---
license: cc-by-4.0
task_categories:
  - tabular-classification
language:
  - en
tags:
  - environmental-health
  - asbestos
  - mesothelioma
  - occupational-health
  - lung-cancer
  - synthetic
  - sub-saharan-africa
pretty_name: Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma (SSA)
size_categories:
  - 10K<n<100K
configs:
  - config_name: former_mining_community
    data_files: data/asbestos_mining_community.csv
    default: true
  - config_name: urban_construction
    data_files: data/asbestos_urban_construction.csv
  - config_name: rural_asbestos_roofing
    data_files: data/asbestos_rural_roofing.csv
---

# Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma in Sub-Saharan Africa

## Abstract

Synthetic dataset modelling asbestos exposure pathways, fibre types, and health outcomes (mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer) across three settings in SSA. South Africa was a global leader in asbestos production; Wagner (1960) discovered the mesothelioma link there. WHO Africa reports asbestos use continues despite warnings, particularly in roofing, construction, and brake linings. Latency period is 20-50 years.

### Scenarios

- **Former Mining Community**: South Africa-type communities near closed asbestos mines with high crocidolite/amosite exposure.
- **Urban Construction**: Cities with ongoing chrysotile use in building materials and demolition.
- **Rural Asbestos Roofing**: Widespread asbestos-cement roofing in rural areas with chronic low-level exposure.

## Parameterization Evidence

| Parameter | Value | Source | Year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Asbestos causes mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer | Health effects | WHO Fact Sheet; IARC Group 1 | 2023 |
| SA global leader in asbestos production; ban in 2002 | History | ScienceDirect; asbestos.com | 2004 |
| Wagner (1960) discovered mesothelioma-asbestos link in SA | Discovery | PMC1522094 | 2005 |
| Asbestos use continues in Africa despite warnings | Ongoing use | WHO Africa | 2023 |
| Eastern SSA: substantial increases in asbestos lung cancer | GBD trend | PMC12573932 (GBD 2021) | 2024 |
| Mesothelioma mortality lower than expected in SA due to HIV | Co-morbidity | PubMed 21422006 | 2011 |
| Latency period 20-50 years | Disease natural history | WHO | 2023 |

## Validation

![Validation Report](validation_report.png)

## Usage

```python
from datasets import load_dataset
ds = load_dataset("electricsheepafrica/asbestos-mesothelioma", "former_mining_community")
```

## Limitations

- Synthetic data; not for clinical decision-making.
- Latency modelling simplified; real exposure-disease relationships are complex.
- Does not capture legacy contamination mapping or remediation status.

## References

1. WHO. Asbestos Fact Sheet. 2023.
2. WHO Africa. Asbestos use continues in Africa. 2023.
3. PMC1522094. Asbestos-related disease in South Africa. 2005.
4. Wagner JC. Diffuse pleural mesothelioma and asbestos exposure in SA. *Br J Ind Med*, 1960.
5. PMC12573932. Global burden of lung cancer from occupational asbestos (GBD 2021). 2024.
6. PubMed 21422006. Mesothelioma mortality trends in South Africa 1995-2007. 2011.

## Citation

```bibtex
@dataset{electricsheepafrica_asbestos_mesothelioma_2025,
  title={Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma in Sub-Saharan Africa},
  author={Electric Sheep Africa},
  year={2025},
  publisher={HuggingFace},
  url={https://huggingface.co/datasets/electricsheepafrica/asbestos-mesothelioma}
}
```

## License

CC-BY-4.0