How Asbestos and Microplastics Could Collide in Construction Waste

How Asbestos and Microplastics Could Collide in Construction Waste

Prepared by SATOORNIK — Advancing water technology for a sustainable future.

All rights reserved. © 2025 SATOORNIK.

Author: Dr.-Ing. Mitra Nikpay

Introduction

Asbestos, once lauded for its durability and fire-resistant properties, was extensively utilized in construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries throughout the 20th century. However, its association with severe health conditions, including mesothelioma and lung cancer, led to widespread bans. The European Union prohibited all asbestos use by 2005, and in March 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a comprehensive ban on chrysotile asbestos, the last form still permitted in the country [1,2].

Despite these regulations, asbestos remains prevalent in older structures and continues to be used in countries lacking stringent enforcement, such as India and Russia [3].

The Emergence of Asbestos-Embedded Microplastics

In the mid-20th century, manufacturers often combined asbestos fibers with plastics to enhance strength and heat resistance, producing materials like vinyl floor tiles, PVC panels, and certain adhesives. Over time, these composites degrade, especially during demolition or renovation activities, leading to the release of microplastic particles that may still contain embedded asbestos fibers [4,5].

This intersection of microplastics and asbestos presents a dual exposure risk. While microplastics are known to carry environmental toxins and can induce oxidative stress when inhaled, the presence of asbestos fibers within these particles could exacerbate health hazards, potentially leading to respiratory diseases and cancers [4].

Health Implications and Preventive Measures

The inhalation of microplastics has been linked to respiratory issues, including coughing and shortness of breath. When these particles also contain asbestos fibers, the risk of developing serious conditions like mesothelioma increases. The combination of these materials in airborne dust during demolition activities poses a significant health threat to workers and nearby residents [4].

To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to:

• Conduct thorough assessments: Before demolition, buildings should be inspected for asbestos-containing materials, especially those combined with plastics.

• Implement safe removal practices: Specialized procedures should be employed to safely remove and dispose of asbestos-laden materials.

• Enhance protective measures: Workers should be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent inhalation of hazardous particles.

• Promote public awareness: Educating stakeholders about the potential risks associated with asbestos-embedded microplastics can lead to more informed decisions regarding building maintenance and demolition.

• Separation: Our SGen-I system is capable of separating microplastics, even those embedded with hazardous materials like asbestos, from polluted water and wastewater.

Conclusion

The legacy of asbestos use, combined with the proliferation of microplastics, has introduced a complex environmental and health challenge. As older structures undergo renovation or demolition, the potential release of asbestos-containing microplastics necessitates vigilant assessment and management. By acknowledging and addressing this hidden hazard, we can better protect public health and ensure safer environmental practices.

References

1. European Environment Agency. “Asbestos: Still a health hazard despite bans.”

   
   

   👉 https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/environmental-burden-of-cancer/asbestos

2. AP News. “EPA bans last form of asbestos used in US.”

   
   

   👉 https://apnews.com/article/72b0fa8b36adedaff6000034d35c2acd

3. Asbestos Surveys UK. “The History of Asbestos Use Around the World.”

   
   

   👉 https://asbestos-surveys.org.uk/asbestos/the-history-of-asbestos-use-around-the-world/

4. NIH (PMC). “Human Health Impacts of Micro- and Nanoplastics.”

   
   

   👉 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10647433/

5. Lanier Law Firm. “Asbestos-Containing Products.”

   
   

   👉 https://www.lanierlawfirm.com/mesothelioma/asbestos-exposure/products/