A Brief Guide to Asbestos in

EmergenciesDRAFT

1

SAFER HANDLING AND BREAKING THE CYCLE

Asbestos in Emergencies

• WHAT - a simple and practical guide for use in disaster and post-disaster situations

• WHO - for generalists or specialists in the field needing quick but reliable guidance

• WHY - access to basic information when needed, and to avoid causing unnecessary additional damage to human health

• WHERE - booklet and training module downloadable at www.sheltercentre.org and www.proactnetwork.org

Asbestos in Emergencies

a) SAFER HANDLINGHow to handle existing or suspected asbestos-containing products in rubble or damaged buildings

b) BREAKING THE CYCLEHow to avoid using asbestos-containing products in transitional settlement and reconstruction

Asbestos in Emergencies

GROUP DISCUSSION: Problems encountered in the field

a) How did you deal with existing or suspected asbestos-containing products in rubble or damaged buildings?

b) Did you come under pressure to use asbestos-containing products in transitional settlement and reconstruction activities?

Asbestos in Emergencies

ASBESTOS FACTS

• Naturally occurring rock-based fibrous material• High mechanical strength• Electrical, thermal and acoustic insulator• Chrysotile is the most common type of asbestos

Asbestos in Emergencies

ASBESTOS HEALTH RISKS

• Inhalation of Asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer (WHO)

• There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos

• Even low level exposure can increase cancer risk

Asbestos in Emergencies

COMMON USES OF ASBESTOS

• Asbestos-cement roofing sheets• Asbestos-cement water pipes• Asbestos ceilings and floors• Other examples?

Asbestos in Emergencies

LEGISLATION, GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• Banned in > 40 countries

• UNHCR: “…materials containing asbestos should not be specified, used or recommended in its operations…”

• WHO: “… stop the use of all types of asbestos…”

• ILO: “… identification and proper management of asbestos currently in place … the most effective means to prevent future asbestos-related diseases…”

Asbestos in Emergencies

POST-DISASTER ASBESTOS HANDLING

• Provide protective equipment and training• Do not disturb it, break it or cut it• Never burn it• Wet it• Cover it• Wrap it up

Asbestos in Emergencies

POST-DIASASTER ASBESTOS DISPOSAL

• Appropriate site selection• Clearly labelled vehicles• Cover the waste• Restrict access with fencing• Post warning signs• Final closure

Asbestos in Emergencies

SELECTING MATERIALS FOR RECONSTRUCTION

• National legislation• Local construction practices• Ask for certification• Laboratory testing• Alternative materials• Avoid purchasing new

asbestos-containing materials!

Asbestos in Emergencies

CONCLUSIONS

• Humanitarian organisationsa) Deal with existing asbestos in rubble or damaged

buildingsb) Pressure to purchase new asbestos products for

transitional settlement or reconstruction

• Simple measures can help minimise asbestos-related health risks

www.sheltercentre.orgwww.proactnetwork.org