In 2019, it was announced that asbestos was the leading type of occupational lung cancer in Ontario. It is estimated that approximately 1900 lung cancers, 430 mesotheliomas, 45 laryngeal cancers and five ovarian cancers are caused by exposure to asbestos in the workplace.

Air pollution is a physical or chemical release through natural processes and human activities under point and non-point sources. The release of a considerable amount of dust, fibrous, and chemicals into the ambient air leads to an unhealthy environment, resulting in air quality degradation and directly affecting human health and well-being, which contributes to various respiratory problems including bronchitis, emphysema and asthma, and lung cancer.

In the workplace, air quality is silent and invisible; workers’ health is likely to be compromised, especially workers employed in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Asbestos is one of the most dangerous toxins and is a recognized lung carcinogen. Inhaling airborne asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis and mesotheliomas.

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