Reconstructing a region devastated by armed conflict is a complex challenge, not only in terms of restoring essential infrastructure and services, but also in terms of guaranteeing the safety and health of the workers charged with this arduous task.
Asbestos is often contained in building standing structures and can become a serious long-term (health) hazard when buildings are (partially) destroyed through use of weapons or natural disasters. It’s paramount that any works worker and manager operating in such contexts (e.g., for recovery and rehabilitation activities) is aware of the risks posed by the potential presence of asbestos.
Asbestos has been used in thousands of construction products, including insulation materials, floor coverings, roofing and ventilation ducts. Although its dangers are now well known, millions of buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1980s still contain asbestos. When these buildings are damaged, as is the case after an armed conflict, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and inhaled by reconstruction workers. Exposure to these fibres can cause serious illnesses, such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, sometimes decades after exposure.
In war zones, such as Gaza, this threat is even more acute. In addition to existing building materials, the debris left behind by bombing, destruction and demolition of buildings can contain asbestos, posing a true danger to reconstruction workers.
What is asbestos?
There are two types of asbestos:
- friable asbestos material when dry it can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder in the hand.
- non-friable asbestos material when dry it cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure. It is mixed with cement or other bonding materials and is also known as bonded asbestos.
Non-friable asbestos can become friable asbestos, if the asbestos is damaged or old.
If asbestos containing material is in good condition it poses little health risk. However, when asbestos containing products are disturbed by cutting, drilling, water blasting or similar activities, small fibres may be released into the air. These fibres are harmful if inhaled and may lead to asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma. Asbestos related diseases are preventable by following safe practices when working with asbestos.
Pipe containing asbestos insulation
Bild der Rohrleitung, die Asbestos-Isolierung enthält Stockfoto 2200176187 | Shutterstock
Roof covering material with asbestos fibres Detaillierte Fotografie von Dachdeckungsmaterial mit Asbestfasern. Stockfoto 1054414061 | Shutterstock
The case of Gaza: A high-risk reconstruction site
The Gaza Strip, after several waves of conflict, is a typical example of the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction. The already fragile infrastructure was completely devastated by the recent conflict, leaving behind thousands of damaged buildings and roads and public services out of order. In such a war context, priority is often given to rapid reconstruction, without sufficient consideration for health risks, particularly for the presence of asbestos-containing materials in the debris.
Reconstruction workers, many of whom are untrained and unequipped to handle hazardous materials, are thus exposed to an increased risk of inhaling asbestos fibres. The lack of resources and health infrastructure in the region further exacerbates this situation, as it becomes difficult to put effective protective measures in place.
Risks for workers: silent exposure
Reconstruction workers, particularly those involved in the demolition or renovation of damaged buildings, are the most vulnerable to asbestos exposure. This exposure often occurs without the workers being aware of the danger. Unlike other immediate risks, such as physical injury or occupational accidents, the effects of asbestos are not visible in the short term. Asbestos-related diseases can take several years or even decades to develop, making them difficult to identify and prevent.
The haste of reconstruction efforts often leads to a lack of preparation and adequate equipment. In an emergency, workers handle construction materials without sufficient protection, exposing their lungs to thousands of invisible fibres. In contexts such as Gaza, where health and safety controls are limited, this situation can lead to tragic long-term consequences.
Local governments and NGOs on the ground must therefore be particularly vigilant so as not to neglect this danger.
Possible solutions: Prevention is better than cure
To avoid the long-term health risks associated with asbestos, it is crucial to put adequate protective measures in place, even in a chaotic environment such as a war zone or a reconstruction zone. Here are some ways to protect workers from this forgotten risk:
- Prior identification of asbestos-containing materials: Before starting any demolition or renovation work, it is essential to carry out a diagnosis to identify asbestos-containing materials. This requires technical expertise that local authorities, in collaboration with international experts, must put in place.
- Training and awareness-raising for workers: Training workers in asbestos risk management is a fundamental step. Training should include instructions on how to handle asbestos-containing materials, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and how to safely dispose of debris.
- Personal protective equipment -PPE: Appropriate PPE and operating procedures are needed when dealing with potential asbestos exposure, which include coverall, gloves, footwear, eyewear and respiratory protective equipment:
- Avoid skin contact with Asbestos. Wear personal protective equipment made from material which cannot be permeated or degraded by this substance.
- Wear eye protection, ideally with side shields or goggles.
- Disposable respirators type FFP3 (EN 149) are the minimum in term of requirements to ensure a proper protection. In some cases, a full respirator mask equipped with a P3 canister is needed. In any cases, a dust mask is useless. Example of appropriate gas mask: OC50® CBRN Mask – Ouvry – CBRN Protective Systems
- All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Most countries have their own legislation with minimum requirements on procedures and PPE for handling asbestos. In the Gaza case, we are far behind such regulations.
4. Long-term health monitoring: Regular medical examinations must be put in place to detect early signs of asbestos-related diseases. In areas where health infrastructure is limited, partnerships with international health organisations can help provide screening services.
5. International support: Support from the international community, in the form of funding and technical expertise, is crucial to strengthening occupational safety management and ensuring safe reconstruction conditions.
Conclusion
In post-conflict reconstruction zones such as Gaza, reconstruction workers are exposed to considerable risks, and asbestos remains one of the most serious, yet often neglected, dangers. The urgency of reconstruction, combined with limited resources and a lack of safety infrastructure, means that the management of this risk is often ignored. However, it is imperative that prevention, equipment and training measures be put in place to protect the health of workers and ensure reconstruction that is both rapid and sustainable. To this end, enhanced cooperation between local authorities, international organisations and NGOs is essential to protect workers from the invisible dangers of asbestos.