Asbestos Risk Reduction & Measurement of Asbestos Fiber Concentration Workshop
A workshop on Asbestos Risk Reduction & Measurement of Asbestos Fiber Concentration was held in Krakow, Poland on September 28-29, 2006 at the AGH University of Science and Technology.1 Asbestos contamination is a topical issue in Poland, a country which has used approximately 15.5 million tonnes of asbestos-containing material (acm). Over 95% of the acm in Poland is asbestos-cement sheeting for building purposes; pictures shown of public buildings, blocks of flats, farm buildings and residential houses illustrated the widespread level of asbestos pollution which persists throughout Poland today.
International experts were invited to Krakow to present findings on various aspects of this issue and to engage in discussion with Polish colleagues during the two day workshop at the end of which some final conclusions were reached (Appendix A). The presentation by Prof. Jerzy Dyczek, the organizer of the event and an international expert on asbestos-cement, was of particular interest. In his paper: Surface of Asbestos-Cement Roof Sheets and Assessment of the Risk of Asbestos Release, Prof. Dyczek concluded:
“AC product service life differs according to environmental influences. In polluted regions, AC roof sheet corrosion is accelerated by acid rain. In the corrosion process the matrix binding asbestos fibres is washed out, leading to unveiling of the fibres (asbestos fibres exposure). Exposed asbestos fibres may cause asbestos dust release. The risk of fibre liberation increases proportionally with corrosion. But independently of the degree of corrosion, any cracks in or other mechanical damage to AC sheets (and other AC products) lead to a high risk of asbestos dust release.”
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The final conclusions of the Krakow workshop referred to Prof. Dycek's work in point 4:
“It has been proved categorically that asbestos cement will corrode; during the corrosion process, asbestos fibers are liberated and asbestos contamination can occur.”
October 31, 2006
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Appendix A
Asbestos Risk Reduction & Measurement of Asbestos Fiber Concentration.
Krakow, Poland, September 28-29, 2006
Final Conclusions:
1. Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) is an appropriate method for measuring the presence of asbestos fibers during asbestos removal work; however, this equipment is not suitable for identifying lower concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers in the environment. For the identification and quantification of all asbestos fibers, including thinner fibers, the transmission electron microscope (TEM) method is more reliable; scanning electron microscopes (SEM) can also be used. The minimization of asbestos fiber concentration and the identification of the fiber types present in the indoor and outdoor environment are important for the protection of the population.
2. Given the presence of asbestos and other toxic waste on redundant ships, the protection of workers during the process of ship dismantling must be regarded as high priority.
3. The uncontrolled removal and handling of asbestos during refurbishment work, demolition, removal, transportation or disposal by untrained individuals and non-specialist or unlicensed companies pose a threat to the environment and population.
4. It has been proved categorically that asbestos cement will corrode; during the corrosion process, asbestos fibers are liberated and asbestos contamination can occur.
5. Given that all asbestos is hazardous, the risk of fiber liberation should be evaluated and asbestos-containing products should be managed in accordance with best practice.
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1 The papers from this event can be viewed at: http://www.ceramika.agh.edu.pl/konferencje.php
