Asbestos, despite being banned in multiple countries, continues to pose a threat to public health due to its presence in schools, homes, and water distribution systems. Numerous institutions and local authorities Programs and projects have been launched to gradually remove this material, recognizing its long-term negative effects on health. However, the elimination of infrastructure containing asbestos is progressing at varying speeds and faces both technical and administrative obstacles.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral used for years in construction and manufacturing due to its resistance to fire and chemical agents. Its use has been linked to a wide variety of products and structures, from water pipes, roofing, tiles, insulation, and cement, to vehicle components and even textiles. Currently, the risks of exposure—primarily serious lung diseases and various types of cancer such as mesothelioma—have forced numerous governments to establish regulations for their prohibition and removal.
Recent policies and actions against asbestos in public spaces
In cities like BucaramangaIn Colombia, municipal authorities are working on specific projects to identify and replace asbestos in public infrastructure. It is estimated that nearly half of the city's schools still contain this hazardous material, exposing thousands of children and adolescents daily. The local council is currently discussing an agreement that aims to create a public registry of affected buildings, establish safe removal protocols and prioritize replacement in educational institutionsThis initiative arose from the recognition that, although Law 1968 has prohibited the use of asbestos in Colombia since 2019, its actual eradication is progressing slowly, and enforcement is still limited.
The risks don't just affect students; workers in the construction, manufacturing, and automotive sectors, as well as homemakers and people working in informal jobs, have all experienced illnesses associated with asbestos exposure. Recent studies show that the Mesothelioma, a cancer directly linked to the inhalation of asbestos fibers, continues to cause more than 1.500 deaths in the country in the last two decades.Experts emphasize the importance of designing comprehensive plans that address safe replacement, training, and medical follow-up for exposed individuals.
The problems in social housing and vulnerable neighborhoods This is no small issue. In Los Angeles, Chile, more than fifty families affected by state subsidies and poorly built housing have been living with asbestos roofs, leaks, and moisture problems for years, waiting for a definitive solution. Repair projects have been marked by delays, administrative failures, budget cuts, and inadequate management of contaminated waste. Residents' testimony reveals the lack of oversight during removal: in some cases, workers have handled asbestos roofs without basic protective equipment, thus increasing the risk to the entire community, especially the elderly.
Asbestos in water distribution systems and sanitary networks
Underground infrastructure is not exempt from this material either. Replacing asbestos-cement pipes with safer materials is a priority in several Latin American cities. For example, in Matica Centro and the town of Cinco Saltos, work has been carried out to replace damaged sections of wastewater and sewage pipes where, after decades of use, asbestos has shown signs of deterioration, causing leaks and additional health risks for residents.
In El Salvador, the modernization of the drinking water system has included replacing kilometers of asbestos pipes over 40 years old with high-density polyethylene. This improves service quality and reduces exposure to dangerous fibers, directly benefiting more than a million residents. The investment in these projects is significant, but the priority is to build a more resilient and healthy network in the long term.
Challenges and greater control and information
Although regulations exist, The management of the safe removal and final disposal of asbestos poses significant challenges. In many cases, the lack of complete inventories, the slowness of implementing plans, and the lack of transparency in information provided to the community make it difficult to definitively complete this phase. As long as asbestos is present in homes, schools, and public facilities, the health risk persists and can extend for decades.
Affected communities are demanding that local governments expedite the identification and removal of this material., with strict protocols that protect both those carrying out the works and those residing in the buildings being remediated. Coordination between authorities, the health sector, and workers is key to moving toward truly safe and asbestos-free urban environments.
Progress in infrastructure replacement and strengthened regulation is allowing many countries to begin addressing the problem more comprehensively. The persistence of asbestos in the built environment, however, demands sustained efforts and the active participation of all of society to prevent new cases of disease and ensure healthy spaces for future generations.