Abroad|22/12/15

BELGIUM: Respiratory conditions recognized as ODs are increasing

Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe > BELGIUM: Respiratory conditions recognized as ODs are increasing

Respiratory conditions recognized as occupational diseases (ODs) in the construction sector for the period 2010-2014 are increasing. The analysis of cases by the Occupational Diseases Fund (FMP) also emphasizes the high percentage of asbestos-related cases and the increase in exposure to allergenic substances.

Of the 730 cases of respiratory conditions recognized as ODs between 2010 and 2014, 602 were asbestos-related, namely 273 cases of mesothelioma, 179 cases of lung cancer and 150 cases of asbestosis. Given the latency period of 25 to 40 years and the peak in use of materials containing asbestos in the years 1975 to 1980, the number of asbestos-related conditions recognized is still increasing at present.

According to the FMP, the campaign to raise awareness of the consequences of exposure to wood dust has borne fruit, because more people are informed and the number of claims for recognition as ODs has increased.

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