Environmental risk by asbestos and future challenges

Abstract

Public concern over the use of asbestos has been raised in Japan since the late 1980s. It became a significant social problem after the “Kubota Shock” occurred in 2005. “Kubota Shock” paved the way for asbestos-related health damage relief for victims by non-occupational exposure in the general environment. However, we have a negative legacy after we had consumed asbestos containing materials for building in Japan for approximately 10 to 15 years longer than European countries have. Until now, we have enormous building that use record of asbestos containing materials is not clear. Therefore, we must pay attention to building demolition and waste management in both normal and disaster period. Various regulations regarding the examining, handling, and demolition of asbestos-containing materials have been established. However, there are still many cases of illegal procedures or inadequate compliance at demolition sites. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication recommended to ensure compliance with the regulations and improve existing countermeasures for prevention of asbestos emission and exposure . This study reviews knowledge on asbestos, including its environmental risks and past regulations on asbestos in , and discusses future challenges.