Experts say Australia’s asbestos ban appears to be working.

In a study analysing six decades of mesothelioma data in Western Australia, researchers are seeing promising signs that the nationwide ban on asbestos is yielding positive results. 

The study, focusing on 2,796 mesothelioma cases, highlights a significant decrease in the disease linked to DIY home renovations; a common exposure source for this aggressive lung disease.

The evidence suggests a shift in the trend of mesothelioma cases related to non-professional asbestos exposure.

The study reviewed every mesothelioma case notified to the WA Cancer Registry, and revealed that about 85 per cent of the cases occurred in men, with the average age at diagnosis being 70. 

Notably, survival times have seen a significant increase over the years, doubling from an average of six months to approximately one year. 

An intriguing aspect of the study is the demographic spread of the disease. Pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lungs, accounted for 93.7 per cent of the cases, the epithelioid subtype was the most prevalent. 

The data also indicate a median latency period of 47 years, suggesting a long gap between asbestos exposure and disease onset.

A critical finding of this extensive study is the reduction in mesothelioma cases linked to home renovations and DIY activities. 

These cases peaked between 2005 and 2009 but have since shown a decline. 

This trend aligns with the asbestos consumption ban introduced in 1984, hinting at its effectiveness in reducing non-occupational exposures.

The study's conclusion is cautiously optimistic. 

While the annual number of mesothelioma cases in WA may have plateaued, the majority of cases in females are linked to non-occupational exposure, and the incidence rates from home renovation exposure are declining. This pattern suggests that the asbestos ban is having its intended effect.

The full study is accessible here.