National Asbestos
Profile of Nepal(Based on the National Asbestos Profile by ILO and the WHO)

October 2016

National Asbestos
Profile of Nepal(Based on the National Asbestos Profile by ILO and the WHO)
October 2016

Author: Ram Charitra Sah

Publisher: Center for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED)
Author: Ram Charitra Sah
Copyright: Center for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED), 2016
The material in this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form foreducational or non-profit uses, without special permission from the copyright holder, provided
acknowledgement of the source is made. The publisher would appreciate receiving a copy of any
publications, which use this publication as a source.
No use of this publication shall be made for resale or other commercial purposes without priorwritten permission of the CEPHED.
Citation: Sah, Ram Charitra. 2016. National Asbestos Profile of Nepal, xii+66. Kathmandu, Nepal:
CEPHED.
Published Date: October 2016
Center for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED)
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel/Fax 00977-1-5201786,
Mobile: 00977-9803047621
Email: info@cephed.org.np, ramcharitra@gmail.com
Web: www.cephed.org.np
Disclaimer: While this publication has been produced with the assistance of the Takagi Fund for
Citizen Science, Asian Asbestos Ban Network (ABAN) and International Ban Asbestos Secretariat(IBAS) ,the contents of the publication are the sole responsibility of Center for Public Health andEnvironmental Development (CEPHED), and the views herein shall not necessarily be taken toreflect the official opinion of any of these donors including Takagi Fund for Citizen Science, ABAN
and IBAS.
design & print production : wps, tel 5550289, wpsnepal@gmail.com

iii

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

Preface
It was late November 25, 2013, just about two weeks after 6th Asian Asbestos Initiative (AAI 6), a
truck piles of Asbestos waste were about to buried at the cross road junction of Maitighar Mandala,capital city of Kathmandu, one of the busiest cross road and in close proximity of Health Ministry,
Environment Ministries, Prime Ministers and other governmental offices. This unscientific disposalof hazardous asbestos waste were duly informed by CEPHED to all concerned government offices
with the request to immediately remove and ensured environmentally sound management ofthese waste. The Environment ministry immediately acted up on and directed its Department ofEnvironment to clean up the mess. Department did so, but collected waste were just relocated fromthis busy place to one of the temporary waste transfer station at Teku, Kathmandu, from wherethese toxic waste were disposed unscientifically along with the city garbage. But just after a year, on
22 December 2014, Government of Nepal banned the Import, Sale, Distribute and Uses of all
form of Asbestos.
Nepal is the first country in South Asia to ban Import, Sale, Distribution & Uses of Asbestos.
National blanket ban of Import, Sale, Distribution and Uses of all form of Asbestos (Corrugated/ Non-corrugated Sheet, Tiles, Insulators etc.) and Asbestos containing products except lining of
break shoe and clutch plates on 22 December 2014 through publishing a Gazette Notification by
the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Population and Environment (MOPE) as per the provision
of Environment Protection Act 1997 (Section 7 and Sub-section 3) with an effective dates after 181
days from the date public notification. This took affects from 20th June 2015.
So this enlarged and updated version of National Asbestos Profile of Nepal prepared as animportant documents under the project entitled “Research and Awareness about Asbestos inCentral and Eastern Nepal” with the support of Takagi Fund for Citizen Science, Asian Ban
Asbestos Network (ABAN) and International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS) from the firstshort version prepared and presented at 6th AAI in Manila, Philippines with help of WHO is
expected to serve as the first ever reference documents for all government agencies and stakeholders
including the potential vulnerable workers and people who work as well as live with asbestos andhave already suffered from Mesothelioma cancer and/or other health implications to be protected
and also conserve the environment.
This document provide the latest information on asbestos and status of compliance of the government
banning decision, current import, uses, hot spots, associated health and environmental implicationsof asbestos and action plans to address the related issues thus meets the spirit of the government
positive and progressive decisions towards protection of public health and environment and also
serve as the inspirations at least for the neighboring South Asian countries and to the other regions.
Ram Charitra Sah
Executive Director

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

iv

Acknowledgements
CEPHED would like to highly acknowledge the support of the Takagi Fund for Citizen Science,
ABAN and IBAS, UK for their financial and technical support to make possible to produce thisNational Asbestos Profile. We would like to acknowledge Mr. Sugio Furuya from ABAN, Ms.Laurie
Kazan-Allen from IBAS and Mr. Naoki Toyama, Tokyo Occupational Safety and Health Center,
Tokyo, Japan for helping us to test asbestos samples as well as this report has benefited from regular
guidance provided by them. We also acknowledge Ms. Satoko Shirai, Asia Program Officer, The
Takagi Fund for Citizen Science for her continued support and cooperation, Mr. Mohit Gupta from
Asian Network and Reseach Organisation Environment for Victims (ANROEV) Secretariat, New
Delhi for making available data of Indian Mineral Departments. We also acknowledge the continued
cooperation from Department of Custom, Ministry of Population and Environment (MOPE),
Ministry of Health (MOH) and Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Minister (OPMCM),
Government of Nepal for their tireless efforts towards ensuring effective implementation of thegovernment asbestos banning decision. We also acknowledge all the Custom Offices who able toshare their import data, local people mason and users, doctors who share their information about
the local condition. Journalists who also highlighted the issues through their respective media arealso highly acknowledged. Representative local authorities e.g. Municipalities and local journalists
who continue to supporting the monitoring of market about the asbestos and keep on sending
the latest pictures as well as evidence of implementation status of the asbestos ban are also highly
acknowledge.
Last but the least, CEPHED is grateful for the excellent cooperation, support, and supervision
provided by Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), District Development Committee (DDC),
Kathmandu and Social Welfare Council (SWC) for approving this important project to be carriedout towards protection and preservation of public health and environment.
Ram Charitra Sah
Executive Director
CEPHED
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel/Fax: +977-1-5201786
Mobile: 9803047621
Email: info@cephed.org.np
Web: www.cephed.org.np

v

Message

National Asbestos Profile of NepalNational Asbestos Profile of Nepal

Messagevi

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

vii

Message
International Ban Asbestos Secretariat
website: http://www.ibasecretariat.org
email: lka@btinternet.com
Campaigning for a global asbestos ban and justice for all asbestos
victims!
Commentaryby Laurie Kazan-Allen, IBAS Coordinator
August 9, 2016
The publication of this detailed analysis of Nepal’s asbestos landscape is both timely andsignificant. As the first country in South Asia to ban asbestos, the actions taken and mechanisms
adopted by Nepal to protect its citizens from hazardous exposures to asbestos are a benchmark
which can inform the policies of national governments and regional bodies. It is of somesignificance in this context to note that Nepal’s neighbours are the world’s second biggest
asbestos producer and consumer (China) and the world’s biggest asbestos importer (India). If a
country like Nepal, which has been confronted by major challenges following the April
2015 earthquake, can envisage an asbestos-free future other nations can do likewise.
This comprehensive and well-written report of work undertaken by the Center for Public Healthand Environmental Development under the project entitled “Research and Awareness about
Asbestos in Central and Eastern Nepal” highlights the historic measures enacted to facilitate
the transition to safer technologies and signposts measures needed to ensure that prohibitions
regarding the import of toxic products are enforced. As other ban countries have learned, legal
sanctions against asbestos are only effective if they are backed up by a strict enforcement policy
implemented by trained and well-equipped personnel.
The research and consultations which have taken place in Nepal regarding asbestos consumption,
geographical trends, workers’ exposures, incidences of asbestos-related diseases and levels ofenvironmental contamination and the data which has been accumulated as a result of theseenquiries are extremely valuable. Delineating the types of employment where occupational
asbestos exposures are routine and recording the types of asbestos-containing consumer products
which are popular provide government agencies tasked with protecting occupational and publichealth with a focus for asbestos audits and enquiries. The National Asbestos Profile of Nepal
marks a starting point in a national dialogue which will, if it is to succeed, provide the opportunity
for all civil society stakeholders and concerned government agencies to become engaged in thebattle for a safer world.
Nepal’s constitution guarantees its citizens fundamental political, social, cultural and economic
rights including the right to live in a healthy and safe environment. These promises can only truly
be fulfilled in a society which has turned its back on the use of deadly asbestos technologies. An
asbestos-free future is possible.

Laurie Kazan-Allen
Coordinator: International Ban Asbestos Secretariat

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

Messageviii

Contents
Prefaceiii

Acknowledgementsiv

Messagev

Messagevi

Messagevii

Message

viii

Abbreviations

xii

1.

Country Profile (Socioeconomic, Political and Demographic)

1

2.

Current regulations (National and International) on the different
forms of asbestos

53.

Import and consumption of asbestos per year
(total and per major uses and forms)

18

4.

Import of asbestos-containing materials

21

5.

Domestic production of asbestos (if applicable)

23

6.

Domestic production of asbestos-containing materials

24

7.

Estimated total number of workers exposed to asbestos in the country

24

8.

Full list of industries where exposure to asbestos is present in the
country and list of industries with the largest numbers of workers
potentially exposed to asbestos

24

Industries with high risk of exposure (where overexposure is
documented as exceeding occupational exposure limits) andestimated total number of workers at high risk

25

10.

Estimate of the burden of diseases related to asbestos: disability
adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths attributable to asbestos exposure

27

11.

Prevalence of asbestosis (total number of workers with diagnosed
asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma to-date)– national data, a breakdown by industries if available

27

12.

Incidence of lung cancer among workers exposed to asbestos

27

13.

Incidence of mesothelioma

29

14.

Estimates on the percentage of house stock and vehicle fleet
containing asbestos

30

15.

Total number of workers eligible for compensation for asbestosrelated diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma(per year) and the numbers of individuals compensated yearly32

National enforceable occupational exposure limits for Chrysotile asbestos

32

9.

16.

17.

The system for inspection and enforcement of the exposure limits

32

18.

Estimated economic losses due to asbestos-related diseases

33

19.

Major studies on epidemiology of asbestos-related diseases in the country

33

20.

National capacity for detection, diagnosis and treatment ofasbestos related diseases (ARD`s)

34

21.

Country level action plan, partnerships and coordination
mechanism to eliminate ARD`s

37

22.

Local Action against all form of Asbestos related health andenvironmental damage

37

23.

Health Impacts of Asbestos

38

24.

Environmental Impacts of Asbestos

43

25.

Hotspots (School, College, Government Offices, Waste, etc.)

45

26.

Environment Tour and Sampling of Asbestos, Asbestos containing products

49

27.

Asbestos Management Plan of Action

53

28.

Conclusion and Recommendation

54

List of Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14.
Figure 15
Figure 16

Geo-political maps (1.Between Nepal and China 2. Federal Division) of Nepal
A typical residential house in Terai with traditional Clay soil tile,Asbestos sheets and concrete roofing together
Asbestos Fibers
Asbestos sheet stacked for sale in Janakpur Market, Nepal
Asbestos sheets massively used in Terai
Nepal Gazette on Ban on Import, Sale, Distribution and Uses of Asbestos
Import of Asbestos sheets from other countries to Nepal
Import, Sale and Distribution of Asbestos in different part ofcountry (Dhanusha, Siraha, Bara , Parsa)
World Asbestos Consumption
Brake Shoe asbestos lining workshops in KTM
Pictures of Asbestos lining Materials, Worker and Waste at
Working station, Putalisadak, Kathmandu
Cancer cases in 10 Project Implemented districts of Terai, Nepal(Central to Easter Development Region of Nepal)
Death of People from Occupational Exposure to Asbestos in Nepal
Vehicle Fleet in Nepal
National Network for Cancer Treatment Facility
Asbestos waste buried at Maitighar Mandela towards
New Baneshwor road extension.

2
3
4
4
5
7
13
14
21
25
26
28
29
31
35
37

Figure 17
Figure 18
Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21
Figure 22
Figure 23
Figure 24
Figure 25
Figure 26
Figure 27
Figure 28

Asbestos in Waste stream putting under soil in Capital city Kathmandu
Development mechanism of Mesothelioma
Asbestos Waste dumped at Maitighar Mandala, water recharging zone,
the only underground reliable source of drinking water for capital
people of Kathmandu (November 2013)
Up on complain filled to MOPE, MOH and OPMCM, Departmentof Environment immediately took away some left over Asbestos
waste from Maitighar Mandala to Teku Waste Transfer Station
on 25th November 2013 and left unattended again.
Crumbled corrugated asbestos sheets in Ranigunj, Sharlahi, Nepal
Uses of Asbestos roofing in Terai
Houses with different uses (shops, hotel, residence, animal shed etc.)with asbestos roofing in Terai
Asbestos Roofing 1. Custom Office, 2 & 3 Schools ,4. Custom Security Office, 5. Security Guard Quarters
Samples for testing of Asbestos types and Content
Sample testing for Asbestos Fiber type and content
Dust samples from Working Station
Images of Asbestos fibers testing through using polarized
light microscopy (PLM)

38
39

44

44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52

List of Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
Table 8
Table 9
Table 10
Table 11
Table 12
Table 13
Table 14
Table 15
Table 16
Table 17
Table 18

Losses due to 2015 Earthquake disaster
The major rights ensured under the Constitution of Nepal
Countries Bans and Restricted uses of asbestos & asbestos containing products
Importation of Asbestos and Asbestos containing products in Nepal throughCustomWorld Asbestos Consumption from 2003 to 2014
Import of Asbestos and Asbestos containing materials from different countries
Export of Asbestos and Asbestos Cement products from India to Nepal
Industrial establishments with number of person engaged and employed
Total recorded cancer bronchus and Lung cancer in Nepal from 2003 to 2013.
Distribution of cancer cases by occupational
Distribution of Cancer Cases according to Gender from 2003 to 2013 in Nepal
Percentage distribution of households by the construction materials of roof
House Stock containing asbestos
Vehicle fleet containing asbestos in their brake shoe and brake pads
Indian Export Asbestos and Related products to Nepal from 2009 to 2014
Cancer treatment health care facilities in Nepal
Substitutes for Asbestos and asbestos containing products
Results of Asbestos and Testing for its type and content

2
6
18
19
20
21
22
24
27
28
28
30
30
31
33
35
42
51

National Asbestos Profile of Nepalxii

Abbreviations
AAI:

Asian Asbestos Initiatives

ABAN :

Asian Ban Asbestos NetworkAD:

Any dominy (After Death of Christ)

ANROEV:The Asian Network for the Rights Of Occupational and Environmental Victims

ARD:

Asbestos Related Diseases

ATSDR:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

BPKMCH:

B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (or BPKMCH)

BS:

Bikram Sambat

BWI:

Building Wood Initiative

CBS:

Central Bureau of Statistics

CME:

Census of Manufacturing Establishments

CEPHED :Center for Public Health and Environmental Development

CFL:

Compact Fluorescent Lamp

CUPPEC :Central Union of Painters, Plumbers, Ecotro and Constructions Worker Nepal

CAWUN :

Construction and Allied Workers Union of Nepal

GEFONT:

General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions

DDCs:

District Development Committee

DOE:

Department of Environment

DALYs :Disability Adjusted Life Years

DUDBC:

Department of Urban Development and Building Construction

EIA:

Environment Impact Assessment

EPA :Environment Protection Act

EPR:

Environment Protection Regulation

Ex COP:

Extra Conference of Parties

GBDs:

Global Burden of Diseases

HDI:

Human Development Index

HDPE:High Density Poly Ethelene

IARC:

International Agency Research on Cancer

IBAS :

International Ban Asbestos Secretariat

IEE:

Initial Environment Examination

ILO :International Labour Organization

IWMD :

International Workers Memorial Day

IS:

Indian Standard

MEAs:

Multinational Environment Agreements

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

xiii

MOH:

Ministry of Health

MOPE:

Ministry of Population and Environment

MOSTE:

Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment

NPHC :

National Population and Housing Census

NBC:

Nepal Building Code

NHRC:

Nepal Health Research Council

NTC:

Nepal Tele Come

OSHA:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

ODA:

Overseas Development Agency

OPMCM:

Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

OSH:

Occupational Safety and Health

PIC:

Prior Informed Consent

PLM:

Polarized Light Microscopy

POPs:

Persistent Organic Pollutants

PVA:

Polyvinyl Acetate

PVC:

Poly Vinyl Chlorides

SAICM:

Strategic Approach for Integrated Chemical Management

SWC:

Social Welfare Council

UNEP:

United Nation Environment Program

UPVC:

Unplasticized-Polyvinyl Chloride

USAID:

United State Aid

USGS:

United State Geological Survey

VDCs:

Village Development Committee

WHO :World Health Organization

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

1

1. Country Profile (Socioeconomic, Political and Demographic)
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia, withan area of 147,181 square kilometres (56,827 sq mi) and population of approximately 27 million.
Nepal is the world’s 93rd largest country by land mass and the 41st most populous country1. Nepal
occupies 0.3 and 0.03 percentage of land area of Asia and the world respectively. In the northernhemisphere, Nepal is situated within latitude 260 22’ N to 300 27’ N and of longitude 800 4’ E to 880
12’ E. The altitude ranges from a minimum of 70 meters to a maximum of 8848 (world’s highestpeak) meters whereas the climate varies with its topography. Mt. Everest – the top of the world – isboth the identity and glory of this Himalayan country. The average width (North to South) is 193
kilometres whereas the average length is 885 (East to West) kilometres. The country has great variety
of topography which is reflected in the diversity of weather and climate simultaneously. Specially,
the country experiences tropical, mesothermal, micro-thermal, taiga and tundra types of climate2.
It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People’s Republic of China, and to
the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. Nepal is separated from Bangladesh by the narrow
Indian Siliguri corridor. Kathmandu is the nation’s capital and largest metropolis3. More than 250
peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level are located in Nepal. The southern Madhesh region isflat, fertile and humid.
On September 20, 2015, a new Constitution was announced by First President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav
in the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly was then transformed into a Legislative
Parliament. The new Constitution established Nepal as a Federal Democratic country by making
seven unnamed states.
Nepal is a developing country with a low income economy, ranking 146th of 188 countries on the
Human Development Index (HDI) in 2015. It continues to struggle with high levels of hunger andpoverty. Despite these challenges, Nepal has been making steady progress, with the government
making a commitment to graduate the nation from least developed country status by 2022.
Year 2015/16 remains one of the most challenging years for Nepal. Earthquake followed by unintentional blocked from neighbouring country India put unprecedented impacts on human healthand environment. On Saturday, 25th April 2015 at 11:56 local time, a 7.6 richter scale magnitude
earthquake (as recorded by National Seismological Centre, Nepal) hit Barpak of Gorkha District,
about 76 km northwest of its capital city Kathmandu. It was the most devastating earthquake since
the earlier highly devastating one in 1934 AD. The catastrophic earthquake was followed by morethan 462 aftershocks having local magnitude of 4.0 or more (as of 23 June 2016). Four aftershocks
were greater than magnitude 6.0, including one measuring 6.8 struck back on 12th May 2016
with the epicentre near Mount Everest. To date, 8,891 casualties and 22,302 human injuries arerecorded. Similarly, 6, 08,155 residential buildings were completely broken down whereas 2, 98,998
were partially damaged. Furthermore, 2,687 government buildings (including schools and healthposts) were completely collapsed and 3,776 were partially damaged. Similarly, 743 historical andarchaeologically invaluable sites were heritage sites/monuments were hit by the earthquake causing
133 fully collapsed, 95 partially collapsed and 515 partly damaged. It is estimated that the lives ofeight million people, almost one-third of the population of Nepal, have been impacted by theseearthquakes pushing back more than one million people below poverty line4.
1234

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal
Statistical Hand book 2014
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal

http://www.nra.gov.np/pages/details/about (National Reconstruction Authority)

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

2

Figure 1 Geo-political maps (1.Between Nepal and China 2. Federal Division) of Nepal

Table 1. Losses due to 2015 Earthquake disaster5
25 April 2015 is the worst earthquake in Nepal in 80 years.

