Introduction
The importation and use of asbestos was commonplace
in the 1970s and 1980s in Japan. After the dangers of
asbestos were highlighted, the Government increased
control over its use. However, due to the long latency of
the harmful effects, a dramatic incidence of work-related
lung cancer and mesothelioma requiring compensation
appeared only in recent years, as shown in figure 13.
The rise in work-related illnesses triggered urgent need to:
• prevent further exposures to asbestos
• deal with the issues brought about by the existing
asbestos.