[Regulation and ban of asbestos in Latin America and the Caribbean: a comparative policy analysis].

Abstract

Introduction: Asbestos is a mineral used in different industrial activities, but it has a significant impact on the health of the working population. Several countries have established policies to prohibit or regulate its use.

Objective: Comparatively characterize public policy measures to prohibit and regulate asbestos in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Methods: Qualitative design using the comparative policy analysis method. Documentary sources based on current national standards were consulted and six categories were constructed based on inductive coding.

Results: The comparison between public policies of the countries of the region reflects some relevant aspects such as: scope of the prohibition, multisectoral surveillance organizations and sanctioning actions; conditions and exceptions for asbestos substitution; prevention, monitoring and health care activities; disposal and management of asbestos waste and formulation of specific policies or programs.

Conclusions: Only a small group of countries in the region have a total ban on asbestos, reflecting the international situation. It is important to continue advancing in studies that analyze political processes and evaluations of policy implementation in each country (source: MeSH, NLM).