Problems associated with removal of asbestos

Asbestos has been a very useful construction material, and because of this has had widespread use. However, it can be harmful if not handled correctly or removed in a safe manner. The health hazards associated with asbestos exposure have been known since the early 1900s, however, it has only been within the past 10 yrs that serious consideration has been given to the removal of asbestos from buildings. Asbestos removal has been fraught with numerous problems. Some of these include the high cost of removal, changing and nonspecific regulations, various agencies claiming jurisdiction over the substance, lack of information about the seriousness of asbestos-related diseases, and insurance-liability considerations. This paper outlines some of the problems associated with asbestos removal and provides recommendations to ameliorate the situation.