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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