7.6 Richter Scale

People died

8790

People injured

22300

Houses destroyed or damaged

800000School Damaged or destroyed

7000

Districts Affected

31 out of 75

Support, Emergency relief and humanitarian assistance received from

Over 60 countries

Large Cattles lost

17000

Smaller domesticated animals lost

40,000Additional poor pushed into poverty in 2015-16

700,000

Road Network Affected by the Earthquake

20%

Total damage and loss from the disaster

US$ 7.065 Billion

Nepal is rich in natural resources such as forest, water and biodiversity. Forest covers approximately
39.6% land of the total area. The number of all-season rivers touches hundreds in number though
has not yet been fully exploited in generating electricity and irrigation. Administratively, the country
had earlier been divided into five development regions, 14 zones and 75 districts. Likewise, there are
217 municipalities that are considered as urban and 3276 Village Development Committees (VDCs)
which are predominantly rural areas6.
According to the Population Census 2011, the total population is 26.5 million with annual growthrate of 1.35 per annum and 54, 27,302 individual households. From the same census it is found that
6.7, 43.0 and 50.3 per cent of total population is living respectively in the Mountain, Hill and Terai.
As such the geographical distribution of population is uneven. The population density in the year
2011 was 180 people per square kilometer. Similarly, the literacy rate of male and female are 75.1
and 57.4 per cent giving on average of 65.9 per cent.7 Nepal has per capita income of about $490.8
A survey conducted in all 58 municipalities of Nepal in 2012 found that the average municipal
solid waste generation was 317 grams per capita per day. This translates into 1,435 tons per day or
524,000 tons per year of municipal solid waste generation in Nepal. Many of these technically and
5678PDNA 2015 Report
Statistical Pocket Book 2014, CBS, GoN
ibid
http://ask.weallnepali.com/91/what-is-the-per-capita-income-of-nepal

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

3

financially constrained municipalities are still practicing roadside waste pickup from open piles andopen dumping, creating major health risks 9.
With respect to Hazardous waste, country has increased amount of electrical and electronic waste,
obsolete pesticides, POPs Waste, about 1400 tonnes per year of health care waste and asbestos waste
is on rise and will be going to be serious emerging issues in near future as millions tonnes of asbestos
and asbestos containing products has been imported and used in the country before ban imposedin the year 2015.

1.1 Housing Pattern and Construction Materials
Despite of asbestos can be found indifferent geographical region of thecountry, it has been massively used in
Terai. According to the population census
in 2011, Terai comprises 20 districts
which account for 17% of the total areaof Nepal and has 51% of the Nepalese
Population. In Terai, communities withsimilar ethnic groups use to live together
in a small to large clusters. However, due
to division in family based on increasing
the family members, they have now
making clusters of mixed ethnic groupand economic status. A typical village andcluster in Terai, now a day is mixture offamily of different caste, ethnic groups
and diverse economic status found to beliving together.

Figure 2 A typical residential house in Terai withtraditional Clay soil tile, Asbestos sheets and concreteroofing together

Thus a village hamlet consists of different big and small houses made of concrete cement to thatchedroofed mud houses. Due to increase in foreign remittance in all most all part of Nepal including
Terai, there has been a great improvement in housing and sanitation condition as all most allhouses are increasingly made of cement, brick and concrete with toilet and water tube well facility.
Construction of concrete house is on rise whereas who did not able to afford full concrete buildings,
at least had brick walls but carcinogenic Asbestos roofing is of great concern of now and future.
The local advertisement and promotion of toxic Asbestos has raised its massive uses for roofing
purposes and one can find almost each alternate house in a typical Teria village is having asbestos
roofing. People were told asbestos as the best roofing materials; it provides warms in winter andkeeps cold in summer by associated vendors from dealers to retailers. Neither government nor
business community are able to provide real information about asbestos carcinogenicity. As a result,a home considered to be heaven becoming hell for a people as it may cause cancer to the person who
lives in. Media houses and artists found to be much interested to advertise whatever advertisement
comes to them without having any idea about the toxic impact and environmental degradation
potential of the products they are promoting. Regarding asbestos and asbestos based products, it
has been imported and used in the different rural to urban area for various purposes from roofing of9

http://www.adb.org/publications/solid-waste-management-nepal-current-status-and-policy-recommendations

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

4school, garage, industrial units etc. to insulating materials in industrial setting. There might be somehealth and environment implications out of these decade long use and mishandling of asbestos,waste and other products.

1.2 Asbestos and its uses
The term “asbestos” is used for a group of naturally
occurring minerals that take the form of long thinfibres and fibre bundles. Asbestos is a mineral fiberthat occurs in rock and soil. Chemically, asbestos
minerals are silicate compounds, meaning they
contain atoms of silicon and oxygen in their molecular
structure. Although asbestos fibers are tiny in nature,they are extremely durable, resistant to heat, fire,chemical reactions, electricity and breakdowns. It
became material of choice as roofing shingles, floor
tiles, ceiling materials; cement compounds, textile
products, and automotive parts etc. These minerals
have great tensile strength, conduct heat poorly andare relatively resistant to chemical attack. Asbestos
is non-biodegradable. The principal varieties ofasbestos are Chrysotile (known as white asbestos) a
Serpentine mineral, and Crocidolite (blue asbestos),
Amosite (brown asbestos), Anthophyllite, Tremoliteand Actinolite, all of which are amphiboles. The
chrysotile is the one mostAsbestos is widely used throughout the world,
particularly in building and insulation materials.
Typical uses include: Boilers and heating vessels,
Cement pipe, Clutch, brake, and transmission
components, Conduits for electrical wire, Pipecovering, Roofing products, Duct and homeinsulation, Fire protection panels Furnace insulating
pads, Pipe or boiler insulation, Sheet vinyl or floor
tiles, Underlay for sheet flooring etc.10.
Asbestos is one of the most important
occupational carcinogens, causing about half ofthe death from occupational cancer. According
to global estimates at least 90,000 people dieeach year from asbestos-related lung cancer,
mesothelioma and asbestosis resulting fromoccupational exposures. Worldwide, WHO has
explicated that 125 million people are potentially
exposed to asbestos, One-third or around 75
million of these are in the South East Asia andWestern Pacific Regions11. Few countries in

Figure 3. Asbestos Fibers

Figure 4 Asbestos sheet stacked for sale inJanakpur Market, Nepal

Figure 5 Asbestos sheets massively used inTerai

10 . http://www.searo.who.int/entity/emergencies/documents/abestos.pdf?ua=1
11 WHO September 2006, WHO/SDE/OEH/06.03

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

5

South-East Asia have accurate information or a good awareness of the use of asbestos in theircountries where as some countries like our Nepal do not have such level of information and awarenessand hence this national profile aims to blueprint the existing status of asbestos and related issues in
Nepal.

1.3 Objective••

Prepare a National Asbestos Profile (NAP) of Nepal that helps to development of National
Action Program to elimination of asbestos related diseases and environmental degradations.
Update the compliance status of the government decision of banning Asbestos.

2. Current regulations (National and International) on the
different forms of asbestos
There are number of national and international policy and regulation adopted by the Government of Nepal that dealt with the protection human health and environment including
specific gazette notification directly banning of import, sales, distribution and uses of asbestos are in place.

2.1 National Policies and Regulations
Nepal believes in an integrated approach to democracy, development and human rights andregards them as a triad of the civilized society. Nepal holds the view that all human rights areuniversal, indivisible, interdependent and inter-related and as such they merit equal emphasis. The
new Constitution of Nepal 2015 reaffirms Nepal’s commitment to human rights by guaranteeing
fundamental political, social, cultural and economic rights to the citizens.12
Nepal has recently promulgated a Constitution through the Constituent Assembly on 20 September
2015 which encompasses over 30 different fundamental rights including that of workers and/or
labours in line with the International Labour Standards and others and also includes the compensation
provision in case of failure of ensuring these fundamental rights by perpetrator. In summary, right toemployment and social security, right to form trade unions and right for collective bargaining etc.
are major labour related rights already included into the constitution of Nepal.
Right to live in healthy and safe environment has been recognised by the new Constitution of Nepal
2015 as fundamental right of the citizen of Nepal.

12 New Constitution of Nepal 2015

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

6

Table 2. The major rights ensured under the Constitution of Nepal
Articles(Sub Articles)16
17 (2)
18 (4)
19 (1)
27
28
29(2)
30 (1)
30(2)
33(1)
33(2)
34 (1)
34 (2)
34 (3)
35 (1)
35 (2)
35 (3)
35 (4)
36(1)
38(1)
38(2)
38(5)
39(4)
39(6)
39(7)

Description of Fundamental Right
Right to live with dignity
Right to Freedom (to form union and association)
Right to equality (There shall not be any gender discriminations regarding remuneration for the same work and social
security.
Right to communication (………or disrespect labour, …………..)
Right to information: Every citizen shall have the right to seek information on any matters of concern to her/him or
the public.
Right to Privacy
Right against exploitation (any kind of exploitation on any basis)
Right regarding clean environment (Each person shall have the right to live in a healthy and clean environment.)
The victim of environmental pollution and degradation shall have the right to be compensated by the pollutant asprovided for by law.
Right to employment (Every citizen shall have the right to employment…..)
Every citizen shall have the right to select employment.
Right regarding labour (Every labourer shall have the right to proper work practices.)
Every labourer shall have the right to appropriate remuneration, facilities and contribution-based social security.
Every labourer shall have the right to form trade union, participate in it, and organize collective bargaining.
Right to healthcare (Every citizen shall have the right to seek basic health care services from the state and no citizen
shall be deprived of emergency health care.)Each person shall have the right to be informed about his/her health condition with regard to health care services.
Each person shall have equal access to health care.
Each citizen shall have the right to access to clean water and hygiene.
Right to food (Each citizen shall have the right to food.)
Right of Women (Every woman shall have equal right to lineage without any gender discriminations.)
Every woman shall have the right relating to safe motherhood and reproductive health.
Women shall have the right to special opportunity in the spheres of education, health, employment and social
security on the basis of positive discrimination.
Right of children (No child shall be employed in factories, mines, or in any other hazardous works.)
No child shall be subjected to recruitment………….
No child shall be subjected to physical, mental, or any other forms of torture at home, in school, or in any otherplaces or situations etc. .

Environment Protection Act (EPA-1997) and Environment Protection Regulation (EPR 1997)
dose have provision for the Asbestos Production Industries of all sizes required to carry out full scale
EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment). Asbestos industry falls under non-metallic industries e.g.
Asbestos industries of all sizes (Schedule 2, Rule 3, B. Industrial Sector, 12. Production of Asbestos)
however, such cancer causing industries did not required Pollution Control Certificate of as per
the Schedule-7, (Relating to Sub-Rule (1) of Rule 16) of the Environment Protection Regulation.13
These provisions of EPA and EPR need to be amended and make it compatible with the government
asbestos banning decision.
Chapter 3 of Environment Protection Regulation deals with Prevention and control ofpollutions (rule 15). Prohibition to emit waste in contravention of the prescribed standards:
No one shall emit or cause to emit the noise, heat and waste from any mechanical means, industrial
establishment or any other place in contravention of the standards prescribed by the Ministry by a
Notification published in the Gazette.
13 Environment Protection Act 1997 and Environment Protection Regulation 1997

7

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

Chapter 8 of Environment Protection Regulation deals with Compensation and otherprovisions (Rule 45). May file an application for realizing compensation : -In case anyone wishes
to realize compensation from any individual, institution or proponent under section 17 of the Act,he/she may Submit an application to the concerned Chief District Officer mentioning the type ofloss suffered by him/her as a result thereof, and the amount of compensation sought by him/her.

2.1.1 Asbestos Ban in Nepal: Government Banned Import, Sale, Distribution and Use ofCarcinogenic Asbestos
Government of Nepal, Ministry of Population and Environment-MOPE (the then MOSTE) as per
the provision of Environment Protection Act 1997 (Section 7 and Sub-section 3) decided to Banof Import, Sale, Distribution and Use of all Asbestos and Asbestos containing products including
Corrugated, Non Corrugated Sheet, Tiles, Insulators by publishing a notice i Nepal Gazette (Khand
64, Number 30, Part 5, Date December 22, 2014, Notice No. 4). This decision helps to protect
human health as well as environment from negative consequences of Asbestos. This decision of willautomatically come into effect on 181 days from the date of gazette notification14.

Nepal Gazette
Published by Government of Nepal
Part 5,Government of Nepal
Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment
Notice No. 4(Khand 64, Number 30. Nepal Gazette, Part 5, Date: 22 December 2014)
In exercise of the power conferred by Environment Protection Act 1997 (Section 7 and Subsection 3), shall come into effects from 181 days from the date of publication of this notice by
the Government of Nepal has banned the Import, Sale, Distribution and Use of all Asbestos andAsbestos containing products including Corrugated, Non Corrugated Sheet, Tiles, Insulators etc.
except the asbestos lining of automobile`s brake shoe and clutch plate.
With permission
Mahendra Man Gurung
Acting Secretary, Government of Nepal

Figure 6. Nepal Gazette on Ban on Import, Sale, Distribution and Uses of Asbestos

14

Nepal Gazette (Khand 64, Number 30, Part 5, Date December 22, 2014, Notice No. 4)

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

8

Environment Protection Act 1997, Section (7). Prevention and Control of Pollution Sub Section
7 (1) Nobody shall create pollution in such a manner as to cause significant adverse impacts on theenvironment or likely to be hazardous to public life and people’s health, or dispose or cause to bedisposed sound, heat radioactive rays and wastes from any mechanicaldevices, industrial enterprises, or other places contrary to the prescribed standards.
Sub Section7 (3) if it appears that the use of any types of substance, fuel, tools or device has caused or
is likely to cause significant adverse impacts on the environment, the Ministry may, by a notificationin the Nepal Gazette, forbid the use of such substance, fuel, tools or device.
CEPHED successfully campaigned for the banning of asbestos and achieved the results.
Solid Waste Management Act 2011 and Solid Waste Management Regulation 2013: Solid Waste
Management act enacted to manage the solid waste in a systematic and effective way by reducing
at its source, re-use, processing or discharge and for maintaining a clean and healthy environment
through the reduction of adverse effects that may be caused to the public health and environment.
It define “Solid Waste” means domestic waste, industrial waste, chemical waste, health institution
related waste or harmful waste and this word shall also mean the materials which cannot be usedpresently, thrown away. Also define “Harmful Waste” means any substance, matter or radioactive
radiation produced in any form, capable of derogating the natural environment, causing damage or,
injury to human or living being’s health.
Though local body are held responsible to manage solid waste, the prime responsibility for theprocessing and management within the set standard of harmful waste, health institution related
waste, chemical waste or industrial waste shall be of the individual or body producing such solid
waste (Art. 4).
Laboratory induced Hazardous Allowance Guideline 2015: As per the power conferred by theGovernance Act 2007 (Art. 45), Government of Nepal has prepared this guideline. According to thisguideline, people working in a laboratory for analysis, research and training under the controlled
condition using different chemicals, radiation, microorganism and scientific equipment’s hampering
the health in any Government of Nepal`s Offices and working place are entitled to get laboratory
induced hazardous allowance as decided by the hazardous allowance committee.
Industrial Enterprises Act 1992 though have provision of requiring permission for establishingsome of the industries based on Tobacco , explosive and security related, the cancer causing Asbestos
industry did not required any permission to be established.
Town Development Act, 1988 (2045). It authorizes Town Development Committees to regulate,control, or prohibit any act or activity that causes environmental pollution and implicates adverse
effect on public health or aesthetic beauty of an area. It contains penalty provisions in the form offines for the violation of the Act.
The Building Act 1998 made necessary provisions for the regulation of building construction
works in order to protect building against earthquake, fire and other natural calamities, to theextent possible, formulate a building code, make recommendation to the Nepal Quality Assurance
Council to determine the quality of native or foreign materials related with building construction,
classification of buildings, power to supervise the building construction etc.

