Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have been widely used in various industries due to their heat-resistant and insulating properties. In New Zealand, asbestos was commonly used in building materials, especially between the 1940s and the 1980s. However, the material’s durability and fire resistance, which once made it so appealing, also contribute to its environmental and health hazards. Asbestos fibers, once airborne, pose significant risks to both human health and the environment.

Asbestos in New Zealand

New Zealand’s history with asbestos is a tale of industrial progress shadowed by environmental consequences. Asbestos was imported into the country in large quantities, with its peak usage occurring from the 1950s to the 1970s. It was used in construction materials like roofing, insulation, and cement products. At the time, the dangers of asbestos exposure were not widely recognised, and its use was considered a modern solution to building challenges.

Environmental Impact of Asbestos

The environmental impact of asbestos is multifaceted, affecting air, water, and soil. The release of asbestos fibers into the environment can occur through various activities, including building demolition, natural disasters, improper disposal, and even regular wear and tear of ACMs in older structures.

Air Quality Degradation

Airborne asbestos fibers pose one of the most significant environmental hazards. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during demolition or renovation, tiny fibers can become airborne and remain suspended for long periods. These fibers are invisible to the naked eye and can travel significant distances, making them difficult to contain. Once inhaled, they lodge into the lungs, causing long-term health issues.

The environmental persistence of airborne asbestos fibers is a major concern, especially in urban areas with older buildings. Even in rural areas, natural processes like erosion can release asbestos fibers from contaminated soils into the air. The widespread distribution of airborne fibers means that asbestos contamination is not just a localised issue but a broader environmental problem.

Soil contamination

Soil contamination with asbestos is another significant environmental issue. Asbestos fibers can enter the soil through the degradation of ACMs, improper disposal of asbestos waste, or contamination from construction and demolition activities. Once in the soil, asbestos fibers can be difficult to remove, and they pose a risk to both human health and the environment.

Contaminated soil can lead to secondary exposure risks. For instance, during construction or landscaping activities, asbestos fibers in the soil can become airborne, leading to inhalation by workers or nearby residents. Additionally, asbestos-contaminated soil can affect plant growth, potentially disrupting local ecosystems.

Water pollution

Asbestos fibers can also find their way into water bodies, contributing to water pollution. This can occur through the erosion of asbestos-containing rocks, the improper disposal of asbestos waste, or runoff from contaminated sites. Once in the water, asbestos fibers can be ingested by aquatic organisms, leading to bioaccumulation and potential harm to aquatic ecosystems.

Contaminated water sources pose a risk to human health as well, particularly if the water is used for drinking, irrigation, or recreational purposes. Although asbestos fibres are not highly soluble in water, they can remain suspended, posing a long-term contamination risk.

Human health and environmental interactions

The environmental presence of asbestos not only poses direct risks to ecosystems but also creates pathways for human exposure. Asbestos fibers can move between environmental media (air, water, soil), creating a complex web of contamination that is challenging to manage.

For example, when asbestos-contaminated soil is disturbed, fibers can become airborne, leading to inhalation risks. Similarly, water contaminated with asbestos fibers can be used for irrigation, potentially leading to the contamination of crops and soil. These interactions highlight the need for comprehensive asbestos management strategies that consider all environmental media.

Regulation and Management of Asbestos in New Zealand

In response to the environmental and health risks posed by asbestos, New Zealand has implemented a range of regulations to manage its use, removal, and disposal. The Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 provide a framework for the safe handling and removal of asbestos, including licensing requirements for asbestos removalists and guidelines for managing asbestos in the workplace.

Despite these regulations, the legacy of asbestos use in New Zealand means that asbestos contamination remains a significant environmental challenge. Many older buildings still contain ACMs, and the risk of accidental exposure during renovation or demolition activities is ever-present. Additionally, illegal dumping of asbestos waste continues to pose a risk to the environment and public health.

Asbestos Removal in New Zealand

As New Zealand deals with the ongoing challenges of asbestos, it’s more important than ever to stay committed to safe asbestos management. By taking action now, we can create a safer, healthier environment for the future. Chemcare is here to help, our team is dedicated to safely removing and disposing of asbestos, ensuring our communities and environment are protected. Let’s work together to make a difference.