What are the health risks of asbestos exposure?
The World Health Organization classifies all forms of asbestos as carcinogenic to humans. Inhaled fibres can cause mesothelioma, cancers of the lung, larynx and ovary, and asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs. WHO estimates more than 200,000 deaths a year worldwide from occupational exposure. Singapore's WSH Council guidelines give a latency of 15 to 50 years for mesothelioma and note that low, intermittent exposure can be enough, which is why prevention during renovation matters.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Asbestos in Renovation and Strip-Out in Singapore: Surveys, Approved Removal and Owner Duties. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
In Singapore, building works on a building whose completion certificate or TOP was issued before 1 January 1991 must not start until a competent person has surveyed for asbestos. Any asbestos found may only be removed by an MOM-approved asbestos-removal contractor, which must notify MOM at least 7 days ahead. The occupier must ensure no one else removes it, and the waste goes by licensed collector to Semakau Landfill.
More questions on this topic
- Does my building contain asbestos?
- Do I need an asbestos survey before renovating?
- Can my renovation contractor remove asbestos ceiling boards?
- How much notice does MOM need before asbestos removal?
- Is asbestos dangerous if I leave it alone?
- What happens to the asbestos waste?
- Who is responsible: the owner or the contractor?
- What should I do if suspected asbestos is found halfway through the works?