Investigation of asbestos exposure in terms of urban transformation in terms of occupational health and safety

Due to being located in an earthquake-prone zone, the demolition and renewal of buildings that have become risky structures after completing their lifespan are necessary in our country. The demolition of risky buildings is regulated by the Disaster Risky Buildings Renewal Law numbered 6306. The prohibition of asbestos use in buildings in our country was achieved through the regulation titled "Regulation on Restriction of Production, Placing on the Market, and Use of Certain Hazardous Substances, Preparations, and Articles" issued in 2010. It is inevitable for asbestos to create environmental exposure during the demolition of buildings constructed before this date. The aim of this study is to determine the necessary measures to prevent asbestos hazards and ensure occupational health and safety during the demolition and renewal of buildings that have become risky structures according to the Urban Transformation Law. The asbestos analysis results of 25,396 samples taken from a total of 16,597 buildings undergoing urban transformation, primarily in Istanbul and many other cities in our country, were examined in the study. The aim was to minimize asbestos exposure by explaining the importance of occupational health and safety precautions during the demolition, dismantling, and renovation processes in buildings where asbestos was found. The study provides information about the potential adverse effects of asbestos and how to protect human health from asbestos. Specifically, the precautions to be taken for occupational health and safety against the hazards of asbestos during processes such as urban transformation and renovation, which involve demolition and dismantling, have been specified.