Overview
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with excellent properties such as fire resistance, heat resistance, and sound insulation. Due to its low cost and ease of processing, it has been widely used in building materials. However, inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause health problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Although manufacturing, use, and other handling of asbestos are currently prohibited in Japan, much of the asbestos used in the past remains in existing buildings and other structures.
For demolition and renovation work involving buildings containing asbestos, measures to prevent dispersion and exposure have been required under regulations such as the Air Pollution Control Act and the Industrial Safety and Health Act since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. In addition to strengthening regulations through legal revisions due to growing social concern, risk communication with surrounding residents during demolition work and measures to prevent asbestos dispersion during disasters have become increasingly important.
In addition to asbestos investigation and analysis services, we provide policy development support, including operation of review committees established by relevant government ministries for system revisions, preparation of manuals for businesses and local governments, and organization of briefings and training sessions.
Features
Extensive Experience and Achievements
Asbestos regulations are implemented based on laws and regulations such as the Air Pollution Control Act and the Industrial Safety and Health Act (Ordinance on Prevention of Health Impairment Due to Asbestos). Utilizing our extensive experience in asbestos investigation, analysis, and countermeasures, we support the operation of review committees established by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for the revision of these regulations, as well as data collection and other related activities.
During disasters, asbestos may become exposed due to damage to buildings, creating risks of dispersion and exposure. Improper handling during waste disposal may also result in asbestos dispersion and exposure. To properly implement measures to prevent asbestos dispersion during disasters, it is important to identify asbestos usage during normal times, communicate necessary information, and establish plans in advance regarding the stockpiling of required equipment and the allocation of responsibilities.
Through contracted projects for the Ministry of the Environment, we have collected and compiled information necessary for revising disaster response manuals as a secretariat, supported the operation of regional mutual assistance frameworks among local governments, and assisted local governments in preparing disaster response manuals.
Case Studies and Achievements
Ministry of the Environment
● Project for holding meetings and related activities to develop more effective asbestos dispersion prevention measures during demolition of buildings and other structures (FY2020)
● Technical investigation and review project for asbestos dispersion prevention measures (FY2019)
● Investigation and review project on asbestos countermeasures related to disaster waste treatment in the Kanto region (FY2019)
● Project for developing a model action plan for local governments regarding asbestos countermeasures in disaster waste treatment in the Kanto region (FY2018)
● Investigation and review project on asbestos dispersion prevention measures (FY2017)
● Investigation project on appropriate risk communication approaches regarding asbestos dispersion prevention (FY2016), and many others
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
● Project for verification of asbestos dispersion and exposure prevention measures during removal work of asbestos-containing building materials (FY2019)
● Public awareness project regarding measures to prevent asbestos leakage during building demolition work (FY2015)
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
● Investigation on environmental improvements for surveys of asbestos conditions in private buildings (FY2017–FY2019)
