Mitigation of contamination and health risk: asbestos management and regulatory practices.
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Other Title
Authors
Aryal, Achyut
Morley, Craig
Morley, Craig
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Grantor
Date
2024-11-08
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Type
Journal Article
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Asbestos
New Zealand asbestos contamination
Australia asbestos contamination
Construction regulations
Regulatory impact
Asbestos management
Health asbestos related diseases
New Zealand asbestos contamination
Australia asbestos contamination
Construction regulations
Regulatory impact
Asbestos management
Health asbestos related diseases
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Aryal, A.; Morley, C. Mitigation of Contamination and Health Risk: Asbestos Management and Regulatory Practices. Sustainability 2024, 16, 9740. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229740
Abstract
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral renowned for its exceptional tensile strength, chemical resistance, and low thermal and electrical conductivity. Due to these properties, it has been widely used in various industries. However, asbestos exposure is strongly linked to severe health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Although over 70 countries have banned asbestos-containing materials, significant health risks persist due to ongoing use and poor management practices in many regions. To mitigate these risks, robust occupational health measures are essential. These include safe removal protocols, comprehensive worker training, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular exposure monitoring, rigorous compliance checks, and severe penalties for non-compliance. Moreover, effective asbestos waste management and the development of advanced disposal technologies are essential to reducing risks. Public awareness campaigns, regulatory enforcement, and a global ban on asbestos production, use, and export are also necessary, particularly in countries where asbestos is still in use. Lessons from asbestos management in Australia and New Zealand provide valuable insights for nations currently dealing with asbestos issues. This paper reviews current practices in asbestos surveying, removal, and disposal, comparing them to the stringent regulatory frameworks in Australia and New Zealand. It highlights strategies that can be adopted globally to ensure safer management and complete elimination of asbestos.
Publisher
MDPI Journals
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Link to ePress publication
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229740
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CC BY Attribution 4.0 International