Asbestos Awareness for Travellers: Staying Safe Around the World

All countries have different rules and regulations for managing asbestos. In New Zealand, we have various policies and procedures for working with asbestos, its disposal, what to wear when working with it, and how to manage and remove it. WorkSafe is a helpful source of information for us to learn more about it.

However, asbestos, where it is, our relationship with it, and policies for being around it can all change once you step foot in another country. Every country is different in how it manages this hazardous substance. With that in mind, it can be worth learning a little about asbestos in other countries so you can stay safe around the world.

Know Where It May Be Found

In New Zealand, asbestos is commonly found in building materials, like roofing materials, floor tiles, textured coatings, and cladding. It was so widely used in building materials because of its heat resistance, strength, insulating properties, versatility, and affordability.

While it’s likely that asbestos was used in building materials in other countries, it’s a good idea to brush up on where else you might encounter it. While many countries have banned its mining and use, it’s still widely available in some countries.

For example, Russia is the second-largest asbestos consumer behind China. It can be found in a range of materials like insulation, automobile brakes, and roofing materials. Russia has thousands of asbestos-containing products that the Chief Sanitary Officer of Russia has labelled as safe.  

Pay Attention to Warning Signs

Travelling involves exploring new and unfamiliar environments. Most people know that they should be aware of their surroundings to keep themselves safe. This extends to asbestos. Always observe warning signs that provide information about how to behave in particular environments. You might even be warned against visiting particular areas where warning signs are present.

For example, you might be discouraged from visiting Asbestos in Quebec, Asbest in Russia, and Wittenoom in Australia due to their association with asbestos.

Don’t Disturb Suspected Asbestos

We’re a lot more curious about our surroundings when we’re in new locations. While inspecting things more closely to learn more about them can be tempting, be mindful of where you do that.

If you were to inspect something that ended up containing asbestos, there’s potential for damage. Damaging asbestos can result in asbestos fibres being released into the air. When breathed in, these can sometimes lead to asbestos-related illnesses like asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Brush Up On Bans  

As previously mentioned, many countries have banned asbestos, but not all have. If you’re planning an overseas experience, consider brushing up on possible hazards you can expect to encounter in each country – asbestos included.

Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, China, and India were once the top five asbestos exporters. In recent years, Russia, Brazil, and China have taken the lead in asbestos mining. Fortunately, Brazil announced an asbestos ban in 2017.

As of 2013, China was the world-leading asbestos consumer. They used 570,006 metric tons of it alone in that year. Russia has banned amphibole-type asbestos but supplies up to 75% of all asbestos used worldwide.

Be Careful at Top Tourist Destinations

We visit historical landmarks and famous attractions because we read about them in books and see them on TV shows. With millions of visitors to famous landmarks every year, you just assume they’re safe.

In most cases, they are. But did you know that many of the most famous landmarks in the world also contain or have contained asbestos? Let’s look at Capitol Hill as an example. The tunnels connecting Capitol Hill’s federal office buildings were all insulated with asbestos. Workers spent many years in these tunnels without adequate respiratory gear.

Kennedy Space Center is another excellent example. Many shuttle parts were known to contain asbestos, and asbestos was also used throughout the center. We also know that The Twin Towers were made with huge amounts of asbestos. Many first responders and those present at Ground Zero during the 9/11 attacks were exposed. More people have now died from exposure to asbestos and other toxins at Ground Zero than the 9/11 attacks themselves.

While the Pentagon no longer contains asbestos, it did once. Removal efforts began in the 1990s and were completed by 2011. Finally, the Statue of Liberty also wasn’t exempt from asbestos materials. The designer and builder, Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, used asbestos to insulate the statue’s skin. The goal was to stop galvanic corrosion. However, the insulation wore away long before corrosion kicked in.

Become Well Informed About Asbestos

The more we know about asbestos, the safer we can be. Whether you’re exploring New Zealand or further afield, be mindful of the environments you find yourself in. You just never know where asbestos could be lurking. Do you need more information? Contact Chemcare to learn more. We’re your local, trusted asbestos removal experts.