Evaluation of asbestos exposure with regard to occupational health and safety in asbestos removal works

Asbestos is a naturally formed mineral with a fibrous structure that has been used in different areas for centuries due to its resistance to heat and chemicals. Known for years as the "Magical Mineral", asbestos has attracted attention as the "Poisonous Mineral" during the last century after which it was banned in the world and in our country because it causes respiratory tract diseases and cancers. Asbestos still causes environmental exposure because it is found in natural rocks in rural area sand is used in many products with the name of "amiant" known in public. Asbestos has been used frequently in our country in structures built during the second half of the 20 th century. In recent years, asbestos has again become an issue first in the Ship Recycling Sector followed by uncontrolled building demolitions with the start of urban transformation activities. The purpose of this thesis was to put forth that asbestos has been used in old buildings there by causing a significant threat for those working in building demolition and renovation works as well as individuals living in these buildings in addition to putting forth suggestions for safe ways of carrying out the demolition and removal works in structures containing asbestos. For this purpose, samples obtained from various demolition zones were examined via different methods and risk assessment was carried out for asbestos removal works. These analyses proved that individuals who worked in demolition and removal works of old buildings as well as those living there are subject to asbestos. A material assessment algorithm was generated for four different materials included in the thesis study and risk assessments were made for each asbestos containing materials. The necessary precautions were determined. It was examined how asbestos works are carried out for ship demolition at the Aliağa Ship Recycling Facilities. The controlled and inspected asbestos removal works carried out at this facility were included in the study as an example. Urban transformation involves great risks with regard to asbestos exposure for both those working in demolition and removal works as well as those living around the environment. It was aimed in this study to investigate occupational safety methods for the prevention of asbestos exposure in asbestos removal works in addition to increasing "Asbestos Exposure Awareness". The importance of the following issues are included in the results and suggestions section; • Evaluation of asbestos exposure during asbestos removal works, • Carrying out an "Asbestos Inventory" study for the public buildings – university, hospital, school, etc. – in large cities including İzmir after 1970, • Taking the necessary precautions for asbestos exposure in these buildings during demolition and renovation works. It has also been stated in this study that local administrations should carry out studies in order to eliminate asbestos exposure in large cities due to urban transformation. Keywords : Asbestos, asbestos removal works, asbestos exposure, asbestos in urban transformation