Research Article
Challenges in Managing Asbestos-Containing Disaster and Conflict-Related Debris: From Emergency Response to Medium- and Long-Term Life-Cycle Management
Mitsuo Yoshida*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, December 2026
Pages:
298-311
Received:
24 August 2026
Accepted:
4 October 2026
Published:
10 November 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jccee.20261106.11
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Abstract: When buildings are damaged or destroyed by earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, or armed conflict, asbestos-containing materials embedded in the built environment may be fragmented and mixed with concrete, bricks, soil, and other disaster or conflict-related debris, which is potential health and environmental risks. During emergencies, lifesaving operations, road clearance, and infrastructure restoration take priority; consequently, pre-demolition surveys, selective removal, containment, and monitoring procedures normally required under peacetime conditions may not be fully implemented. This paper compares experiences from major earthquakes in Japan with conflict-related debris management in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip and examines the technical, institutional, public-health, and social challenges of asbestos management in light of recent literature. The findings indicate that asbestos control should not be limited to immediate dust suppression. It should be established as a comprehensive life-cycle management system integrating building-stock information, field screening, Asbestos Management Plans, procurement and contractual control, segregation, interim storage, transport, treatment, final disposal, recycled-material quality assurance, exposure registries, health surveillance, compensation, and support for affected families. Importance should be given to establishing a hazardous-material gate before recycling, ensuring traceability from the point of generation to final disposal, strengthening preparedness through a National Asbestos Profile, and developing capacities at the individual, organizational, institutional, and societal levels.
Abstract: When buildings are damaged or destroyed by earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, or armed conflict, asbestos-containing materials embedded in the built environment may be fragmented and mixed with concrete, bricks, soil, and other disaster or conflict-related debris, which is potential health and environmental risks. During emergencies, lifesaving operati...
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