• Last updated:2021-10-18

Asbestos is used very widely. Fire retardant asbestos boards used in buildings, 
calcium silicate boards and brake pads used in cars all contain asbestos to improve 
the fire retardant effect and to sustain the sudden high temperature caused by car 
brakes to allow the normal function of brake pads. However, medical research has 
proved that after being exposed to asbestos polluted environments for a long period of 
time, illnesses such as asbestosis, plural plaques, pleural calcifications, lung 
cancer and mesothelioma can be caused. The asbestos substance enters the human body by 
the respiratory system; and the incubation period can be as long as forty years. In 
order to prevent the danger of asbestos, our country already has the necessary laws 
passed. Ministry of Labor urge employers to fulfill proper management of safety and 
health to protect the workers’ health. 

According to our laws, the density of asbestos substance in the work place should not 
exceed one fiber per cubic centimetre of air. As for improving the quality of 
operation, asbestos should be replaced with less dangerous materials, such as glass 
fiber, where possible. Moreover, the work place in which asbestos is used should 
remain moist to keep down the dust. The production equipments should also be contained 
or partially filtered to collect the waste and expel the air after cleaning. Also 
according to the regulation of environmental inspection in the work place, the density 
of airborne asbestos in the work place should be tested at least once every six months 
or when the work conditions are altered. 

As for the management of operation and health, employers should give employees, who 
will undertake tasks involving asbestos, six hours of training on safety and health 
upon employment. Consuming food or drink and smoking should also be prohibited in the 
work place with asbestos. Containers containing asbestos should also be clearly 
labelled. An information booklet on substance safety should also be provided for the 
workers. When entering the work place containing asbestos, workers should wear 
necessary protection garments. Overalls, hats and shoes should not be taken home. The 
workers should also wash and clean themselves thoroughly after work. The asbestos work 
places should also carry out specific heath checks for workers to ensure the good 
health or their workers. 

It has been reported that there have been several cases in Japan in which workers at 
the asbestos factories and residents who lived near the factories died due to 
illnesses such as lung mesothelioma and lung cancer. The Japanese government have 
carried out necessary policies and procedures to respond to the emergency; and all 
local governments have also been called for action. Because many departments are 
responsible, Ministry of Labor have gathered representatives from relevant 
departments, professionals and scholars to attend the Japanese Asbestos Pollution 
Conference and share the experiences with all organizations. This will hopefully 
enable all responsible departments and organizations to take appropriate actions to 
prevent the damage to the environment and workers due to poor management of asbestos.

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• Publication Date:2006-01-09
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