9National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

Labor Act 1992,15 The Labor Act and its subsidiary rules are the main legislation in the country thatcovers the working conditions, welfare of workers, safety and health, and industrial disputes. The
coverage of the Labor Act is confined to enterprises employing ten or more workers.
Chapter 5 of this Act dealt mainly with Health and Safety issues and have made very good provisionlisted below in different sections of the Act.
Section 27. Provisions Relating to Health and Safety, the proprietor shall make the arrangementsin the Enterprise as mentioned below:• To Keep each Enterprise clean and tidy by cleaning daily including with germicidal medicines,
necessary arrangements of proper drainage and colouring from time to time and preventing
from odour;• To make arrangements for adequate supply of fresh air and light as well as proper temperaturein the working rooms;• To make arrangements of removal and disposal of solid waste during production process,• To make arrangements of prevention of accumulation of dust, fume, vapour and other impure
materials in working rooms which would adversely affect the health;• To make arrangements of necessary preventive personal devices for protection of health fromadverse any other source, and make provisions this would produce less noise during the work
process;• To avoid any congestion in the work-room or work place leading to injurious to the health ofworkers or employees and to avail working space to each worker or employee, according to thenature of the job, or normally fifteen cubic meters and, the height above four meters from thefloor surface shall not be counted for such purposes.
• To make provisions for sufficient supply of pure potable water during the working hours, and to
make arrangement for sufficient water in the Enterprise where chemical substances, are used or
produced which may be injurious to the health, for the purpose of extinguishing fire or washingand cleansing during emergency situations;• To make provisions for separate modern type toilets for male and female workers or employees
at convenient place;• To declare as non-smoking zone in all or some parts of the Enterprise, according to the natureof its works; and• To cause to conduct compulsory health check-ups of the workers or employees once every
year in the Enterprises where the nature of works is likely to affect the health adversely.
Section 28 of the Act has provision of Protection of Eyes through having• Necessary protective means shall have to be arranged for the protection of eyes of the workers
and employees from injuries likely to be caused by dust or pieces while working in the Enterpriseusing glass, mercury, magnet, pallets, iron, concrete, cement, lime, stone and explosive
substances.
•
Necessary protective devices shall have to be arranged to protect the eyes from harmful rays
coming from during the process of welding or gas-cutting, or other similar works.
Section 29 of the Act has provision of Protection from Chemical Substance by the Proprietor shallhave to make provisions for necessary personal protective devices for the protection of workers or
employees handling chemical substances.
15 . http://www.ilo.org/dyn/travail/docs/581/Labour%20Act%201992.pdf

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

10

Labour and Employment Policy 2005 (2062 BS)16 has provision of long term goal is to provide
productive, non-discriminatory, exploitation-free , decent, safe and healthy work opportunities for
citizens of the working ages by building an environment of friendly investments.
The workplace will be made safe, healthy and productive by promoting and developing occupational
health and safety and reproductive health as inherent aspects of all organizations and workplaces(subsection 3.3.4).
Safety and health committees will be constituted and effectively conducted for the identification,planning, implementation, follow-up, evaluation and improvement of activities related tooccupational safety and reproductive health at the workplace(subsection 3.3.10).
Along with the development of a reporting and documentation system on occupational hazards,
training in occupational safety and health will be provided for workers and management personnel(subsection 3.3.11).
A manual will be prepared and implemented for the promotion of occupational safety and health,including the management of stress at the workplace (subsection 3.3.12).

2.1.2 Building Codes and Building Materials
Nepal’s National Building Code (NBC) was formulated in 1994. After almost 20 years of its existence,
the actual implementation still remains a critical issue. In Nepal, municipalities are the responsible
agencies to issue building permits. The current municipal building permit process does not ensure thecompliance of NBC. Only 3 viz: Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Dharan out of 58 old municipalities in Nepal
have tried to incorporate NBC into their building permit process; but these attempts have been too
limited and lack the necessary verification to ensure compliance. All municipalities in Nepal did nothave even fully equipped to do so. The de facto building permits process in Kathmandu and Lalitpur
is very superficial and subjective even though both municipalities enforce NBC compliance in theory.
Few generalized checklists have been developed and the questionnaires in checklists are overlooked
and easily manipulated. There is no effective mechanism for field verification of approved drawings.
The tracking system of building permit processing is also inefficient. Often permit application
documents under certification process are lost and manipulated. The documents are found to be
replaced with new ones which have been manipulated to conform to the NBC code compliance rules.
In order to overcome this malpractice, an effective governance system which can ensure transparency
and accountability of the system in each stage of process is required. All these factors necessitated todesign an automated system - Electronic Building Permit System (EBPS) - which can systematicallyhandle the complexities of building code compliance and building permit system for both new buildings
as well as old building stocks. The sole aim of the automated system is to effectively implement the
NBC and Building By-Laws (BBL) to promote safe building construction practices and planned urban
development in the national capital of Nepal - mainly Kathmandu and Lalitpur municipalities.
While some initiatives have been made from manual building permit system to E-BPS, the closing
concerns related to the Nepal Building Code (NBC) 101: 1994 , Material Specification has been
specially of our interest as it aimed to regulate the specific construction materials and associatedwaste especially with respect to the toxic composition of construction materials and waste.
16 http://www.moltm.gov.np/uploads/document/Labour%20policy-Eng-2062_20110904014004.pdf.

11National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

As government of Nepal banned the import, sale, distribute and uses of all form of Asbestos contained
construction materials and fixed the lead paint standard of 90 ppm of lead for all paint, the Material
Specification related Building Code 101 and Constructions Safety related Building Code 114 have tobe reviewed and revised in this light.
Materials
The use of materials confirming to NS (Nepal Standard) or IS (Indian Standard) or any otherapproved standards agency shall deem to have satisfied the requirements of this Standard. A listof such Nepal Standards and Indian Standards appear in section 9 of the Material Specification
NBC 101. Standards which are mandatory as minimum requirements for buildings designed tocomply with other Nepal Standards for Engineered design has still the provision of using Asbestos
as mentioned in Table 9.1. of the building codes as follows.
C. ASBESTOS CEMENT PRODUCTS. According to which it allows
IS: 459-1970: Specification for unreinforced corrugated and semi-corrugated asbestos cement
sheets (second revision).
IS :1626: Specification for asbestos cement building pipes and pipe fittings, gutters and gutter
fittings and roofing fittings.
IS : 2096-1966 : Specification for asbestos cement flat sheets.
IS: 2098-1964: Specification for asbestos cement building boards.
IS: 5913-1970: Methods of test for asbestos cement products.
IS: 6908-1975: Specification for asbestos cement pipes and fittings for sewerage and drainage.
IS: 7639-1975: Method of sampling asbestos cement products.
IS: 9627-1980: Specification for asbestos cement pressure pipes (light duty).
Y. READY MIXED PAINTS AND ENAMELS
IS: 101-1964 Methods of test for ready mixed paints and enamels (second revision)
IS: 102-1962 Specification for ready mixed paint, brushing, red lead, non-setting, and priming(revised)
AA. VARNISHES AND LACQUERS
IS :197-1969 Methods of sampling and test for varnishes and lacquers (first revision)
These need to be amended and use our own Nepalese Standard of Lead in Paint not containing
more than 90 ppm of lead.
Likewise the NBC 114 deals with the Constructions Safety related Building Code. It includes
10 Constructions of Roofs
10.2 When roofs are to be covered with corrugated iron sheet or asbestos cement sheet, or similar
each joint shall be fixed securely so as to prevent slippage during construction.
10.3 Workers shall not be allowed to walk directly on asbestos cement sheet.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

12

Similarly, NBC 208 : 2003, Sanitary and Plumbing Design requirements has still the provision ofusing Asbestos Cement pipe for 2 Disposal of Sewage/Waste Water and Pipe Work : 2.3 The pipes
used for disposal /conveyance of sewage /waste water can be either Salt Glazed Stoneware Pipe,
Cement Concrete Pipe (Plain or reinforced) Cast Iron pipe, Galvanized Iron Pipe , Asbestos Cement
Pipe , Lead Pipe , PVC or HDPE Pipe . The jointing of those pipes will be either spigot and socket
type or collar type (2, 2.3)17 as well as Rain Water Disposal . Rainwater pipes shall be constructedof cast iron, PVC pipe asbestos cement, galvanized sheet or other equally suitable material and shallbe securely fixed (C, 8).

2.1.3 Green Building Guidelines:
Green building Guideline has been under preparation which though included several good andenvironmentally sound practices in a home to be declared as the Green Home. These includes green
building material mainly the hollow blocks, passive solar design, energy efficiency, water conservation
and waste management. It did not considered construction materials which might be toxic such as
leaded paint, asbestos roofing , asbestos piping and insulating materials, CFL Bulbs contain toxic
mercury, solar panel consist of Lead sheet and storage battery etc. need to be mentioned and safer
alternative should be included into the Green Building Guidelines. CEPHED has well informed
the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC), Ministry of Urban
Development, Government of Nepal and developing partner like UN Habitat and European Union
about these issues to be addressed.

2.1.4 Bylaws on Settlement Development, Urban Planning and Building Construction 2015
The government endorsed Fundamental Construction Bylaws on Settlement Development, Urban
Planning and Building Construction 2015 focusing on developing safer communities to deal with
future disaster risks.
The standards prepared by the Ministry of Urban Development comes six months after the country
was hit by a devastating earthquake causing huge damage of lives and properties, including thedamage of buildings built without following basic building safety code. The new bylaws state thatbuildings up to 10m high have to leave a minimum of 1.5m setback from the border of the land plot.
Only houses up to three storeys and having a common height can be joined together.
Public buildings up to 17m high have to leave a minimum setback of 3m while non-public buildings
have to allocate for 2m setback. The minimum setback for even taller buildings is 5m.
The new bylaws are a “definite improvement” on the shortcomings of National Building Code of1994. “The provision for compulsory load-bearing capacity testing for land plots filled with 1m soil
and the provision on building foundations are in par with latest technological standards,”. It has
also provision for the formation of a Central Urban Planning and Building Construction Bylaws
Improvement and Supervision Committee for facilitating the implementation of the new building
code.18 It required implementing in all municipalities including all the VDCs with more households.

There are some other bilateral and multilateral agreement between Nepal and other countries that have provision to export Asbestos and related materials into Nepal19.
17 NBC 208 : 2003, Sanitary and Plumbing Design requirements, p 27 and p 33.
18 http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-10-28/govt-brings-new-building-bylaws.html
19 http://www.fncci.org/text/policy_highlights.pdf

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National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

These agreements are

2.1.5 Bilateral and Multilateral trade agreements with asbestos import provision(A) Trade agreement between Government of Nepal (the them His
Majesty`s Government of Nepal)
and The Government of The Arab
Republic of Egypt done and signed
at Kathmandu on Tuesday Twenty
Third Day of December Nineteen
Hundred and Seventy Five. Thisagreement has some good provision
related to health and safety. Namely
Article III of the Agreement deals
with the High Contracting Parties
shall do their best to promote exFigure 7 Import of Asbestos sheets frompand the volumes trade between theother countries to Nepal
two countries in particular with regard goods and commodities mentioned in List “A” and “B” annexes which form an integral part of this Agreement. List “A” designates the List of exports from Nepal and List
“B” designates the List of exports from the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Article V of the same agreement dealt with the foregoing provision, either High Contracting Party
may maintain or introduce such restrictions are necessary for the purpose of: Protecting human,
animal and plant life among others. According to this agreement, the list “B” Egypt’s Exports to
Nepal (14 items) includes Asbestos Sheets(B) Nepal’s Trade & Transit Agreement between Government of Nepal (the them His Majesty`s
Government of Nepal) and The Government of The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic Trade andPayments Agreements Signed in Kathmandu 12th December, 1992 dose have provision ofexporting Asbestos cement pressure pipes to Nepal.
(C) Another agreement between Government of Nepal (the them His Majesty`s Governmentof Nepal) and The Government of The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia with listof Commodities Signed at Kathmandu September 5, 1965 dose have provision of exporting
Asbestos, cement pipes and fittings to Nepal.
In light of the Government of Nepal’s decision of banning all form of Asbestos and Asbestos
containing products, all these international and bilateral agreements with the provision of importand export of asbestos containing products need to be revised and updated.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

Figure 8. Import, Sale and Distribution of Asbestos in different part of country (Dhanusha, Siraha,
Bara , Parsa)

14National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

15

2.2 International Policies and Regulations
Action on elimination of asbestos-related diseases has a sound international basis that includes
primarily ILO international instruments, WHO recommendations and multilateral environmental
agreements.

2.2.1 ILO standards
The Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No.139) requires Parties to “periodically determine
the carcinogenic substances and agents to which occupational exposure shall be prohibited or madesubject to authorization or control…” (Article 1). Parties to the Convention “shall make every effort
to have carcinogenic substances and agents to which workers may be exposed in the course of theirwork replaced by non-carcinogenic substances or agents or by less harmful substances or agents; inthe choice of substitute substances or agents account shall be taken of their carcinogenic, toxic andother properties” (Article 2)20.
The Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No.162) provides that “where necessary to protect the health ofworkers and technically practicable, national laws or regulations shall provide for one or more of thefollowing measures - (a) replacement of asbestos or certain types of asbestos or products containing
asbestos by other materials or products or the use of alternative technology, scientifically evaluatedby the competent authorities as harmless or less harmful, whenever this is possible; (b) total orpartial prohibition of the use of asbestos or certain types of asbestos or products containing asbestos
in certain work processes.” (Article 10)21. The Asbestos Convention prohibits the use of crocidolite
and products containing this fibre, as well as spraying of all forms of asbestos.
The Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No.170) requires that “when in an exporting member State allor some uses of hazardous chemicals are prohibited for reasons of safety and health at work, thisfact and the reasons for it shall be communicated by the exporting member State to any importing
country” (Article 19)22.
th

The Resolution on Asbestos of the 95 International Labour Conference (2006) stipulates thatthe elimination of the future use of asbestos and the identification and proper management ofasbestos currently in place are the most effective means to protect workers from asbestos exposureand to prevent future asbestos-related diseases and deaths. It also indicates that the Asbestos
Convention, 1986 (No.162), should not be used to provide a justification for, or endorsement of,
the continued use of asbestos. It encourages countries to ratify and give effect to the provisions of
the Asbestos Convention, 1986, and the Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974; to promote
the elimination of future use of all forms of asbestos and asbestos containing materials; to promote
the identification and proper management of all forms of asbestos currently in place; and to include
measures in national programmes on occupational safety and health to protect workers fromexposure to asbestos.23
20 ILO Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No.139) and ILO Occupational Cancer Recommendation, 1974
(No.147); full text available at http://www.ilo.org/ilolex/english/index.htm
21 ILO Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No.162) and ILO Asbestos Recommendation, 1986 (No.172), full text available at
http://www.ilo.org/ilolex/english/index.htm
22 ILO Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No.170) and ILO Chemicals Recommendation, 1990 (No. 177), full text available
at http://www.ilo.org/ilolex/english/index.htm
23 Resolution Concerning Asbestos. In: Ninety-fifth International Labour Conference, Geneva, 31 May - 16 June 2006.
Report of the Committee on Safety and Health. Geneva, International Labour Conference (Provisional Record 20),
Annex 20/69, available at http://www.ilo.org/public/english/standards/relm/ilc/ilc95/pdf/pr-20.pdf

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

16

2.2.2 Resolution concerning asbestos (adopted by the 95th Session of the International Labour
Conference, June 2006)
The General Conference of the International Labour Organization. Considering that all forms of asbestos, including Chrysotile, are classified as known human carcinogens by the International Agency
for Research on Cancer, a classification restated by the International Programme on Chemical Safety(a joint Programme of the International Labour Organization, the WHO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Recognising all the form of illness, death and occupational injuries,
diseases and deaths, ILO came with the international resolution that stated as follows.
1. Resolves that:• The elimination of the future use of asbestos and the identification and proper managementof asbestos currently in place are the most effective means to protect workers from asbestos
exposure and to prevent future asbestos-related diseases and deaths; and• The Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162), should not be used to provide a justification for, or
endorsement of, the continued use of asbestos.
2. Requests the Governing Body to direct the International Labour Office to:• Continue to encourage member States to ratify and give effect to the provisions of the Asbestos
Convention, 1986 (No. 162), and the Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139);• Promote the elimination of future use of all forms of asbestos and asbestos containing materials
in all member States;• Promote the identification and proper management of all forms of asbestos currently in place;• Encourage and assist member States to include measures in their national programmes on
occupational safety and health to protect workers from exposure to asbestos;• Transmit this resolution to all member States.

2.2.3 Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)
There are two main multilateral environmental agreements that play an important role in international
trade and management of asbestos. The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent
Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade includes all
types of asbestos of the amphibole group in its Annex III of substances subject to the prior informed
consent procedure24. The 2006 Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention decided
that crysotile asbestos meets the requirements and the criteria for inclusion in Annex III of theConvention and that the 2008 Conference shall further consider its inclusion in Annex III25. During
the ExCOP meeting of Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention in the year 2015 and in the COP
7 of Rotterdam Convention once again able to block the listing of Chrysotile asbestos in Annex III.
Russia, Kirgizstan, Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Pakistan and India are the major countries
to block the listing while Government of Nepal has endorsed the listing of Chrysotile.
Furthermore, wastes that contain asbestos dust and asbestos fibres are considered a hazardous waste(Annex I, item Y36) under the Basel Convention on the Control of Trans- boundary Movements
24 UNEP/FAO Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals
and Pesticides in International Trade; available at http://www.pic.int/
25 UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.1/33 report of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior
Informed Consent Procedure for certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade on the work of
its first meeting, Geneva 20-24 September 2004, available at http://www.pic.int/cops/reports/z33)/English/COP%20
1-33%20e.pdf

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

17

of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, and are, therefore, subject to strict control. Nepal isparty to both these MEAs Rotterdam Convention and Basel Convention since obelise to adopt all
the control measures inbuilt to them26.

2.2.4 WHO Recommendationsth

The 58 World Health Assembly urged Member States to pay special attention to cancers forwhich avoidable exposure is a factor, particularly exposure to chemicals at the workplace and theenvironment.27 Asbestos is one of the most important occupational carcinogens causing about halfthof the deaths from occupational cancer. In May 2007, the 60 World Health Assembly endorsed a
global plan of action on workers’ health 2008-2017 in which Member States requested the WHO
Secretariat to include in its activities “a global campaign for elimination of asbestos-related diseases- bearing in mind a differentiated approach to regulating its various forms - in line with the relevantinternational legal instruments and the latest evidence for effective interventions…”28
WHO’s assistance to countries to eliminate asbestos-related diseases will therefore be particularly
targeted to those Member States that still use Chrysotile asbestos, in addition to assistance in relation to exposures arising from historical use of all forms of asbestos29.
WHO in collaboration with ILO and with other intergovernmental organizations and civil society,will work with countries towards elimination of asbestos-related diseases in the following strategic
directions:• by recognizing that the most efficient way to eliminate asbestos-related diseases is to stop theuse of all types of asbestos;• by providing information about solutions for replacing asbestos with safer substitutes anddeveloping economic and technological mechanisms to stimulate its replacement;• by taking measures to prevent exposure to asbestos in place and during asbestos removal(abatement);• by improving early diagnosis, treatment, social and medical rehabilitation of asbestos-relateddiseases and by establishing registries of people with past and/or current exposures to asbestos.30
However, Nepal is neither party to the ILO Convention 162 Asbestos Convention 1986 nor the ILO
Convention 139 on occupational cancer Convention 1974 which is to protect against carcinogenic
substances or agents and safeguard for workers’ rights. This Convention requires Member States toimplement national laws or regulations to protect workers against carcinogenic substances of agents.

