Chyrsotile form of asbestos - the risks

Disturbing reports indicating a significant increase in asbestos related diseases, coupled with concerns that buildings have asbestos insulation, have resulted in an intense debate and controversy, mainly in northern countries where friable asbestos insulation was used in huge quantities.

The latency period is long for all asbestos-related diseases, which implies that symptoms can take 20-40 years to manifest. Given the hazardous work conditions that existed in the past, the heavy use of amphiboles during the years leading up to the 70’s and the high latency period, it does not come as a surprise that newer occurrences of asbestos-related diseases are being recorded. The most affected have been the workers who handled the installation of friable asbestos insulation materials in the construction and ship building industry. A large number of these individuals were exposed 100-200 times higher than the current standards pertaining to the permissible levels of exposure to dust.

Although use of friable asbestos products and amphiboles was banned during the 70’s, and strict factory controls have been implemented through special regulations, the health benefits will take many more years to become evident.

Installed friable asbestos insulation products – do they affect public health?

Studies of numerous buildings where friable asbestos insulation was used, indicate that air-borne dust levels inside these buildings was not significantly different in comparison to the outside ambient (0.1 to 1 fibers for every liter). Based on this fact, government authorities of many countries including the U.S. Environmental Protection have concluded that as long as the buildings are in good condition, the asbestos in them does not pose any health risks to occupants.

However, management programs are still necessary for buildings that have used asbestos insulation products. This would include regular inspections and restorative measures whenever required. In addition, every maintenance worker should have access to proper safety equipment. Information programs and training should also be conducted to ensure that workers follow standard work practices while handling these products. Removal of asbestos insulation products should be considered only as a last resort, and carried out only when repair is not possible or when the building is undergoing major renovation work or is set to be demolished.

Threats and risks posed by Asbestos removal

The health risks posed by friable asbestos material in buildings cannot be eliminated by banning chrysotile-cement. On the contrary, it may result in unwarranted public paranoia and a drive to initiate worthless and potentially hazardous removal work.

An operation involving huge costs, asbestos removal should be carried out by highly specialized contractors. If removal of asbestos insulation is done in a hasty manner, there is a huge probability that safety measures will not be implemented properly. This will not only expose the workers to potential health risks, but also the occupants of the building.

Moreover, removal can give rise to newer health hazards. For instance, replacement products that have natural or synthetic fibers could be just as hazardous. Unlike chrysotile, however, only a handful of countries have introduced proper regulations for these replacement asbestos products.

Controlled use

Although industrialization contributes to the society’s well-being, it has spawned a variety of potentially hazardous products that we regularly use and which can be considered far more dangerous than chrysotile. To be able to use these products in a safe manner, we implement standards, develop newer technologies and devise methods which are referred to as controlled use. The underlining principle is that a product must be discontinued in case the risks associated with it cannot be controlled. The same rationale was used to put a ban on friable asbestos products and amphibole asbestos fibers. Conversely, there is no harm in using chrysotile and associated products, for example chrysotile-cement, as long as controlled use principles are followed during the entire product life-cycle. This is the stand taken by the governments of Canada and Quebec, and it covers all metals and mineral including chrysotile asbestos.