Investigation of the Condition of Asbestos in Large-Scale Buildings in Kitakyushu

Abstract

Recently, asbestos-related diseases have become serious all over the world. We investigated the condition of asbestos in large-scale buildings. The survey was performed in 2006 in Kitakyushu with self-administered questionnaires which were sent to managers of 250 buildings. We received 150 answers. Eighteen buildings out of 150 used chrysotile or crocidolite, and 6 buildings out of 18 took measures to deal with the situation. The number of buildings where asbestos was used increases with the age of the buildings. The older the buildings are, the more buildings used asbestos, probably reflecting the extent of legal regulations and recognition of the harmfulness of asbestos. Twenty-one buildings out of 150 gave education on asbestos, 9 buildings out of 21 buildings used asbestos, and half the buildings didn't give education on asbestos. These results suggest that the measures against and education on asbestos are insufficient in largescale buildings.