2.2.5 International Banning of Asbestos
To date, over 60 countries including all the member states of the European Union have banned theuse of all forms of asbestos, including Chrysotile. Other countries have introduced less stringent
26 ILO and WHO 2007, Outline for the Development of National Programs for Elimination of Asbestos related Diseases
27 WHA 58.22 Cancer prevention and control, In: Fifty-eight World Health Assembly, Geneva, 16 - 25 May 2005.
Resolutions and Decisions. Geneva, World Health Organizations, available at http://www.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_
files/WHA58/WHA58_22-en.pdf
28 See paragraph 10 in the Annex of WHA 60.26 Workers’ Health: Global Plan of Action, in Sixtieth World Health
Assembly, Geneva 14-23 may 2007, Resolutions and Decisions, World Health Organization, available at http://
www.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA60/A60_R26-en.pdf
29 http://www.issa.int/wssf07/documents/pdf/reports/en/2-AP.pdf
30 See document WHO/SDE/OEH/06.03, Elimination of Asbestos-related Diseases, WHO, Geneva, 2006 available at
http://www.who.int/occupational_health/publications/asbestosrelateddiseases.pdf

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

18

restrictions; however some countries have maintained or even increased their production or use ofChrysotile in recent year.31

Table 3. Countries Bans and Restricted uses of asbestos & asbestos containing products
Algeria

Denmark

IrelandMozambique

Seychelles

Argentina

EgyptIsraelNetherlands

Slovakia

Australia

Estonia

Italy

New Caledonia

Slovenia

Austria

Finland

Japan

Nepal

South Africa

BahrainFranceJordanNorwaySpain

Belgium

Gabon

Korea (South)

Oman

SwedenBruneiGermany

KuwaitPolandSwitzerland,

Bulgaria

Gibraltar

LatviaPortugal

Singapore

Chile

GreeceLithuania

Qatar

TaiwanCroatia

Honduras, Hong Kong

Luxembourg

Romania

TurkeyCyprusHungary

Malta

Saudi Arabia

United Kingdom

Czech Republic

Iceland

Mauritius

SerbiaUruguay

France banned the production and import of asbestos-based products in 1997, followed by Belgium
in 1998. During November 1999, UK prohibited the use, import and manufacture of chrysotile
asbestos on the grounds of health risks.32. Nepal banned the asbestos on 22nd December 2014
with 6 moth exemption period and hence took effects on 20th June 2015.

3. Import and consumption of asbestos per year (total andper major uses and forms)
Nepal did not process and mines the asbestos but import a large quantity of the same for different
uses and purposes as there are various Asbestos Sheet Dealers all over Nepal33.
Asbestos is not mined in Nepal. So all the asbestos, asbestos containing products has been imported
and consumed. Nepal does not export the asbestos and hence whatever it imports is being consumed
in the country in different sectors housing to industrial etc.

3.1 Importation and Consumption of Asbestos in Nepal
According to the information obtained from Department of Custom, Ministry of Finance,
Government of Nepal, different amount of Asbestos has been imported from various countries to
Nepal. Following table gives the asbestos importation to Nepal34.

31
32
33
34

http://ibasecretariat.org/alpha_ban_list.php
Indian Mineral Year book 2011
Classified Bits.com ,the List of Top & Best Asbestos Sheet Dealers in Nepal
Import data from Department of Custom , Government of Nepal, http://www.customs.gov.np/upload/documents/
for_Web_FTS_(UptoJestha_2072_73)_Final_2016-06-22-14-52-06.xlsx

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

19

Table 4. Importation of Asbestos and Asbestos containing products in Nepal through Custom
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
2068/69
2069/702070/712071/722072/73
(Kg)
(Kg)
(Kg)
(Kg)
(Kg)

No. HS Codes Description

2011/122012/132013/142014/15

2015/16***125241000 Crocidolite Asbestos

Mid-July to Mid-July

83670

11194063000

13040000

225249000 Other Asbestos

11604111084645721906547495229,8393

68114000 Article of asbestos-cement containing asbestos

32761103897735

419876880902622,286,165

468118100 Corrugated sheets not containing Asbestos

2023555

22065651152679

10680673 5,552

568118200

Other sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles, not481468containing asbestos

1179645

13000252672574

8,418,298

668118300

Tubes, pipes and tube or pipe fittings, notcontaining asbestos

33392

28160

00

00

00

7

68118900 Other articles, not containing asbestos

71414

24871

4281

84619

469,899868128000

Fabricated asbestos fibres & mixtures ofcrocidolite ......

2269

6345

4930

9338

2,122

9

68129100

Other fabricated asbestos fibres, clothing, clothing
11841
acces

12167

18785

10783

4,826

10 68129200

Other fabricated asbestos fibres, paper, mllboard
and fel

6526

7525

11358

24701

24,148

11 68129300

Other fabricated asbestos fibres, compressedasbestos fibre

17446

14167

22493

20796

15,749

23308

22699

44632

50127

42,35212 68129900 Other fabricated asbestos fibres, nes ...
13 68132000

Frictional material & articles there of containing
asbestos

41338

1370

5201

14064

18,627

14 68138100

Brake linings and pads, not containing
asbestos...........

410379420699606251669302518,650

15 68138900

Other friction material & article, not containing
asbestos.

2014

523

11444

32714

16,683TOTAL

76451419019056816575323037848 12052910

Sources: Department of Custom , Nepal Foreign Trade Statistics Books and Websites
NOTE: 68118100 are imported though Darbandi No. for non-asbestos, Custom Office found to be imported the Asbestos sheet under
this heading (putting Asbestos in brackets) as confirmed by the Computer Operator at Custom Office. It might be the case with allother material said to be not containing asbestos***LAST column is the import of asbestos after effective date of Government of Nepal banning decision through Custom Offices

23037848

7645141

2011/129019056

2012/13Banned took effectfrom June 20 2015

12052910
8165753

2013/142014/15

2015/16

Total Asbestos Import (Kg) (DOC, MOF, GON )252,110,000

92,100,000

4,500

91,000280600032200

1,180,000-17,900

2004

116

2,260,000

2,610

170,000

1

759,000

87,3001,180,000

63,4002005

42

1,990,000

2,410

167,000-337

634,000

50,2001,100,000

44400

2006

89

2,080,000

1.720

107,000< 0.5

621,000

67700

1220000

61700

2007

2012

-

2200000-588

152000

-

88800

9010

1940000

13000

2008

2012

-

1980000-588

159000

-

94500

24700

1690000

12000

2009

2012

-

2060000

2000

1940002083900-128001780000

16800

2010

2012

-

2070000

2000

219000

45

81400

-6300

1760000

14500

2011

2013

137

196172812020417534329921

28258

1388782

10400

2012

2014

-

2100000

854

207000

-

47300

12700

1830000

8550

2013

2015

53

2026588854

200711

26

31624

14600

1767151

11621

2014

2016

252

2026921218264

49

25195

17083

1762573

3759

2015

35 http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals, Mineral Industry Survey of World Asbestos consumption from 2003 through 2007, USGS

asbestos consumption based on USGS. These are once again differs from the import and export data between Nepal and India as per their Mineral Year Books. There is no way to verify these datas
among and between the sources.

NOTE: The import data which is equivalent to consumption in case of Nepal as per the record of Government of Nepal, Ministry of Finance, Department of Custom differs from the record of world

NOTE: A negative number indicates net export during the particular year may not add to total owing to independent founding

http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals, Mineral Industry Survey of World Asbestos consumption
from 2003 through 2007, USGS, 2014, 2015, 2016 USGS Mineral year books.

Nepal

Grand Total

3,610

20

Oceania

Other Area (nonspecified)

857000Europe96,30058200

Central and North
AmericaSouth America

1,070,000

28,600AfricaAsia and Middle
East

2003

Region & Country

World Asbestos Consumption 2003 to 2014(Metric Tons)

Table 5. World Asbestos Consumption from 2003 to 2014

Another study35 of Mineral Industry Survey of World Asbestos consumption from 2003 through 2007 shows long legacy of the import of Asbestos
products in Nepal and elsewhere. According to this survey, the consumption of asbestos in Nepal over the period of 2003 to 2014 has been tabulatedhere.

3.2 Magnitude of Asbestos worldwide and in Nepal

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal
20

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

21

Figure 9. World Asbestos Consumption

Despite widespread knowledge of the hazards of asbestos and bans on any use of asbestos in morethan 60 countries, an estimated 2 million tons of asbestos continue to be used around the world eachyear. Although this amount is significantly less than peak annual consumption of nearly 5 million
tons two decades ago, significant amounts of asbestos are still used in India, China, Russia, andsome developing countries. This use of asbestos is responsible for disease today and will cause still
more asbestos-related disease in the years ahead. All forms of asbestos pose grave dangers to humanhealth. All are proven human carcinogens. There is no continued justification for the use of asbestos.
Its production and use should be banned worldwide36.

4. Import of asbestos-containing materials
Asbestos and asbestos containing products has been imported under following product harmonisation
codes in Nepal from India, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, United Kingdom, and United States etc. Its
quantity has been mentioned in the above table.

Table 6. Import of Asbestos and Asbestos containing materials from different countries
No.

HS CodesDescription

Import from 2014/15

Import from2015/2016

12524.10.00

Crocidolite asbestos

India

India

2

2524.90.00

Other Asbestos

India

India

3

6811.40.00

Article of asbestos-cement containing asbestos

China, India, Thailand

Thailand , India

46811.81.00

Corrugated sheets not containing Asbestos

China , India

India, China

56811.82.00

Other sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles, not containing China, India,
asbestos
Switzerland, Thailand

Thailand, China,
India, US

668118300

Tubes, pipes and tube or pipe fittings, not containing
asbestos

India

India

7

6811.89.00

Other articles, not containing asbestos

India

India

36 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214999614003191, (The Global Spread of Asbestos, Arthur L.
Frank, MD, PhD1, , , T.K. Joshi, MBBS, MS (Surgery), MSc (LSHTM)2

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

No.

HS Codes22

Description

Import from2015/2016

Import from 2014/15

86812.80.00

Fabricated asbestos fibres & mixtures of crocidolite ......

China, India, UK,

India

9

6812.91.00

Other fabricated asbestos fibres, clothing, clothing acces

China, India

China, India

106812.92.00

Other fabricated asbestos fibres, paper, mllboard and fel

China, India

China, India

116812.93.00

Other fabricated asbestos fibres, compressed asbestos fibr

China, India

India

12

6812.99.00

Other fabricated asbestos fibres, nes ...._ ...............

China, India, US

Hong Kong , China,
India

13

6813.20.00

Frictional material & articles there of containing asbestos

China, India, Korea,

India

14

6813.81.00

Brake linings and pads, not containing asbestos...........

China, India, Germany,Japan

China, Japan, India

15

6813.89.00

Other friction material & article, not containing asbestos.

India

India, China

NOTE: 68118100 is though Darbandi No. for non-asbestos, Custom Office found to be imported the Asbestos sheet under thisheading (putting Asbestos in brackets)

Exports of asbestos from India to Nepal were 252 tonnes in 2010-11 as compared to 559 tonnes in
the previous year. Out of the total exports in 2010-11, exports of chrysotile asbestos were 43 tonnes
while those of other asbestos varieties were 209 tonnes. Exports were mainly to Nepal. Exports
of asbestos-cement products from India to Nepal were 46,882 tonnes in 2010-11 as compared to39,389 tonnes in the preceding year37.

Table 7. Export of Asbestos and Asbestos Cement products from India to Nepal
Indian Export Asbestos and Related products to Nepal from 2009 to 20142009-2010
CountryA

Qty (t)2010-2011

Value
(IRS
000)

Qty (t)2012-13

Qty (t)Value (IRS
000)

1296

2862

78

124
(9.6%)

487

26 (33.3%) 392

Qty (t)Value (IRS000)

2013-14
Qty (t)Value(IRS 000)

Exports of Asbestos (total)

All Countries 559

1601

252

698

1209

209
(82.9%)

390

Nepal

533
(95.3%)

B.

Export of Asbestos (Chrysotile)

All Countries 63

805

43

Nepal

54 (85.7%) 781

C.

Exports of Asbestos (Others)

All Countries 496
Nepal

Value
(IRS
000)

2011-12479(96.6%)

727

96

486

94 (98%)467

Export of Asbestos(fibers)97

22

43 (100%) 97

796

209

601

427

166 (79.4) 292

221

22 (100%) 221

1276

2667

73

725

119
(9.3%)

430

26 (35.6%) 392

74

266

72
(97.3%)

246

37 .Indian Minerals Yearbook 2011, Part II, 50th Edition, Asbestos, Govt. of India, Ministry of Mines, Indian Bureau of
Mines , October 2012, p 8-9

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

23

2009-2010
CountryD

Qty (t)

Value
(IRS
000)

2010-2011
Value
(IRS
000)

Qty (t)54736946882

5226(13.3%)

81780

2612 (6%) 43353

Source2012-132013-14

Qty (t)Value (IRS
000)

41304

88393056406

104364077129

12456022691(6.5%)

42975

9730(17.3%)

17653011141(14.5%)

132146

Qty (t)Value (IRS
000)

Qty (t)Value(IRS 000)

Exports of Asbestos Cement Products

All Countries 39389

Nepal

2011-12606450Indian Minerals Yearbook 2011, Part II, 50th
Edition, Asbestos, Govt. of India, Ministryof Mines, Indian Bureau of Mines , October
2012, p 8-9

Indian MineralYear Book 2012
, Asbestos, 51st
Edition, February
2014, p 2-8

Indian Mineral Year
Book 2013 , 52nd
Edition, Asbestos July
2015, p 2-8

Indian Mineral Year
Book 2014 , 53rd
Edition , Asbestos,
December 2015, p
2-8

From table, it is clear that most of the asbestos products in India are just exported to Nepal only while
in case of asbestos cement products exportation to Nepal is less in comparison to other countries
from India.

5. Domestic production of asbestos (if applicable)
There is no any known domestic production of asbestos in Nepal as it did not mines and process any
kinds of asbestos. Magnesite is the most important raw material for fire-proof products. China is thelargest producer of magnesite and talc (Weber, 2003). Magnesite deposits form in sedimentary rocks
or occur as altered products of magnesium-rich igneous rocks. The alteration process commonly
also forms talc and asbestos. Magnesite is mined from old lakes at Kunwarara, Australia. Similarsignificant sedimentary magnesite deposits are present in the Haicheng region, China and Proterozoic
igneous magnesite-talc deposits are present in the Cobb Valley, New Zealand, and in Afghanistan
and Nepal. In China and India, Proterozoic sedimentary rocks host magnesite-talc, deposits, forexample the Achin, deposit Afghanistan. Paleozoic mineral deposits include serpentinite-hosted
magnesite-talc deposits in New Zealand. Hydrothermal talc and asbestos deposits also are present
in China38.
Kharidhunga area of Lakuridanda-8 in Dolakha district. There is a stock of 180 million MT ofmagnesite and 300,000 MT of talc. The stock is said to be sufficient for 200 years even if high quality
magnesite is used to produce the dead burnt magnesite (DBM).
The factory is situated in Makha of Sindhupalchok district. Magnesite is used in the production ofrefractory bricks for kiln lining, fused magnesia, magnesium metal, fertilizer, animal feed, medicine
and industrial chemicals, among various other items.
Nepal Quartz, limestone, copper, cobalt, iron, magnesite
Kharidhunga, Nepal 27.6333 85.9417 Magnesite-talc Uncertain ESCAP, 1993b

38 http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1294/c/OFR2005-1294C.pdf

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

24

6. Domestic production of asbestos-containing materials
There is no any known domestic production of asbestos containing materials in Nepal as it did
not have any asbestos based production industries establishment in Nepal. However, raw asbestos,asbestos spraying materials, asbestos felts, asbestos containing insulation and chimney materials,
asbestos containing corrugated/plane sheets, asbestos papers, asbestos containing cement pipes,
boards, asbestos pacing and gaskets, asbestos textiles, cloths, strings, tapes and ribbon, asbestos
containing paints, sealing materials, adhesive; asbestos containing friction materials (brake pads etc.
) others asbestos materials (rock wool, vermiculite, talc, wire, kerosene heater wick etc. products arebeing imported and used in Nepal .

7. Estimated total number of workers exposed to asbestos in
the country
Estimation of workers exposed to asbestos has not yet been made by government and/or private
sectors. However, Labor and Employment Policy required reporting and documentation system on
occupational hazards, training in occupational safety and health will be provided for workers andmanagement personnel.
Nepal did not have any factory especially on the asbestos production but workers are definitely
getting exposed in the use sectors e.g. Roofing and other Industries (e.g. Sugar mills where Asbestos/
containing products has been reported to be used).
The table below gives the industrial establishments and number of person engaged and numbers of
employments in manufacturing establishment of Nepal39.

