The world asbestos figures have been released by the United States Geological Survey with production in 2013 being 2,019,000 tons, roughly the same as 2011 and 2012. The major producers of asbestos kept the same market share more or less, with Russian staying as the biggest supplier of raw asbestos fiber. China and India have ceased their rapid growth in consumption but Indonesia continues to increase its consumption unabated. In addition consumption is on the rise in countries where the use of asbestos has been lower in the past, specifically Bangladesh, Turkmenistan, and Pakistan.
However there are indications that some countries are beginning to look for substitutes for asbestos with the number of countries consuming more than 500 tons a year down from 37 in 2012 to 33 in 2013. It appears that support is growing to ban asbestos with discussions taking place at government and judicial level in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brazil.
Asbestos consumption in Ukraine and Thailand are now falling rapidly following significant increases between 2000 and 2005. Annual consumption for both nations is now less than 30 percent of what they were in 2000 and 60 percent less than 2005.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP at (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation. You may be entitled to an asbestos payout as part of an individual or class action lawsuit.
