Mesothelioma has long been categorized as an occupational disease, as many industries historically put workers at risk of asbestos exposure. Despite efforts to eliminate the use of the toxic mineral, new concerns have been raised after chrysotile white asbestos was discovered in brake pads used in wind turbines at Goldwind Australia’s Cattle Hill Wind Farm in Tasmania.
Despite Link to Mesothelioma, Chinese Manufacturers Continue to Include Asbestos in Products
Australia has one of the world’s highest rates of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, and this led to the country issuing a total ban on the mineral in 2003. There have been several instances where components imported into the country by Chinese manufacturers have been found to contain the toxic material, and the brake pads from 3S Industry, a major exporter to the country, represent the latest breach.
The breach raises significant concerns that “Asbestos-Free” certification from overseas suppliers can’ be taken at face value and exposes vulnerabilities in global supply chain verification. While automotive parts shipped into the country undergo strict scrutiny, the same is not true of industrial braking systems. This discovery demonstrates that prohibited materials are still slipping through the cracks and putting workers at risk.
Mesothelioma Prevention Requires Heightened Supply Chain Verification
Mesothelioma risk from asbestos in industrial friction materials is generally either deliberate, based on chrysotile’s high heat resistance and subsequent reduction of costs, or cross-contamination in factories producing both asbestos and non-asbestos product lines. Either way, it represents a failure and a risk. The global friction industry has spent decades moving toward Non-Asbestos Organic and ceramic formulations to meet safety standards, with major markets like Australia and the United Kingdom maintaining strict zero-tolerance policies on asbestos importation.
The fact that asbestos-containing components that risk worker mesothelioma were installed in modern renewable energy infrastructure makes clear that there are significant gaps in port-of-entry testing and supplier auditing, especially for the industrial braking applications that are historically high-risk categories for legacy asbestos use. The recent finding should be a warning that, despite regulations, asbestos fibers can infiltrate modern supply chains worldwide.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease from occupational exposure, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
