A recent study shows that the use of asbestos cement products in the United States exceeds usual safety limits and releases 50 times more airborne fibers than allowed levels, putting workers at serious health risks and highlighting the need for stricter regulations and a global ban on asbestos.
A recent study shows that the installation and removal of asbestos cement products often results in asbestos exposure levels that far exceed U.S. occupational limits. This study specifically focuses on the levels of airborne asbestos resulting from the permitted use of asbestos that is ongoing in many countries.
The study found that when cutting asbestos cement pipes, the average exposure to asbestos was more than 50 times higher than the short-term limit set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); similarly, when cutting asbestos sheeting and corrugated roofing materials, the average exposure to asbestos was about 24 times higher than the allowable limit.
Asbestos cement products, including pipes, siding and roofing, account for more than 90% of global asbestos use.
"Our finding that exposures from asbestos cement products can be alarmingly high certainly undermines the asbestos industry's argument that these materials can be used in a 'safe and responsible' manner," said Perry Gottesfeld, executive director of OK International and author of the study. "This research demonstrates the urgent need to ban all asbestos cement products sold in many countries, as they are still installed in millions of homes and commercial buildings."
Hazardous asbestos in global trade
The study, recently published in the Annals of Work Exposure and Health, shows that all uses of asbestos-cement pipe and the vast majority of installation tasks for asbestos-cement roofing and decking exceed current short-term exposure limits set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The findings also show that using water to reduce airborne fibers is not enough to protect workers in most jobs involving power tools.
While more than 60 countries have banned the use of asbestos, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is only now considering a complete ban on asbestos cement and other existing uses. Currently, the EPA only requires companies to notify the agency before manufacturing or importing asbestos cement products.
Russia and Kazakhstan account for 80% of global asbestos production and export the material to more than 25 low- and middle-income countries. India, China, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand are the largest importers, accounting for approximately 90% of global asbestos sales.
In 2021, more than 1.2 million metric tons of asbestos were mined, primarily for asbestos cement applications. Russia is by far the biggest beneficiary of this dangerous trade, with revenue of $185 million in 2021.
In hundreds of small factories in India, Vietnam and other countries, thousands of workers are exposed to airborne fibers in the production of asbestos cement products. Tens of thousands of construction workers were exposed to airborne asbestos that exceeded short-term exposure limits set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) while installing asbestos cement roofs, siding, cooling towers and ducts.
Health risks and aging infrastructure
Even intermittent, short-term exposure to asbestos can pose significant health risks. Asbestos has been shown to cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
There are approximately 600,000 miles of aging asbestos water pipes in the United States, with a typical service life of 50 years. Water companies often replace asbestos water main sections when pipes burst or as part of ongoing system improvements.
In many countries, older asbestos cement pipes and roofs are reaching the end of their useful life and need to be demolished, creating hazards for workers when cutting and breaking this material. Few countries impose occupational restrictions or other safety regulations on asbestos abatement procedures.
Compiled source: ScitechDaily