grouped by region.

Share of countries by regulatory status, as of 2024.

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Find out if your building may contain asbestos based on its country, age, and type.

Statistics compiled from WHO, IBAS, and U.S. EPA public databases. Country-level regulatory data may have a lag of 12–24 months.