While banned in Australia and more than 70 countries, asbestos continues to be mined, traded and used in many parts of the world.
This week the US Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is observing Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1–7 April 2026), as a timely reminder that asbestos remains a global and entirely preventable cause of disease.
As Australia’s national agency for asbestos and silica safety and eradication, ASSEA is the only agency of its kind in the world - focused solely on preventing asbestos and silica‑related disease.
ASSEA embraces our leadership role in the region and plays an active international role, supporting awareness‑raising, capability‑building and knowledge sharing in countries where asbestos exposure remains a significant risk.
That regional and global engagement was reflected recently at the Asbestos Conference 2026, where we had the privilege of hearing directly from delegates from SE Asia and the Pacific, on the challenges faced across the region.
Ending asbestos‑related disease requires sustained prevention, strong regulation and international cooperation. ASSEA reaffirms its commitment to working with international partners to reduce exposure, strengthen prevention and end asbestos‑related disease worldwide.