Table 8. Industrial establishments with number of person engaged and employed
Particular

Census of Manufacturing Establishments (CME) Years
1991/92

1996/97

2001/02

2006/07

2011/12

1 Total number of establishments

4,271

3,557

3,213

3,446

4,076

2 Total number of persons engaged

223,463

196,708

191,853

177,550

204,360

3 Total number of employees

213,653

187,316

181,943

169,891

194,989

50

53

57

49

48

4.Average number of employee per establishment

8. Full list of industries where exposure to asbestos is present
in the country and list of industries with the largest numbersof workers potentially exposed to asbestos
Nepal did not have any factory especially on the Asbestos production but workers are definitely
getting exposed in the industry which uses the asbestos, asbestos containing products and process.
Nepal dis not have developed recognition criteria for asbestos related diseases. However, following
types of works are considered to be asbestos work and likely have potential to exposed to asbestos.
39 National Census of Manufacturing Establishments, Nepal , GON, NPC Secretariat, CBS, June 2014, p 4,6

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

25

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Mining , carrying or crushing of asbestos containing minerals , rocks, waste handling
Handling of asbestos containing cements and products
Involvement in the manufacturing of the following asbestos containing materials
Asbestos containing textiles e.g. asbestos yarn, asbestos cloths etc.
Asbestos containing cement or products made from such cement including slate, high pressure
piping, cylinders etc. .
Asbestos containing thermal resistance products used for lagging of boilers, joint sheets ininternal combustion engines, as gaskets (packing) etc.
Asbestos containing wear-resistant (friction) products including brake lining for cars, hoistingmachines etc.
Asbestos containing paper used for electrical insulation, thermal insulation or because such
paper is acid-resistant etc.
Asbestos containing products such as asbestos felt (used to insulate electric wires; as a generalinsulation materials ; or t impart acid-resistance to construction materials andAsbestos containing products such as electrolytic diaphragms, tile sealing materials, tiles,
plasters (etc.) and paints (etc.).
Asbestos spraying
Handling of an asbestos containing products used to impart thermal protection or insulation
Processing (cutting etc.) of asbestos containing products
Maintenance or demolition of a building in which an asbestos containing products has beenused as lagging or as a building materials , or work in an adjunct facility.
Maintenance or demolition of a vehicle containing asbestos containing products
Handling of a minerals (talc etc.) containing asbestos as an impurities
Other works involving exposure to asbestos dust to an extent that was the same or in excess ofthe exposure level created by participation in the types of work listed above.
Working involving indirect exposure to asbestos dust, including working at the periphery of aplace which any of these types of works described above took place.

9. Industries with high risk of exposure (where overexposure
is documented as exceeding occupational exposure limits)and estimated total number of workers at high risk
Country neither has documentation on
the exposure risks to asbestos nor has
fixed any occupational exposure limits forthe asbestos fibers. So it is not possible toestimate total numbers of workers who
are at high risks of asbestos exposure.

9.1 Break Lining and Repair
Center and Workers
There are number of hotspots ofasbestos related waste and possibilities
of getting increased level of asbestos

Figure 10 Brake Shoe asbestos lining workshops in KTM

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

26

exposure during the break lining and repairing centres available in major urban centres. Capital
city Kathmandu alone have about half a dozen of brake lining and repair centres that uses a lot ofdifferent varieties of the asbestos lining and under severe threat of getting higher level of exposure.
Following are the brake lining workshops exist in the Kathmandu Valley about 30 to 50 personnel’s
engaged in such work are susceptible of developing asbestos related diseases.
Brake Lining fixing workshops (Dealers/Shops)(a). Panchkanya Workshop (In front of Chabhil, NTC Building)(b). Sholti Mod(c). Shoyambhoo Sano Bharyang(d). Gowarko (opposite to B & B Hospital)(e). Balaju (next to Naya Bajar Bridge)(f). Bansghari, Putlisadak (Mr. Laxman Dangol, 9841326345)
Brake Lining Sales (Dealers/Shops)(a). Lazimpat (Behind the Hotel Gyanjong)(b). National Auto Parts, Kalimatti (RANE Brake Shoe Dealer 9808275880)
The recent study of asbestos in workshops dust and accessories indicates high level of asbestos
contamination in the working place thus having high potential of getting exposure.

Figure 11. Pictures of Asbestos lining Materials, Worker and Waste at Working station, Putalisadak,
Kathmandu

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

27

10. Estimate of the burden of diseases related to asbestos:disability adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths attributable
to asbestos exposure
No any country specific data on Asbestos Related Disease (ARD) based on Nepalese study. But WHO
Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) have some figure clearly indicating increased number of death cases
in Nepal due to asbestos exposure. There is thumb rule of 170 tons equivalent of 1 Mesothelioma Caseand based on this thumb rule as well, many mesothelioma cancer cases would have been occurred.
Additionally, Doctors working in specialized Cancer hospital of Nepal said that there was some caseof Mesothelioma found and undergone the treatment, but it is about to impossible to extract exact
record and associated other information of the patients as they might have mixed with other typesof cancer e.g. Lung Cancer and with other type of cancer. So it is not possible at the moment tocome with the estimate of the burden of diseases related to asbestos and disability adjusted life years(DALY`s) and exact numbers of deaths attributed to asbestos exposure for sure.
Asbestos Related Disease (ARD)and disability adjusted life years (DALY`s) based on estimatedof global burden of diseases of WHO can be found in Annex 3.

11. Prevalence of asbestosis (total number of workers withdiagnosed asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer andmesothelioma to-date) – national data, a breakdown byindustries if available
No data on prevalence of asbestos, asbestos related lung and mesothelioma available in the country.

12. Incidence of lung cancer among workers exposed to asbestos
Though there is no population based national record of cancer, it is established that incidence ofcancer is approximated at 100-120 per 100000 and the assumption is there are 55000-60000 cancer
patients at any point of time in the country.40
The asbestos related cancer cases have yet to be delineating from total recorded cancer bronchus
and Lung cancer so far identified in Nepal as of 2003 to 2013.

Table 9. Total recorded cancer bronchus and Lung cancer in Nepal from 2003 to 2013.
Bronchus & Lung
Cancer (C34)

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Total

%

Male

262

373

377

396

626

584

595

589

582

579

664

5627

60.89

Female

176

229

250

283

369

334

340

353

391

398

492

3615

39.11

Total

438

602

627

679

995

918

935

942

973

977

1156

9242

100

BPKMCH, Newsletter, Yr 18, No.1, Sept. 2015, ISSN IBII -9530 and Detail Findings of National Cancer Registry 201340 Annual report 2014, BPKMCH, p 1

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

28

Additionally total cancer cases in the project area as there are patient have undergone treatment of
Mesothelioma but grouped under lungs cancer. The project area (10 Districts of Central Development
Region to Eastern Development Region from Parsa to Morang districts) has relatively large numberof cancer cases as per the consolidated record of 13 hospitals that serves the cancer patients all over
Nepal (2013).

Figure 12.Cancer cases in 10 Project Implemented districtsof Terai, Nepal (Central to Easter Development Region of Nepal)

Distribution of cancer based on Occupation basis41. In the year 2013, out of 8729 cancer cases,
2755 (31.6%) cases were from agricultural sector and 1912 (21.9%) from the housework and followedby 392 (4.5%), 273 (3.1%), 221 (2.5%) were from others, office work, and business respectively.
Whereas 320 (43.7%) were not applicable and 2856(32.7%) were not available.

Table 10. Distribution of cancer cases by occupational
Distribution of cancer cases by occupational status & sex
Sex
Male
Occupational Status

Female

Total

#

%

#

%

#

%

Agriculture

1603

40.0

1152

24.4

2755

31.6

Business

140

3.5

81

1.7

221

2.5

Housework

243

6.1

1669

35.4

1912

21.9

Office work

195

4.9

78

1.7

273

3.1

Others

241

6.0

151

3.2

392

4.5

Not applicable

195

4.9

125

2.6

320

3.7

Not available

1394

34.8

1462

31.0

2856

32.7

Total

4011

100.0

4718

100.0

8729

100.0

Distribution of Cancer Cases according to Gender from 2003 to 2013 in Nepal42

Table 11. Distribution of Cancer Cases according to Gender from 2003 to 2013 in Nepal
Gender

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Total

%

Male

1488

2030

2057

2325

2758

2702

2970

3192

3295

3291

4011

30119

46.52

Female

1763

2171

2340

2583

3277

3247

3229

3581

3793

3921

4718

34623

53.48

Total

3251

4201

4397

4908

6035

5949

6199

6773

7088

7212

8729

64742

100

41 Detail Findings of National Cancer Registry 2013 , Kishore Pradhananga, BPKMCH, Bharatpur, Chitwan.
42 BPKMCH, Newsletter, Yr 18, No.1, Sept. 2015, ISSN IBII -9530 and Detail Findings of National Cancer Registry 2013

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

29

13. Incidence of mesothelioma
According to existing cancer cases recorded of cancer registry in Nepal, there are no clear identified
cases of Mesothelioma cancer. However, based on the personal communication with Doctors (Dr.
Bhola Rauniar )as well as Officials (Mr. Kishore Kumar Paradhangnga) of BPKMCH, Bharatpur,
Chitwan and Dr. Sunil Kumar Joshi , KMC , Kathmandu , there were cases of Mesothelioma cancer
in Nepal. Record keeping of these specific cancer cases has not been maintained separately andhence it is hard to identify these cases. But the WHO global burden of diseases estimates increased
incidence of mesothelioma cases as death causes among Nepalese due to exposure to asbestos.
13.1 WHO Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Estimates43
11.58

1

10.51

9.89

9.34

2

13.42

12.65

3

4

5

6

Figure 13. Death of People from Occupational Exposure to Asbestos in Nepal
http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare/)Nellie Kershaw (c. 1891 – 14 March 1924) was an English textile
worker from Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Her death due
to pulmonary asbestosis was the first such case to be describedin medical literature, and the first published account of disease
attributed to occupational asbestos exposure. Before his publicationof the case in the British Medical Journal, Dr William Edmund Cooke
had already testified at Kershaw's inquest that "mineral particles
in the lungs originated from asbestos and were, beyond reasonable
doubt, the primary cause of the fibrosis of the lungs and thereforeof death". Her employers, Turner Brothers Asbestos, accepted noliability for her injuries, paid no compensation to her bereaved family
and refused to contribute towards funeral expenses as it "would
create a precedent and admit responsibility". She was buried in an
unmarked pauper's grave. The subsequent inquiries into her death led
to the publication of the first Asbestos Industry Regulations in 1931.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nellie_Kershaw)

43 http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare/

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

30

14. Estimates on the percentage of house stock and vehicle
fleet containing asbestos
14.1 House Stock containing asbestos
Housing, one of the basic needs of human being is also an indicator of the wellbeing of a person
or household. A house or a dwelling unit is an independent free-standing structure comprising
one or more rooms or space, covered by a roof and usually enclosed within walls or dividing
walls that extend from the foundation to the roof. It is designed for residential, agricultural,commercial, industrial, or cultural purposes, or for the provision of services. Average numberof rooms per household for Nepal as per the survey results are 4.7 (4.4 in urban and 4.7 in ruralarea). Seventeen percent of the households have reported to have one or two rooms, 36 percent
had 3 or 4 rooms, 29 percent had 5 or 6 rooms, 13 percent had 7 or 8 rooms and 5 percent had
9 or more.
Roof, Nearly one third (31.2%) of the households live in a house with roofed of galvanized/corrugatediron sheets in Nepal, 24.9 percent in urban and 33.4 percent in rural area . Twenty six percent(26.5%) have concrete roofing, 65.4 percent in urban and 17.2 percent in rural area. In rural area,
16.5 percent have straw/thatch roofing. Three out of four households of poorest group have roofs
made of either tiles/slates or straw/thatch or earth/mud or else.44

Table 12. Percentage distribution of households by the construction materials of roof
Nepal

Concrete/Cement Galvanized Iron Wood/planks Tiles/Slate Straw/thatch Earth/mud Others

Total

Urban

65.4

24.9

0.5

6.7

1.3

0.0

1.2

100

Rural

17.2

33.4

1.0

23.1

16.5

0.9

7.9

100

Total Household in Nepal 45
Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) Nepal has brought the results of the National Populationand Housing Census 2011 (NPHC 2011). According to them, there were all together 5423297
households in Nepal including urban household 1045575 (19.3%) and rural households are
4377722 (80.7%). According to annual household survey of CBS 2013/14, average number ofrooms per household for Nepal as per the survey results are 4.7 (4.4 in urban and 4.7 in ruralarea). Thus there is a total of 25175793 house stock in Nepal. Considering only 20 percent of thehouses have asbestos roofing in mostly in rural setting 5035158 houses might be having toxic
asbestos roofing.

Table 13. House Stock containing asbestos
Nepal

Households (HH) Percentage

No. ofRooms/HH

Total rooms

Total Rooms withasbestos Roofing

Assumptions Remark
about Asbestos roofing

Urban

1045575

19.30%

4.4

4600500

92010020% of rooms

Rural

437772280.70%

4.7

20575293

4115058.65

20% of rooms

National Total

5423297100%

25175793

5035158.65

20% of rooms

44 Annual Household Survey 2013-14_REPORT_Major Findings, August 2015, CBS/NPC
45 National Population and Housing Census 2011, Household Tables, Volume 04, NPHC 2011

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

31

Nepal

Households (HH) Percentage

No. ofRooms/HH

Total rooms

Total Rooms withasbestos Roofing

Assumptions Remark
about Asbestos roofing

4.7

1709380.6

17093.806

1% of rooms

Ecological Belt
Mountain

363,698

6.70622

Hill

2,532,041

46.68822

4.711900592.7

238011.854

2% of rooms

Terai2,527,558

46.60556

4.7

11879522.6

4787447.608

40% of rooms

National Total

5,423,297

100

25489495.9

5042553.268

About 20 %14.2 Vehicle fleet containing asbestos
Department of Transport Management was established in 2041 B.S. for the smooth managementof transport. The purpose of this department and its affiliation, as per Vehicle and Transport
Management Act 2049 and Vehicle and Transport Management Rules 2054, is to provide safe,
reliable and easy transportation service to the public and goods carrier.

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

2009/102010/112011/122012/132013/142014/151453 1163

962

1853 1622 2257 2508

2629

2564

2810

3095

3410

4749

4366

5581

Car/ jeep
54963
Van / Pickup

5152 4374

3487 7557 4781 5150 5892

6329

8144

14243

8510

8711

9595

17040 16068

Crane/Dozer
21309/Truck1271 1798

1212 1477 1592 2263 3278

3594

3643

4524

1969

1333

3332

2789

Bus/Mini
bus/Microbus

2005/06

2000/01

14507

Type of
Vehicle1

2004/05

Up to
2000

Table 14. Vehicle fleet containing asbestos in their brake shoe and brake pads

3269

Tractor

21072

3519 3189

2485 2191 1374 635

2942

3297

4663

11460

7937

8413

9795

10070 8461

Tempo

6702

232

17

12

18

20

9

2

10

57

17

248

16

48

60

1239

Motorbike

150185 29291 38522 29404 26547 31093 45410 72568 69666 83334

168707 138907 145135 175381 163945 167340

others

3715

31

Total

272453 40995 49380 37610 39699 40531 55775 88736 85738 102570

77

86

43

58

21

0

1536

205

202

133

91

152

116

70

201784 160553 167103 203061 198343 202028

Figure 14. Vehicle Fleet in NepalNational Asbestos Profile of Nepal

32

15. Total number of workers eligible for compensation forasbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer
and mesothelioma (per year) and the numbers of individuals
compensated yearly
There is no formal identification of asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer andmesothelioma has been made so far linked to any particular industries and/or occupational exposureand hence workers eligible for compensation for this has not been realized yet. However, there arecases of mesothelioma cases in Nepal as per the health care professional experiences as well as based
WHO global burden of diseases estimates.

16. National enforceable occupational exposure limits for
Chrysotile asbestos
There is no any national enforceable occupational exposure limits for Chrysotile asbestos has yet
been enacted in Nepal. Need to be formulated as earliest possible with monitoring mechanism inplace.

17. The system for inspection and enforcement of the
exposure limits
There is no any system for inspection and enforcement of the exposure limit as there is absence ofenforceable occupational exposure limits for asbestos in Nepal. Need to be formulated as earliest
possible with system for inspection and enforcement of the exposure limit in place.

17.1 Systems for Monitoring asbestos uses and surveillance of ARD`s;
There are no any system for monitoring asbestos uses and surveillances of ARD`s. But
based on internally accepted formula, it can be inferred that there might be some diseased
cases of asbestos. Additionally, WHO GBD also has estimated increased death cases ofasbestos related exposures.
In studies from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, at least one case of mesothelioma occurred for every 170 tons of asbestos used. Based on this internationally accepted
formula, Asia and the Middle East’s current asbestos consumption would lead to 8,000
mesothelioma cases annually.46
Based on the same statistics, in case of Nepal, depending on the import of asbestos andasbestos cement in the following years the table given below gives an estimated case of mesothelioma, an incurable form of cancer cases in Nepal.

46 http://www.irinnews.org/report/95121/asia-asbestos-deadly-but-not-yet-banned.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

33

Table 15. Indian Export Asbestos and Related products to Nepal from 2009 to 2014
Indian Export Asbestos and Related products to Nepal from 2009 to 20142009-2010
Country

Qty (t)2010-2011

Value
(IRS
000)

Qty (t)

Value
(IRS
000)

209
(82.9%)

390

A

Exports of Asbestos (total)

Nepal

533 (95.3%) 1209

2011-12Qty (t)2012-13

Value
(IRS
000)

124 (9.6%) 487

Qty (t)2013-14

Value
(IRS
000)

26 (33.3%) 392

Qty (t)94 (98%)

Value (IRS
000)

467

B.

Export of Asbestos (Chrysotile)

Export of Asbestos (fibers)

Nepal

54 (85.7%)

22 (100%)

221

C.

Exports of Asbestos (Others)

Nepal

479 (96.6%) 427

D

Exports of Asbestos Cement Products

Nepal

5226
(13.3%)

781

81780

43 (100%) 97
166 (79.4) 292

119 (9.3%) 430

26 (35.6%) 392

72 (97.3%)

2462612 (6%) 43353

2691(6.5%)

9730(17.3%)

11141(14.5%)

132146

3030

2934

9982

11329

17

59

67

Indian Mineral Year
Book 2012 , Asbestos,
51st Edition, February
2014, p 2-8

Indian Mineral Year
Book 2013 , 52nd
Edition, Asbestos July
2015, p 2-8

Indian Mineral Year Book
2014 , 53rd Edition ,Asbestos, December
2015, p 2-8

42975

176530Total export to Nepal
6292

Potential Mesothelioma cases in Nepal
37

Source18

Indian Minerals Yearbook 2011, Part II, 50th
Edition, Asbestos, Govt. of India, Ministryof Mines, Indian Bureau of Mines , October
2012, p 8-9

NOTE: According to Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, at least one case of mesothelioma occurred for every 170 tonsof asbestos used.

