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Mitigation of Contamination and Health Risk: Asbestos Management and Regulatory Practices

Author

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  • Achyut Aryal

    (AKA Education Group, Auckland College of Tertiary Studies, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
    Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 40618, Nepal
    Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
    AGI Education, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Craig Morley

    (Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Marine and Environmental Management, Mokoia Campus, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Achyut Aryal & Craig Morley, 2024. "Mitigation of Contamination and Health Risk: Asbestos Management and Regulatory Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:22:p:9740-:d:1516636
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sugio Furuya & Odgerel Chimed-Ochir & Ken Takahashi & Annette David & Jukka Takala, 2018. "Global Asbestos Disaster," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-11, May.
    2. Karol Durczak & Michał Pyzalski & Tomasz Brylewski & Michał Juszczyk & Agnieszka Leśniak & Marek Libura & Leonas Ustinovičius & Mantas Vaišnoras, 2024. "Modern Methods of Asbestos Waste Management as Innovative Solutions for Recycling and Sustainable Cement Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-28, October.
    3. Simone Peta Stevenson & Oonagh Barron & Andrew Pakenham & Masayoshi Hashinaka, 2023. "Understanding and Ending the Lethal Asbestos Legacy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-15, January.
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