The Executive Yuan has approved a NT$780 million (US$25.98 million) budget to aid the efforts of local governments to dispose of 15,000 tonnes of asbestos following Typhoon Danas, the Ministry of Environment said on Thursday.
Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) said that about 15,000 tonnes of 53,000 tonnes of asbestos roofing sheets nationwide were damaged after the storm hit Taiwan early last month.
About 240,000 buildings nationwide have asbestos in their roofs, ministry data showed.
Photo: Taipei Times
Asbestos, an insulation material that is fire and wear-resistant, was used in roofing materials in Taiwan in the 1970s and 1980s, but it was banned after studies showed that inhaled asbestos fibers are harmful.
Chemicals Administration Director-General Hsieh Yein-rui (謝燕儒) said that the risks of exposure to asbestos are divided into five levels.
The risk is relatively low for buildings that use asbestos when the roof is intact, but it rises when the buildings are renovated or demolished, Hsieh said.
People who work around asbestos must wear an N95 mask and gloves, and use canvas or plastic bags to completely wrap the debris, he said, adding that local environmental protection bureaus can help if there is a large amount of material.
People should stay 10m away from broken asbestos roofing sheets and refrain from lingering near it, Hsieh said.
The principle of dealing with asbestos waste is “no exposure, no breakup, no leakage,” Hsieh said.
Hsieh also called on the public not to remove asbestos tiles from roofs by themselves, adding that professional demolition companies are recommended to ensure safety and health.
Resource Circulation Administration Director-General Lai Ying-ying (賴瑩瑩) said that the Executive Yuan has approved a NT$780 million budget proposed by local governments for post-typhoon asbestos disposal.
The 15,000 tonnes of asbestos waste was concentrated in southern Taiwan, with nearly 60 percent in Tainan and about 35 percent in Chiayi County, Chen said.
Local governments have reported about 6,000 sites to the ministry, but bad weather in southern Taiwan might affect the disposal process, he added.
Additional reporting by CNA
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