18. Estimated economic losses due to asbestos-relateddiseases
No any estimated economic losses due to asbestos related diseases have yet been made. However,increased health and economic losses might have been occurring in Nepal.

19. Major studies on epidemiology of asbestos-relateddiseases in the country
No any specific studies on epidemiology of asbestos-related diseases in the country have yet been
carried out. However, there are few studies and review has been made on Occupational Safety and
Health issues those talks about the asbestos induced diseases but not have any specified cases related
to asbestos in Nepal.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

34

20. National capacity for detection, diagnosis and treatmentof asbestos related diseases (ARD`s)
20.1 Diseases Associated With Asbestos
Two groups of diseases are associated with exposures to asbestos: nonmalignant diseases, which canbe fatal, and cancer.
The nonmalignant diseases associated with exposure to asbestos include asbestos warts, benign asbestosis pleural effusion, and the disease asbestosis. Traditionally, asbestosis involved both the parenchymal of
the lung and the pleura, although a more modern view separates pleural disease from parenchymal fibrosis. The nomenclature is of little importance and both pleural and parenchymal fibrosis can lead to death.
The malignant diseases related to asbestos include lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, andlaryngeal cancer, as well as a variety of gastrointestinal tract, oro-pharyngeal, and kidney cancers.
In some groups, such as insulators, 1 in 5 deaths is due to lung cancer with a documented synergistic effect of smoking. Also among insulators, approximately 10% to 12% of deaths are due tomesothelioma, a disease thought to occur at a background rate of 1 per 1 million, or less.

20.2 The Evolving Epidemiology of Asbestos Disease
Rates of asbestos-related disease are already decreasing in Western developed countries as a result of banson asbestos use that were imposed several decades ago and can be expected to decrease further in the years
ahead. By contrast, however, there is every expectation that rates of these diseases will rise in countries
where asbestos use continues or is increasing, and most of these are low- and middle-income countries.
Tracking of trends in asbestos disease is impeded in many developing countries by inadequate
disease surveillance systems and by lack of official government recording of such diseases as
mesothelioma. For example in India, no official recognition of mesotheliomas has occurred, but
one hospital in Mumbai alone has documented more than 30 cases of mesothelioma treated atthat hospital in a single year. As is classically appreciated in public health, the lack of data does notmean the lack of disease. Similar situations occur elsewhere, such as in Brazil where there is a vast
underreporting of such diseases. It has been estimated that worldwide there is a significant underreporting of diseases by a large margin. In some countries, such as Russia, the government has
stopped separate coding for mesotheliomas, whereas in other nations mesotheliomas have now
reached the status of being coded separately, and will be able to be more easily tracked.47
Despite of having about 13 Cancer treatment facilities, there is virtually lack of confirmed data on cancer
patient itself in Nepal. Therefore there are patients given the treatment of mesothelioma cancer but
grouped under lungs cancer and hence need to identified among over 8000 cancer patient received
treatment only from BPKMCH Bharatpur as per the hospital records(based on personal communication
with Mr. Kishore Pd. Dungana and Dr. Bhola Rauniar). Additionally, based on personal communications
with Dr. Sunil Kumar Joshi, Nepal Medical College, there were 2 identified case of mesothelioma in
Nepal about a decade ago and one among them have returned from the migrant workers. According
to recent development, Dr. Bhola Rauniar, MBKMCH Bharatpur Cancer Hospital, there are cases ofMesothelioma in Nepal however the record has not been exclusively maintained for this group separately.
47 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214999614003191

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

35

20.3 National Capacity for Cancer diseases
Cancer incidence is increasing andbecoming a leading cause of deathworldwide. Deaths from cancers
continue to increase worldwide,
particularly in countries with low andmiddle income leading to a global
burden. The burden of cancer is
not less for Nepal. Cancers of lung,uterine cervix, head &neck, breast andFigure 15. National Network for Cancer Treatment Facility
stomach are the most common types
in Nepal. The majority of cancer patients were attended only 7 major hospitals of the country at
an advance stage.48 With increase in the number of cancer patients, numbers of hospital providing
cancer related treatments have increased to 13 in number with some specialized facilities for thecancer treatment only in recent years.
Nepal hosts the specialised Cancer Hospital as well as there are numerous other big hospitals thatare providing good detection, diagnosis, treatment to the cancer patients and also having prevention,
control and research programs on Cancer. So cancer related national capacity is there in place mayneed to expand its field of treatment to the Asbestos related diseases as well.
These hospitals provide the wide range of diagnostic, curative and palliative services throughdifferent departments and units. Besides curative services, the hospitals provide cancer prevention
and early detection services under National Cancer Prevention and Control Programs.
The comprehensive cancer centre being provided as of today from following health care facilities atgovernment and private sectors.

Table 16. Cancer treatment health care facilities in Nepal
S.No.

Health Care Facilities provided cancer treatments in Nepal

1

BPKMCH

B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Chitwan

2

BPKIHS

B. P. Koirala Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan

3

BCH

Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Bhaktpur

4

BH

Bir hospital/National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), Kathmandu

5

TUTH

Teaching Hospital, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu

6

KCH

Kanti Children’s hospital, Kathmandu

7

MTH

Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara

8

SBH

Shree Birendra Hospital, Kathmandu

9

CSH

Civil Hospital, Kathmandu

10

PH

Patan Hospital, Lalitpur

11

PMWH

Paropakar Maternity & Women Hospital, Kathmandu

12

NTH

Nepalgunj Teaching Hospital, Banke

13

NCHRC

Nepal Cancer Hospital & Research Center ,Lalitpur

48 Kalloo Sharma Subedi, M.D., D.M.R.D., Pragya Sharma, M.B.B.S.Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate
School of Medicine, Gunma University-Japan. Department of Radiology, Western Regional Hospital, PokharaNepal.Teaching Hospital, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara-Nepal.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

36

B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (or BPKMCH)49 is a hospital of Nepal located in Bharatpur,
Chitwan of Central Development Region. The hospital is one of the very few specialized hospitals
outside the Kathmandu valley in Nepal. The hospital was founded by the government in 1992. In
1995, it started offering day services, treating inpatients from 1999. The hospital was equally fundedby China and Nepal. The hospital is named for Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, who served as the first
democratically elected Prime Minister of Nepal from 1959 to 1960 and who died of throat cancer in
1982. The hospital is the one of national cancer institute in Nepal entrusted with the responsibilities
for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention and research in cancer in Nepal.
Though there is no population based national record, it is established hat incidence of cancer isapproximated at 100-120 per 100000 and the assumption is that there are 55000 to 60000 cancer
patients at any point of time in the country (2014 Annual report).
The hospital provides diagnostic, therapeutic and supportive services to cancer patients. The
hospital deals with oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology including GI surgery, advanced
reconstructive urosurgery, neurosurgery and head neck surgery, gynecological oncology, radiology,
pathology, preventive oncology and hospice care. A volunteer organization, Cancer Welfare Society,helps the patients and relatives in need during the hospital stay.
Surgical oncology provides care doing sentinel lymphode biopsy for breast cancers, breastreconstructions and mammography guided needle localization biopsy. In GI surgery, three field
lymphhadenectomy for carcinoma esophagus, D2 dissection for cancer of stomach, APER for
advanced rectal cancers, low anterior resection for low lying rectal cancer is feasible. In urology,
cystectomy and reconstruction on orthotopic neobladder is done in suitable candidates. Advanced
composite resection and flap reconstructions are done in H&N surgery when required.
The Radiotherapy department uses linear accelerators and eclipse planning systems for the treatment
and planning. Medical oncology also uses molecules for treatment of cancer, mainly hematologicalmalignancies.

20.4 On-going research (if any) to address information gaps
As such there is no known level of on-going research on asbestos related subject except CEPHED
has been carried out about the testing of asbestos about its content and type as well as dust sampling
to know the exposure level among the asbestos workers in brake shoe lining workshops.

20.5 Occupational Safety and Health Project (OSHP).50
An Occupational and Safety and Health Project is on-going at the Department of Labour, Ministry ofLabour and Employment, Government of Nepal to develop the culture of Promotion and protectionof the physical, mental and social health and wellbeing and physical safety of the workers in any
occupation and for which to develop the project as a center capable with resources and equipment
to enable the industries to utilize all possible options for potential improvement of their workplace.
Its Mission is to develop policy, institutional tripartite mechanism and operational infrastructure forthe protection and promotion of safety and health of the workers and prevention, control and / orminimization of two main workplace issues – occupational accidents and diseases adversely affecting
49 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B.P._Koirala_Memorial_Cancer_Hospital
50 http://www.dol.gov.np/osh project-55-en.html

37

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

production and productivity, directly as well as indirectly and to establish tripartite cooperation forthe protection and promotion, Control and minimization of occupational accidents and diseases.

21. Country level action plan, partnerships and coordination
mechanism to eliminate ARD`s
No concrete actions has been initiative by any especially for the asbestos related diseases
but there are some good legislative and institutional frameworks in place to address and occupation safety and health issues in Nepal as OSH project under the Ministry of Labour and
Employment, Department of Labour supposed to looks overall occupational health related
issues including asbestos. Cancer registry initiatives as well as good networks of generalcancer prevention, diagnosis and treatments inbuilt general to specialised cancer hospitals
are operating in country with modern treatment facilities.

22. Local Action against all form of Asbestos related healthand environmental damage
22.1 Research and Awareness Rising about Asbestos in Central and Eastern
Terai of Nepal
Since 2013, CEPHED has been following the asbestos issues through its primary level of research andadvocacy. It has been prepared and presented thenational asbestos short profile in the year 2013 in
Asian Asbestos Initiative (AAI 6) in Manila, Philippines with the support of WHO. During this period,
there was a pile of truck asbestos waste were burringin the heart of the Kathmandu City. CEPHED took
this initiative seriously and rigorously campaign forthe safe and sound disposal of these waste as well as
advocate for the legislative framework (see Annex 1.
CEPHED`s Campaign letter). Government of Nepal
banned the import, sale, distribution and uses of all
form of asbestos in Nepal.
CEPHED campaign on asbestos did not stops there
and currently implementing a research and awareness project with the help of The Takagi Fund for
Citizen Science and International Ban Asbestos
Secretariat (IBAS) with the aim of raising awareness, prepare and disseminate national asbestos
profile and compliance monitoring of the government banning decisions etc. This National Profile
is a major part of the on-going project. CEPHED

Figure 16. Asbestos waste buried at Maitighar
Mandela towards New Baneshwor roadextension.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

38

had initiated several round local level compliance monitoring and campaign with the concerned
government agencies towards ensuring effective implementation of the ban decision.

22.2 Submitted of Memorandum

Figure 17. Asbestos in Waste stream putting under soil in Capital city Kathmandu

As part of the year 2011 International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) celebration , on April
30th 2011, a joint delegation of BWI (Building and Wood Workers International)`s Nepal affiliates (CUPPEC , CAWUN and GEFONT) 51 met with the Prime Minister, Jhala Nath Khanal andsubmitted a memorandum of urging to ban Asbestos in Nepal. The Prime Minister showed keeninterest on the issues and seems to have an understanding on the health hazards associated withAsbestos. He assured the unions to initiate consultations with concerned ministries soon. The
affiliates on their part have resolved to organise more awareness activities to push for a ban on
asbestos in all forms by the Nepal Government,
Earlier on 28th April 2011, the Nepalese affiliates organised an interaction program to commemorate the IWMD. The event was brought together 75 participants from the two BWI affiliates,
national trade union centres, Occupational Health and Safety Centre and the Ministry of Labor.
In addition, there were some advocacy campaign were carried out by a NGO called PRO PUBLIC
for safe handling and banning of asbestos in Nepal.

23. Health Impacts of Asbestos
Today, asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen. Asbestos fibers are microscopic(roughly 0.02 diameter of a human hair), and therefore, are easily inhaled. Once inhaled, fibers
stick to respiratory system, including lining of lungs and inner cavity tissue. As asbestos fibers are
typically quite rigid, they become lodged in soft internal tissue of respiratory system and are noteasily expelled or broken-down by body. There is no safe type of asbestos and no safe level of
exposure. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which canaffect breathing and lead to serious health problems (ATSDR 2009).

51 http://www.bwint.org/default.asp?index=3458

39

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

Figure 18. Development mechanism of Mesothelioma

All types of asbestos cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, cancer of the larynx and ovary, and asbestosis(fibrosis of the lungs). Exposure to asbestos occurs through inhalation of fibres in air in the working
environment, ambient air in the vicinity of point sources such as factories handling asbestos, orindoor air in housing and buildings containing friable (crumbly) asbestos materials.
Currently about 125 million people in the world are exposed to asbestos at the workplace. In 2004,
asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis from occupational exposures resulted in
107,000 deaths and 1,523,000 Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). In addition, several thousandsof deaths can be attributed to other asbestos-related diseases, as well as to non-occupational
exposures to asbestos (WHO).
Some studies have even suggested an association between asbestos exposure and gastrointestinal
and colorectal cancers, as well as an elevated risk for cancers of throat, kidney, esophagus, andgallbladder (Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2004). Asbestos exposure could develop following
symptoms (ATSDR 2009):• Abdominal pain
• Ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen• A mass in the abdomen• Problems with bowel function• Weight loss
• In more serious cases of the disease, the following signs
and symptoms may also be present:• Blood clots in the veins, which may cause
thrombophlebitis• Disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disordercausing severe bleeding in many body organs• Jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
• Low blood sugar level• Pleural effusion• Pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of thelungsNational Asbestos Profile of Nepal

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

40

Severe ascites
Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.
A persistent cough that gets worse over time.
Blood in sputum (fluid) coughed up from lungs.
Pain or tightening in chest.
Difficulty swallowing.
Swelling of neck or face. Loss of appetite, Weight loss.
Fatigue or anaemia.

23.1 Problem of Asbestos
Damage to asbestos-containing material can result in the release of small asbestos fibres that become
airborne and are readily inhaled. These fibres can remain in the lungs for long periods and can cause
serious lung disease.

23.2 What are the health concerns?
The principal health concerns are the development of asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural thickening andmesothelioma. These diseases have long latency periods, in the order of 10-50 years.
Asbestosis: This is a slowly developing and progressive scarring of the lungs caused by the inhalationof high concentrations of asbestos dust and/or long exposure. The elasticity of the lungs is reduced andalso their ability to exchange gases. The result is decreased lung volume, increased resistance in the
airways and reduced oxygenation of blood. It is associated with occupational rather than environmental
exposure. Advanced asbestosis is often associated with lung cancer, especially among smokers.
Lung cancer: The risk is related to the nature of the occupational exposure and also to smoking:smokers have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers when exposed to asbestos.
Diffuse pleural thickening: This is a non-malignant disease in which the lining of the lung (pleura)
becomes scarred. Small areas of scarring are called pleural plaques. The disease is a chronic condition
with no cure.
Mesothelioma: This is a malignant tumour of the pleura or peritoneum. It is linked with exposure to
all types of asbestos. As well as being an occupational hazard, it may develop in non-occupationally
exposed people living in the same household as asbestos workers or in the vicinity of strong asbestos
emission sources.

23.3 What is a safe level of exposure?
Asbestos is a proven human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). No safe level can be proposed forasbestos because a threshold is not known to exist. The greater the exposure, the greater
the risk of developing lung disease, therefore exposure should be kept as low as possible. A
number of occupational exposure limits have been set:
The USA Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for asbestos in
the workplace is 0.1 fibres/ml of air as an 8-hour Time Weighted Average.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

41

The UK Health and Safety Executive have set the following exposure limits:
For the amphibole asbestos minerals (amosite, crocidolite, fibrous actinolite, fibrous
tremolite and fibrous anthophyllite, or any mixture of these with chrysotile):••

Short-term exposure limit: 0.6 fibres/mL averaged over any continuous 10 min
Long-term exposure limit: 0.2 fibres/mL averaged over any 4 h

For chrysotile: Short-term exposure limit: 0.9 fibres/mL averaged over any continuous 10
min Long-term exposure limit: 0.3 fibres/mL averaged over any 4 h

23.4 What are the risks in the post-tsunami (or post-earthquake) clear-up?
During the clear-up damaged and destroyed buildings after the tsunami and/or earthquake,
it is likely that there will be a need to handle and break up and dispose of asbestos-containing
building and insulation materials. Much of this work may be undertaken by volunteers andlocal residents who are unaware of the hazards of asbestos and who may be unable to identify
asbestos-containing material.

23.5 How can risks be minimized?
The main principles of safe handling are to:•identify the locations of asbestos-containing materials and carry out a risk assessment•
ensure that people involved in clear-up work are adequately informed of the risks
and the methods of best practice;•minimize the disturbance of asbestos containing materials;•
minimize the release of respirable asbestos in the atmosphere by wetting;•minimize the extent to which people have contact with asbestos; and•ensure that waste is securely stored and adequately labelled.

23.6 Disposal of asbestos-containing materials
These materials should be disposed of by properly trained personnel.
Transport asbestos waste in bulk. During transportation ensure that containers remain covered orsealed so that dust and fibres do not escape.
Asbestos-contained materials can be disposed of in landfill sites provided these have appropriate
measures to prevent release of asbestos fibre, e.g. a liner and a system for leachate collection. Ensurethat a record is kept of the location of this waste, including exact geographical coordinates.
• Do not mix with other waste prior to disposal• Do not dispose of in a location where there is already asbestos containing material• Do not dispose of in a location where there may be future construction of landfill components,
such as leachate head-wells or gas extraction wells.
• DO NOT dispose of by burning.52
52 http://www.searo.who.int/entity/emergencies/documents/abestos.pdf?ua=1

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

42

23.7 Substitutes
Numerous materials substitute for asbestos. Substitutes include calcium silicate, carbon fiber,cellulose fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, steel fiber, wollastonite, and several organic fibers, such asaramid, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polytetrafluoroethylene. Several nonfibrous minerals or
rocks, such as perlite, serpentine, silica, and talc, are considered to be possible asbestos substitutes
for products in which the reinforcement properties of fibers were not required. For the chlor alkaliindustry, membrane cell technology is one alternative to asbestos diaphragms53.
Substitutes for these asbestos products are not limited to products that simply replace asbestos withanother material (e.g., PVA and cellulose in fiber-cement roofing sheet). There are also a numberof wholly different products that can replace the asbestos products. A number of substitutes forasbestos-cement products are included in the following table54.

