Asbestos in Korean Buildings, Safety Concerns, and Sensible Risk Assessment

Abstract

In spite of concerns by some, chrysotile or white asbestos continues to be used throughout much of the world although several countries have questioned its safety and a number of them have decided to ban its use for any purpose. The reason is largely because the commercial exploitation over a century ago was carried through with little regard for health and safety through ignorance of possible health effects. Poor working conditions with high airborne fibre levels produced a high level of disease. No effects were noted in people exposed to chrysotile at low fibre levels and recent studies have confirmed this lack of effect. However, concern regarding the early mistakes persists to the present time, the subject has become politicised and in 2007 the Korean government banned further use of chrysotile cement. This high level action affects the attitudes of the public, building owners, and occupiers. There is overwhelming evidence that low level exposure has no adverse health effects and that there is a practical threshold. Whether or not the Korean government ever rescinds the ban the fact remains that abatement and replacement of existing chrysotile materials because of a fear of very low level exposure is incompatible with sustainable building practices.