Comparison of the effects of use, protection, improper renovation and removal of asbestos products on the example of typical old office buildings

Abstract The study focused on old building types “LIPSK” and “BERLIN”, used since the 1960s in East Europe. The different operations of buildings were analysed: protection and maintenance of asbestos products, asbestos removal and inadvertent accidental damage to asbestos as a result of building renovation. Measurements of respirable asbestos fibres were carried out using the PCOM + PLM method and SEM-EDS. In the case of the accidental destruction of products, initial contamination was ≈ 7,000 f/m3. After some weeks of extreme ventilation, contamination decreased to about 500 f/m3. At the same time, in normally used that rooms, the pollution was above 4,000 f/m3. The average increase in pollution in a dozen or so similar buildings after asbestos removal in places beyond the work zones ranged from ≈ 1,700–2,700 f/m3 and lasted for one or two years. Old buildings, not renovated and in good condition, similar as protected by ACM products, maintained contamination at < 300 f/m3 for more than 10–20 last years. Due to the easy release of asbestos that occurs with any mechanical ACM destruction, there is an increased risk of occupant exposure in all areas of the building immediately following any renovation. Their implementation may be controversial.