Table 17. Substitutes for Asbestos and asbestos containing products
Asbestos Product

Substitute Products

Asbestos-Cement
Corrugated Roofing

Fiber-cement roofing using: synthetic fibers (polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene) and vegetable/cellulose fibers(softwood kraft pulp, bamboo, sisal, coir, rattan shavings and tobacco stalks, etc.); with optional silica fume,
flyash, or rice husk ash
Microconcrete (Parry) tiles
Galvanized metal sheets
Clay tiles
Vegetable fibers in asphalt
Slate
Coated metal tiles (Harveytile)
Aluminum roof tiles (Dekra Tile)
Extruded uPVC roofing sheets
Recycled polypropylene and high-density polyethylene and crushed stone (Worldroof)
Plastic coated aluminum
Plastic coated galvanized steel.

Asbestos-Cement
Flat Sheet (ceilings,
facades, partitions)Fiber-cement using vegetable/cellulose fibers (see above), wastepaper, optionally synthetic fibers
Gypsum ceiling boards (BHP Gypsum)
Polystyrene ceilings, cornices, and partitions
Façade applications in polystyrene structural walls (coated with plaster)Aluminum cladding (Alucabond)
Brick
Galvanized frame with plaster-board or calcium silicate board facing
Softwood frame with plasterboard or calcium silicate board facing.

Asbestos-Cement
Pipe

High Pressure:Cast iron and ductile iron pipe
High-density polyethylene pipe
Polyvinyl chloride pipe
Steel-reinforced concrete pipe (large sizes)
Glass-reinforced polyester pipe
Low Pressure:
Cellulose-cement pipe
Cellulose/PVA fiber-cement pipe
Clay pipe
Glass-reinforced polyester pipe
Steel-reinforced concrete pipe (large diameter drainage)

53 http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/mcs/2015/mcs2015.pdf
54 http://ibasecretariat.org/bc_subst_asb_cem_constr_prods.php

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

43

Asbestos Product

Substitute Products

Asbestos-Cement
Cellulose-cement
Water Storage Tanks Polyethylene
Fiberglass
Steel
Galvanized iron
PVA-cellulose fiber-cement
Asbestos-Cement
Rainwater Gutters;
Open Drains (Mining
Industry)

Galvanized iron
AluminumHand-molded cellulose-cement
PVC

http://ibasecretariat.org/bc_subst_asb_cem_constr_prods.php

24. Environmental Impacts of Asbestos
24.1 Environmental Impacts
As such there is no dedicated dumping of the Asbestos waste so far seen in the country and the
project site of Central to Eastern Terai. However, in 2013, there were piles of the asbestos waste
were dumped in the heart of the capital city Kathmandu in a very popular and most travelled place/junction called Maitighar Mandala (Fig below) and buried as well as remaining still supposed to coveunder the road expansion corners towards Maitighar to Baneshowar. After writing the advocacy
campign letter (Annex 1) to the Ministry of Population and Environment- MOPE ( the then Ministryof Science, Technology and Environment- MOSTE) and copy to Ministry of Health (MOH), Prime
Minister Office as well as President Office through a formal advocay letter from Center for Public
Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED) along with the picture of the Asbestos Wasteon the letter itself on 25th November 2013. The letter have taken the argument of dringking watercontamination, the dumping has been happening in the most popular cross sections of the roads
daily traveled by many governnent and associated buisiness communities and general public andasked for immediate collection and safety manage the waste. Department of Road and Ministry of
Phyiscial Planning and Works were also infored about the dumping and asked to take care of theirwaste and ensure completely removal of such toxic waste being burried under road. So these are
only known hotspot and environmental dumping of asbestos waste so far in Nepal.
Department of Environment (DOE) were directed to act immediately from the MOPE and haveremoved all the asbestos from this location but dumpped again in the Teku Waste Transfer Station(Fig below). We did not found any piece of such waste at the moment at Teku after a year, were justdisposed along with the other city garbage to the landfill site. But MOPE acted further and initiatedpositive steps to ban the import, sale, distribute and uses of all form of asbestos exept lining of brakeshoe and clutch plates on December 22, 2014 through a gazette notification (Khand 64, Number
30, Part 5, Date December 22, 2014, Notice No. 4). The decision has been took effects from 20thJune 2015.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

44

Figure 19.Asbestos Waste dumped at Maitighar Mandala, water recharging zone, the only undergroundreliable source of drinking water for capital people of Kathmandu (November 2013)

Figure 20.. Up on complain filled to MOPE, MOH and OPMCM, Department of Environment immediately
took away some left over Asbestos waste from Maitighar Mandala to Teku Waste Transfer Station on 25th
November 2013 and left unattended again.

45

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

In addition to this direct initiative from the MOPE and DOE, Department of Road, the responsible
agencies for road expansion were also asked to address these issues.

Figure 21.Crumbled corrugated asbestos sheets in Ranigunj, Sharlahi, Nepal

25. Hotspots (School, College, Government Offices, Waste, etc.)
Asbestos has been found to be imported from long back into the country for various purposes
under different trade and cooperation mechanism with several countries. However this material
were not so popular till recent past (a decade ago). The old USAID funded project and/or other
ODA supported project on Road Sector, Geology and Mines Sector, Agriculture sectors had beenfound uses of Asbestos as the roofing materials. Hardly, any private building had seen using theasbestos as roofing materials before 10 years. However, in the recent years the asbestos corrugatedsheets were became so popular among the local people especially in Central and Eastern Terai andbeing massively used for the roofing materials in many schools, colleges, government offices andeven massively in private houses. Visiting several villages (more than 10 villages) from Parsa district(Central Terai ) to Morang district ( Eastern Terai), all most all villages and almost entire privatehouses have been found using asbestos as roofing materials at least for their kitchen and cattle sheds
among entire houses.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

46

Figure 22. Uses of Asbestos roofing in Terai

As these materials is getting old, the dislodging of asbestos tiny fibres get into the surrounding air
thus in human and animal bodies and definitely start causing several health implications including
cancer. In addition, the massive users like schools, colleges, public offices etc. is going to turned
into the waste in upcoming 5 to 10 years and there will be huge mass of Asbestos containing waste
required to be safely disposed and handled. So for this profile, the mass user such as school, colleges,
government offices are considered as the hotspots of the Asbestos. The individual housed who haveused the Asbestos are also under severe threats. All these need to be protected by having safe andenvironmentally sound collection, management and disposal.
The extent of uses of asbestos can be gages by following facts. In a place called Mirchiya in Siraha
district, an upcoming town and newly declared municipality in eastern Terai. At least 10 Private
Boarding schools have the Asbestos roofing in their schools as well as hostels. Another longitudinal
travel to 2 KM distance in Siraha bazar, all most all houses have the Asbestos roofing.
Among other uses, asbestos roofing has been rampantly used in central and eastern Terai inschools, colleges, hostels, hotel, restaurants, shops, individual houses, kitchen, animal sheds, toilets,
government offices, security guard office and security personnel’s quarters, custom offices, bus
counters etc.

47

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

Figure 23. Houses with different uses (shops, hotel, residence,
animal shed etc.) with asbestos roofing in Terai

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

Figure 24. Asbestos Roofing 1. Custom Office, 2 & 3 Schools ,4. Custom Security Office, 5. Security Guard Quarters

48

49

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

26. Environment Tour and Sampling of Asbestos, Asbestos
containing products
CEPHED`s team mobilised in the ten districts of Nepal from Parsa, Bara, Rauthat, Sahrlahi,
Mahotary, Dhanusha, Siraha, Saptari, Sunsari and Morang. During the field visit, we have meet several
government officials, custom offices, villagers with asbestos roofing, dealers, retailers, hospitals etc.
We have collected some nine samples comprising of 7 Asbestos sheets pieces, 1 brake shoe and
1 clutch plates in the first round of field visit during February and March 2016. While in second
round during April 2016, we again made another field visit and meet some high level policy officials
at central government offices such as Joint secretary at Ministry of Population and Environment(MOPE), Secretary at Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) and withsome trade union called General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) as well as someworkshop of brake lining and observe their working condition, took some sample of dust from theirworking stations, some asbestos pieces and also visited some other area with alternative roofing
materials during such as U PVC and also took sample of it.

We had sent the sample for testing about the type and content ofasbestos to Tokyo Occupational Safety and Health Center. The
first batch of testing results has been received and presented in
the following tables.
Figure 25. Samples for testing ofAsbestos types and Content

26.1 Method of Sample Analysis: Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)
The most direct and powerful application of polarized light microscopy (PLM) is the identificationof hundreds, if not thousands, of particles types and materials based only on their morphologicaland optical properties. Many types of fibers, pigments, food products, pollen grains, spores, hairs,
glass, combustion products, pharmaceuticals, explosives, minerals and other crystalline materials
can be identified by sight alone or with the aid of a few simple optical tests that can be conducted ina matter of seconds with the polarizing microscope.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

50

PLM is also a useful tool for the recognition and identification of samples that contain multiple
components and that would be difficult or impossible to analyse by other instrumental techniques.
By using the unparalleled pattern recognition capabilities of the human eyes and brain, PLM offersa degree of speed and specificity unmatched by any other analytical technique.

Figure 26. Sample testing for Asbestos Fiber type and content

Polarized light microscopy employs a compound microscope equipped with a rotating stage andPolaroid filters for illumination of a sample with polarized light. It is an extremely useful lightmicroscopy technique, solving a high percentage of analytical problems. A partial list of the properties
of individual particles as small as a few micrometers that can be determined with the polarized
light microscope would include size, shape, colour, density, surface texture, refractive indices,
pleochroism, transparency/opacity, crystal habit, crystal system and interfacial angles. Throughthe use of observed physical manipulation and chemical reaction, properties such as elasticity andsolubility may also be determined.
When polarized light microscopy is combined with micro-scale techniques of qualitative analyticalchemistry (chemical microscopy), it becomes an even more powerful and versatile tool for solving
a wide variety of contamination, particle identification and materials analysis problems. McCrone
Associates uses a number of Olympus brand polarized light microscopes55.

26.2 Collection of Dust and roof material samples
Though the recent current Asbestos uses are rampant in the Terai Region of Nepal, the exempted
items such as lining of brake shoe and clutch plates, a number of shops are there for fixing the brakelining. Visits have been made to one such brake shoe lining center and try to meet as well as took the
55 https://www.mccrone.com/polarized-light-microscopy#sthash.fMWbAkQI.dpuf

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

51

samples. Some five samples (two dust wipe,
two dusts and 1 brake shoe pad) were takenfrom this shop to see the level of asbestos
contamination in their working environment.
In addition to this, a special UPVC plastic
roofing panel has been newly introduced in
Nepal and we also able to see and take sample
of it as well.

Figure 27. Dust samples from Working Station

Table 18. Results of Asbestos and Testing for its type and content
Results of Laboratory Analysis
SampleID

Place and description

Sample Date

Asbestos
Type

Mass
Fraction ofAsbestos

Non Asbestos
FibersNPL -1

Koshi Saptari

13 Feb 2016

Chrysotile

5 -50%

None

NPL-2

Mills Area Janakpur Dhanusha , Charminar, Birla,
Fiber Cement Sheets OHSAS 18001 Certified

15 Feb 2016

Chrysotile

5 -50%

Organic Fibers

NPL-3

Ramanand Chowk, Janakpur, Ankur Fiber Cement
Sheets ARL Ltd

16 Feb 2016

Chrysotile

5 -50%None

NPL - 4Lalbadndi , Sharlahi, RAMCO Cement Fiber Sheet

18 Feb 2016

None

-

None

NPL-5

Chandra Nigahpur, hotel , Rauthat

19 Feb 2016

None

-

None

NPL-6

Mirchaiya, Siraha Paras Enterprises

20 Feb 2016

Chrysotile

5 -50%

Cellulose
FibersNPL – 7Siraha, Policy Chwki, Bansal Suppliers
Everest Cement Fiber Sheets

21 Feb 2016

Chrysotile

5 -50%

Cellulose
Fibers

NPL- 8

Clutch Plates Asbestos lining

24 March 2016

None

-

Unknown
FibersNPL – 9Brake Shoe Asbestos Lining

24 March 2014

Chrysotile

5 -50%

None

Second Batch Samples
NPL 10

Dust Wipe from Working Station ground

25 April 2016

Chrysotile1%-

NPL 11Dust from waste (ground )25 April 2016

Chrysotile

1%

Organic Fiber

NPL 12

Dust from Working Station (table)

25 April 2016

Chrysotile

3%

Organic Fiber

NPL 13

Dust wipe from Table (showcase)

25 April 2016

Chrysotile

1%-

Chrysotile

5-50%

None

NPL 14

Brake Shoe Piece

25 April 2016

NPL 15UPVC Plastic roofing material

26th April 2016

CEPHED Result on Asbestos 2016, test carried out by Tokyo Occupational Safety and Health Center, Tokyo , japan
Spraying was totally prohibited in Japan: The cut-off value for asbestos in all materials was set at 0.1% by weight. The OEL was set
at 0.15 fibers/mL.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

Figure 28. Images of Asbestos fibers testing through using polarized light microscopy (PLM)

52

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

53

27. Asbestos Management Plan of Action
27.1 Common Challenges after imposing ban of asbestos need to be tackled.
•••

Achieving a total ban and ensuring its implementation Making our society/environment freefrom asbestos (tackling the existing asbestos and contaminated areas)o Identification, management, removal and disposalo National strategic plan and the involvements of all concerned
Eliminating asbestos-related diseases and achieving the justice for all affected
o Early detection, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitationo Register of exposed people and health monitoringo Compensation and psychosocial supportso Empowerment of victims and their families
Facilitating international collaboration for achieving the above globallyo Regional and international effortso Signing, adopting and ratifying international instruments e.g. SAICM, Rotterdam
Conventions and ILO Conventions etc.

27.2 Ensuring Ban Implementation
•
•

•
•
•

Total ban will be achieved through a phase-out plan – planned removal of the exemptions froma ban as in case of Nepal for exemption of asbestos lining for break shoe and clutch plates.
Ban implementation still remains a big challenge and needs to be tacked as followings.
o Illegal import and use (both of intentionally and not-intentionally)o Reuse of secondhand asbestos containing materials/wastes
o Naturally occurring asbestos (such as talc contaminated with asbestos)Public awareness as well as awareness at all stakeholder level will be most important
Regular monitoring and inspection scheme
Special concern on recovery and reconstruction process after disasters

27.3. Tackling the Existing Asbestos
•

•
•

•

Identificationo Register/mapping of the existing asbestoso When, Who and How to identify Asbestos Containing Materials?
o Consideration on flyable/non-flyable, bad/good condition, potential exposed population,
availability of safe removal/disposal etc.
o removal or management until removed
Managemento Management plan with expected timing of removal and its implementationo Leveling and making plan available for all concerned, encapsulation, off-limits, etc.
Exposure Reduction and Managemento The current and perspective exposure from the current uses of asbestos need to be
immediately addressed ( e.g. through painting, covering the exposed part, not disturbing
asbestos etc. )Removalo Training and licensing of contractors as removal is dangerous to release asbestos fiber

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal•

54

Disposalo Approved asbestos waste disposal sites
o Regulations on disposal of hazardous wasteso This can be a model for life-cycle management of chemicals through environmentally soundmanners.

27.4 Asbestos Free Environment/Society
Strategic approach development and adoption• Endorsement and adoption NAP (National Asbestos Profile) developed by other section (e.g. In
case of Nepal , CEPHED has developed with close coordination with all possible stakeholders
including government agencies).
• NPEAD (National Program for Elimination of ARDs) will be still needed even if a total ban has
been introduced.
• Goal setting with a road map for safe removal/disposal of all existing asbestos• Step-by-step, prioritized and holistic planning• Implementation structure with necessary resources• Clarification of the roles of all concerned• Decontamination of contaminated areas if neededo Areas affected by former asbestos mine/planto Areas where asbestos materials/wastes were disposed (generally dump sites of asbestos
wastes should never been redeveloped)o Environmentally sound management of existing waste and contaminated sites.

28. Conclusion and Recommendation
28.1 Conclusion
Nepal is the first country in South Asia to ban import, sale, distribute and uses of all form of asbestos
except lining of break shoe and clutch plates. Nepal being a small and beautiful country did notmine any asbestos and related products however import and use large quantities of asbestos andrelated products from different countries mostly from India and China and also having provision
to receiving asbestos based products in several bilateral trade agreements with different countries.
Though there is no specific regulation to deal with Asbestos exclusively earlier, government hadbanned its import, sale, distribution and uses effective since 20th June 2015, country had additional
good national legislative framework in which asbestos and its related issues and problems can be
regulated. Additionally, Nepal is already party to several chemicals and waste related MEAs andInternational Conventions namely POPs Convention, Basel Convention and Rotterdam Convention
on PIC and has been also adopted the SAICM plan of actions.
With respect to national capacity to dealt with cancer and any other asbestos related diseases andhealth problems, there is good infrastructure including some dedicated specialised cancer hospital
itself in the country since more than a decade. Additionally, there is growing concerned on healthand environment and particularly chemicals safety issue and hence some of the policy and projectlevel initiatives to address the health and safety of the children, worker and general public are alreadyongoing.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

55

Some local initiatives and campaigning toward banning of all forms of asbestos has been alreadysuccessful in shaping the legal ban of asbestos in place, and now research, follow up and awarenessraising is on-going toward effective implementation of the government banning decisions. With
all these initial initiatives and growing global concerned, it is high time for the Government of
Nepal to take initiative towards ensuring the effective implementation of its banning decisions of all
form of asbestos from import to use and envision the required robust specific legislative as well as
institutional framework at earliest possible to protect public health and environment at large fromthe ill effect of asbestos.
There is an utmost need to ensuring of not using and promoting any asbestos containing and otherhazardous construction material in post disasters reconstruction of Nepal as well as ensuring thesafe and environmentally sound management of hazardous waste containing asbestos and othertoxic waste. Finally, the exposure from already used asbestos as the roofing materials in most of the
Terai region of Nepal and in entire country need to be reduced and a national action plan need to beprepared , effectively implemented towards complete elimination of all form of asbestos from Nepal.

