Asbestos Exposure in Occupational and Environmental Settings Following the 2023 Earthquake in Türkiye: A Focused Review

Asbestos, with its fibrous structure, chemical stability, and high resistance to heat, was widely used in many industrial areas throughout the 20th century. However, it has been scientifically proven that when inhaled, asbestos can lead to severe and irreversible health problems, primarily asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that even a single asbestos fiber can pose a health hazard and therefore recommends absolute protection against exposure. In particular, debris generated after disasters such as earthquakes can cause uncontrolled release of asbestos fibers into the environment, significantly increasing the risk of exposure and posing a serious public health threat. The earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, represent a current and striking example of this danger.This study briefly addresses the chemical and toxicological properties of asbestos, the diseases it causes, and the relevant legal regulations, while primarily focusing on the increased environmental exposure in the aftermath of disasters and its implications for public health. In addition, it aims to raise public awareness by proposing effective protective strategies against asbestos-related diseases, which constitute a preventable environmental health issue.