28.2 Recommendations
Based on the review of existing country situation on various aspect and issues associated with theasbestos , its import, sale, distribute, uses, exposure , health impacts, asbestos related diseases ,national level, institutional and health facilities and directly observing and meeting to the people,
organisations and health care professionals, following recommendations has been made.

Ministry of Population and Environment (MOPE) and Department of Environment (DOE)•••

Government of Nepal, MOPE to go for total asbestos ban and take all possible initiatives for
effective implementation of its banning decisions of all form of asbestos from import, sale,
distribute and uses.
Ensuring the safe and environmentally sound management of hazardous waste containing
asbestos and other toxic waste.
National Actions Plans need to be prepared and effectively implemented towards complete
elimination of all form of asbestos from Nepal.

Ministry of Health (MOH) and Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC)
•
•
•
•
•
•

Stop the use of all types of asbestos and stimulate substitution/replacement of asbestos andasbestos containing materials,
Enact robust and specific legislative & institutional framework to protect public health andenvironment.
There is an urgent need to prevent of exposure from already used asbestos as the roofing
materials in country and mostly in Terai.
Improve early diagnosis, treatment, social and medical rehabilitation of ARDs
Establish registries of people with past and/or current exposure to asbestos (and conduct healthsurveillance for/monitoring them).
Demographic and Epidemiological study for asbestos related exposure potential and diseases,
number of workers, listing of asbestos based and/or using industries with potential workers
exposures, level of exposure, estimation of burden of diseases related to asbestos, disability
adjusted life (DALYs) and deaths attributable to asbestos exposure etc.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

56

Ministry of Labour and Employment (MOLE), Department of Labour and OSH Project••••

Ministry of Labour and Employment should either establish a separate OSH Department and/or strengthened OSH Section under the existing Department of Labour.
There should be specific OSH policy, Act and Standard for asbestos exposure limits withfull mechanism of realizing eligible compensation for asbestos related diseases and estimate
economic losses.
Government of Nepal should enact the national foreseeable occupational exposure limits ofasbestos along with the system of inspections and enforcement of the exposure limits.
MOLE should urgently act up on towards ratification of ILO Convention on The Occupational
Cancer Convention, 1974 (C.139) , The Asbestos Convention, 1986 (C.162) , The Chemicals
Convention, 1990 (C.170), Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and HealthConvention, 2006 (No. 187), Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161) and
Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176) and localize its provisions.

Ministry of Finance (MOF), Department of Custom and Custom Offices•••

Ministry of Finance, Department of Custom and all Custom offices in Nepal should strictly
follow the Gazette Notifications of Asbestos ban and effectively implement the government
decision so as to make ZERO asbestos import as per the gazette.
Ministry of Finance and its department should develop required numbers of fully functional
testing laboratories to test any suspected materials (import and domestics) for asbestos content
and type as well as other chemical testing,All form of legal and illegal importation of banned Asbestos and Asbestos containing products
needs to be strictly stopped.

Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Supply and Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Commerceand Supply Management•

Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Supply, ministry of Home Affairs and Department ofCommerce and Supply Management (DoCSM) needs to strengthened and increased theirmarket monitoring and seize all the asbestos containing products available in the market for
sale, distribute and uses contravention to the Gazette Notification.

Ministry of Urban Development and Department of Urban Development and Construction
•

•
•
•

The identified hot spots of the Asbestos uses (House, Schools, Government Offices, Security
Personnel’s Offices and Quarters etc.) need to be tackling first and should replace with safer
roofing material and handle the waste generated scientifically and environmentally soundmanner.
It also needs to stress stopping broken material being used by affected populations and also newasbestos material being procured by aid agencies and affected communities for any constructionand especially for the Post Disaster Reconstruction of Nepal.
There is an urgent need to amend all the building codes and material codes in the change context
of already banned asbestos and asbestos containing materials.
The toxic construction materials such as asbestos, asbestos containing products, practices aswell as other toxic construction materials like leaded paints etc. should be avoided throughproper inclusion of these issues in GREEN BUILDING Guideline.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

57

National Cancer Registry and Cancer Hospitals of Nepal•

Cancer Hospitals need to initiate separate record keeping and study of prevalence of asbestosis(total number of peoples/workers with diagnosed asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer andmesothelioma to-date) among asbestos exposed workers/citizens.

National Reconstruction Authority (NRA)•

Ensuring of not using and promotion of any asbestos containing and other hazardous
construction material in Nepal including post disasters reconstruction.

Private Sector / Asbestos Entrepreneurs (Importer, Dealers, Retailers•••

All importer, dealers and retailers need to cooperate and collaborate with the government
towards effective implementation and compliance of the Gazette notification of banning theimport, sale, distribute and uses of the asbestos and asbestos containing products contravention
to the Gazettes.
Asbestos entrepreneurs should stop miss advertising about the asbestos as good construction
material rather they should inform the public about its carcinogenicity.
They should promote sale, distribute and promote and alternative safer materials .

General Recommendations
•
•

•
•
•
•

•

The ongoing cases in the Supreme Court of Nepal filled by Business Community against the
government decision of banning this toxic asbestos should be settled at earliest possible in thefavor of public health, workers health, children health and environment.
Coordination among and between concerned government agencies and their departments
and other stakeholders should be established and supported through functional mechanism
toward identification, collection, monitoring and evaluation of asbestos, related health andenvironmental implications.
Awareness among all stakeholders, importers, distributors and users as well as general public
about asbestos, its health and environmental implications need to be raised. NGOs can play
important role on this along with the filed level research and monitoring.
Development agencies like WHO, ILO need to strengthen the national research, training andinstitutional capacity to address the Asbestos Related Diseases from the possible and potential
exposure. Also support awareness raising and capacity buildings of the stakeholders.
Trade Unions should be proactively engaged toward protection of workers from increased
sources of asbestos exposure and help in effective implementation of the government banning
decision.
General public should stop purchasing and using any types of asbestos and asbestos containing
products and handle with case the already exist asbestos in their home to be safe.

Media sectors can play vital role in disseminating information, fact and figure as well as
health and environmental implications about asbestos thus to aware the public.

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

58

Annex 1. CEPHED`s Campaign Letter for Asbestos Ban and Proper Waste
Management

59

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

Annex 2: Kathmandu Valley Road Extension Project letter for proper handlingof Asbestos Containing wastes exist in their office.
Letter from Government of Nepal, Ministry of Physical Planning and Transport, Department ofRoad, Kathmandu Valley Road Expansion Project to Department of Road, Planning and Design
Division, Geo-Environment and Social Division, Babarmahal, Kathmandu assuring about theremoval of asbestos being burying in Maitighar Mandala Chowk, kept in a sack and asking forthe asking for necessary coordination and help to manage these asbestos containing waste. Whiledeveloping this National Asbestos Profile, CEPHED team try to see those waste said to be safely kept
with road project under Department of Road, talked to the concerned officials about these waste totake sample but none of the officials have any know how about the existence and their status and we
did not able to take sample out of it. These might to still will Department of Road as toxic hazardous
waste, need to be managed safely. Even complain has been launched through DOR-Grievance
Redress System multiple times, but did not received any response so far.

178,706.58

10.36

3,819.06

F
B+C+D+(A+E)+F

Asbestosis

Total (deaths due to asbestos exposure)estimated of global burden of diseases of WHO .

2.68

B/A

ARLC (occup)/Meso (occup)272.12

4,307.40

15.81%E
A/(A+E)

Mesothelioma (non-occupational exposure to asbestos)323.23% of occupational mesothelioma

D
A+E

Larynx cancer (occupational exposure to asbestos)C

Ovarin cancer (occupational exposure to asbestos)

Mesothelioma

137.14

B Tracheal, bronchus
and lung cancer

Lung cancer (occupational exposure to asbestos)
17.61

216.22
51.11

A

1990

2,492,354.78

540,826.22

6.31

57.15%

Occupational cancer (occupational exposure to asbestos) A+B+C+D

Nepal

12,743.42
417,088.07

Mesothelioma (occupational exposure to asbestos)Year

B+C+D+(A+E)+F

Total (deaths due to asbestos exposure)

Deaths

B/A
F

ARLC (occup)/Meso (occup)

Asbestosis

E
A/(A+E)

Mesothelioma (non-occupational exposure to asbestos)% of occupational mesothelioma

D
A+E

C

Ovarin cancer (occupational exposure to asbestos)

Larynx cancer (occupational exposure to asbestos)

B Tracheal, bronchus
and lung cancer

Lung cancer (occupational exposure to asbestos)

Mesothelioma

1,503,152.78

A

18,544.29

1,772,821.97
238,381.49

Occupational cancer (occupational exposure to asbestos) A+B+C+D

Global

1990

Mesothelioma (occupational exposure to asbestos)Year

Deathshttp://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare/

Estimated number of deaths

4,309.18

3,796.06

2.86

14.66%

291.93342.07

10.15

17.36

143.5350.15

221.191995

2,654,438.40

514,497.85

6.49

57.53%

189,031.56

445,135.15

12,833.87

19,254.88

1,662,716.65

256,103.59

1,950,909.00

1995

3,906.02

3,367.10

3.02

14.11%

307.71358.28

10.13

17.84

152.6750.57

231.212000

2,761,438.04

476,251.03

6.55

58.43%

194,083.95

466,913.14

12,106.04

17,981.19

1,788,186.64

272,829.19

2,091,103.06

2000

4,002.63

3,413.65

3.22

14.30%

326.72381.22

11.16

20.88

175.7254.50

262.27

2005

2,917,576.46

467,411.19

6.43

59.13%

205,980.23

504,037.94

11,976.55

18,361.18

1,915,789.60

298,057.71

2,244,185.04

2005

Annex 3: Asbestos Related Disease (ARD)and disability adjusted life years (DALY`s) based on

4,196.48

3,553.89

3.31

14.21%

354.10412.77

12.13

23.22

194.4858.67

288.492010

3,751,577.96

523,000.99

5.74

64.97%

236,100.70

673,977.91

16,308.48

23,402.44

2,514,888.14

437,877.21

2,992,476.27

2010

4,351.00

3,670.42

3.36

14.07%

375.34436.82

12.69

24.34

206.7361.47

305.242013

4,206,271.04

554,262.05

5.54

67.29%

249,783.50

763,535.24

19,234.86

24,404.76

2,844,834.13

513,751.74

3,402,225.49

2013

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal
60

GlobalDeathsFig11: Asbestosis

Fig-5: Occupational exposure to asbestos
as a carcinogen (occupational asbestos
cancer)Deaths due to asbestos exposure

Fig11: Asbestosis deaths

Fig10: Mesothelioma deaths

Fig-5: Occupational exposure to asbestos(=deaths due to occupational asbestos
cancer)http://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare/

Estimated number of deaths% of occupational mesothelioma = Fig-6 / Fig-10

Total

Non occipational mesothelioma = Fig-10 - fig-6*** We can cosider all mesothelioma deaths will be due toasbestos exposure*** The reason why the above rate was calculated has notbeen explained yet.

120,448.13

21,020.30

5,580.12

93,847.71

21,020.30

5580.12
7.10

Non occipational mesothelioma = Fig-10 - fig-6

133,094.92

20,557.61

5,998.97

106,538.33

20,557.61

7.29

5998.97

67.83%

67.12%

Meso/ARLC = Fig-6 / Fig-7*** We can cosider all mesothelioma deaths will be due toasbestos exposure

18,648.21

106,538.33

652.42982.54

92,254.14

12,649.23

106,538.33

1995

16,971.84

634.9993,847.71

Fig-9: Larynx cancer

Total*** Methods for the above estimation have not been
explained yet

80,913.43
907.57

Fig-7: Tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer

Fig-8: Ovarin cancer

11,391.72

93,847.71

1990

Fig-6: Mesothelioma

Year

2005

2010

15,284.10

21,715.12

638.94960.88851.181,211.37

19,730.25

7.446844.8169.07%

22,128.91

22,536.08

6.847975.0773.14%

29,690.19

19,730.25

6,844.81

22,536.08

7,975.07
143,967.76 157,190.23 202,909.98

19,509.61

6,289.42

118,168.73 130,615.18 172,398.83

19,509.61

7.51

6289.4268.53%

19,987.14

118,168.73 130,615.18 172,398.83

633.46926.06

102,911.49 113,731.26 148,621.17

13,697.72

118,168.73 130,615.18 172,398.83

2000

226,870.37

24,086.55

8,531.92

194,251.90

24,086.55

6.61

8531.92

74.72%

33,743.73

194,251.90

993.23

1,273.34

166,773.53

25,211.81

194,251.90

2013

61
National Asbestos Profile of Nepal

1
2

Fig11: Asbestosis

Fig-5: Occupational exposure to asbestos
as a carcinogen (occupational asbestos
cancer)Deaths due to asbestos exposure

Fig11: Asbestosis deaths

Fig10: Mesothelioma deaths

Fig-5: Occupational exposure to asbestos(=deaths due to occupational asbestos
cancer)% of occupational mesothelioma = Fig-6 / Fig-10

Total

Non occipational mesothelioma = Fig-10 - fig-6*** We can cosider all mesothelioma deaths will be due toasbestos exposure*** The reason why the above rate was calculated has notbeen explained yet.

151.22134.967.35

8.91

134.96

7.35
2.89

Non occipational mesothelioma = Fig-10 - fig-6

154.82137.65

7.92

9.25

137.65

3.11

7.92

19.90%

21.30%

Meso/ARLC = Fig-6 / Fig-7*** We can cosider all mesothelioma deaths will be due toasbestos exposure

9.89

9.25

0.42

0.75

9.34

0.42
8.91

Fig-9: Larynx cancer

Total*** Methods for the above estimation have not been
explained yet

0.75

Fig-8: Ovarin cancer

6.11

1.97

1.99
5.75

Fig-6: Mesothelioma

9.25

1995

8.91

1990

Fig-7: Tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer

Year(Footnotes)
http://www.dotm.gov.np/uploads/files/Vehicle-data-type-wise-till-2072-baishakh.pdf
http://www.irinnews.org/report/95121/asia-asbestos-deadly-but-not-yet-banned

Nepal

Deaths145.48127.098.49

9.90

127.093.30

8.49

19.17%

10.51

9.90

0.43

0.80

6.65

2.01

9.90

2000

154.35133.46

9.37

11.52

133.46

3.55

9.37

19.11%

11.58

11.52

0.49

0.97

7.86

2.21

11.52

2005

164.65141.53

10.25

12.86

141.53

3.69

10.25

18.91%

12.65

12.86

0.53

1.11

8.82

2.39

12.86

2010

172.74148.11

10.91

13.72

148.11

3.75

10.91

18.76%

13.42

13.72

0.56

1.19

9.45

2.52

13.72

2013

National Asbestos Profile of Nepal62

63

National Asbestos Profile of NepalNational Asbestos Profile of Nepal

64

65

National Asbestos Profile of NepalNational Asbestos Profile of Nepal

66

About CEPHED
Center for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED) is an environmental NGO establishedin the year 2004, by and through the contribution, coordination from a group of activist and experienced
people from medical, environment and public health sectors. CEPHED’s focus is to serve Nepalese people
and communities in the field of public health and environment. CEPHED has adopted the vision of bridging
people with the science and technology for healthy leaving and environmental safety and taken a mission toact as bridging forum between people with science and technology to make access new scientific knowledge,
technology and safety measures of environment and public health sector through research, advocacy, feedback,coordination, capacity building and policy dialogue, etc.
CEPHED is working with and also willing to work with group and organizations around the country from central
government, local government to grass root level organizations and private sectors with an understanding that
this will help to bring the experience from the ground to the concerned authorities’ notice that leads to moremeaningful and sustainable solutions. From past 12 years CEPHED has been engaged mainly on research,awareness raising, capacity building, policy influence especially in the area of chemical management, chemicalsafety, pesticide, obsolete pesticide, healthcare waste, POPs, heavy metals like mercury, lead and cadmium aswell as hazardous materials like Asbestos.
Additionally, CEPHED has been actively engaged in research, production of Information, Education andCommunication (IEC) materials both in printed and electronic format widely disseminating all over thecountry. The research results and findings have been shared with all stakeholders especially government,
business communities and general public at large scale thorough all possible means such as meeting,interaction, presentation, newspaper, radio and television programs and also through organizing series of
district, regional and national level awareness and capacity building training programs on these issues.
With its growing interest and engagement with various environmental issues of national and international
importance, it became an active participating organization of several global networks working in the area of
public health, environment and toxic free future. CEPHED is member organization of Toxic Link, International
POPs Elimination Network (IPEN), Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Collaborative on
Health and the Environment (CHE) and Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG)/EEB. Environment Law
Alliance Worldwide (ELAW), Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (GAELP) , UNEP Mercury partnership, International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), Asia Ban Asbestos Network (ABAN), The Asian Network
for the Rights Of Occupational and Environmental Victims (ANROEV), World Alliance for Mercury Free
Dentistry (WAMFD) and Asian Center for Environmental Health.
CEPHED has been doing research, raising awareness and at the same time setting pilot model projects.
CEPHED has recently completed the feasibility study and strategy development for mercury free healthcare services including mercury free dentistry from there pilot projects. The second intervention made by
CEPHED towards curbing the release of POPs (Dioxins, Furans) is the development of environmentally soundmanagement of health care waste and promotion of the use of dry welding machine for metal fabricating
throughout country as model program.
CEPHED works and activities has been recognized at national and international level and received honor
by several national and international awards: UNDP GEF SGP Outstanding 2009 and First Prize 2012; UN
POPs Convention Secretariat PCB Elimination Network`s PEN Award 2011; Grill Traders Association Award
2011; Environment Conservation Award 2012, Best Paper Award on Mercury Research 2015 and Environment
Conservation Award 2016 etc. CEPHED has successful in several policy influences like Mandatory Lead Paint
Standard of 90 ppm; Ban of Import, Sale, Distribution and Uses of Asbestos and asbestos containing products;
Banning of Import, Purchase and Uses of Mercury based equipment and expecting soon the mandatory
standard for toxic chemicals in Children Toys etc.
Center for Public Health andEnvironmental Development (CEPHED)
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel/Fax 00977-1-5201786, Mobile: 00977-9803047621
Email: info@cephed.org.np, ramcharitra@gmail.com
Web: www.cephed.org.np