By Dr. Kostiantyn Chernenko, David Hodgkin, and Giulia Jole Sechi, with the supervision of Dr. Kit Miyamoto and Dr. Ken Takahashi.  

The Unseen Aftermath of War 

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has devastated urban areas, forcing millions to flee their homes. While the immediate impact of the war is evident, a secondary environmental disaster looms on the horizon: widespread asbestos contamination. This long-term health hazard poses significant risks to residents and future reconstruction efforts. 

As Ukraine grapples with the pressing needs of war, it is crucial to address the asbestos threat now to prevent a future public health crisis. The destruction of buildings has released millions of tons of asbestos-contaminated rubble, creating an unprecedented environmental challenge. 

Ukraine’s Fibrous History of Asbestos  

Ukraine’s extensive use of asbestos, a legacy of its Soviet past, has left a prevalent mark on its built environment. As a major consumer of Russian asbestos, Ukraine struggled to ban the material due to complex geopolitical relationships. As constructions continued with an alarming use of asbestos, local communities were unaware of the mortal health risks related to asbestos. The turning point came in 2017 when Ukraine finally banned asbestos, but its legacy persists, with an estimated 60% of roofs still containing asbestos-reinforced slate. 

Recent regulatory changes have further altered the landscape. On October 1st, 2023, the Law of Ukraine “On the Public Health System” came into force, prohibiting the use of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Additionally, changes to waste management laws now classify ACM waste as hazardous, requiring special licenses for handling. 

A Tale of Two Crises  

Ukraine’s war-torn landscape mirrors Turkey’s post-earthquake devastation in terms of asbestos risks. Both nations grapple with widespread ACM release, hasty debris removal, and low public awareness, threatening long-term health. Yet Ukraine faces the added challenge of ongoing conflict, complicating cleanup efforts and risking repeated asbestos exposure. 

Miyamoto Develops Guidelines for Dealing with Asbestos 

Recognizing the urgent need for practical solutions, we have developed two guidelines:  

1.  Pragmatic Guidance for Emergency Repairs of Structures That May Contain Asbestos in Ukraine
2. Guidelines for the Controlled Demolition of Asbestos-Containing Structures in War-Damages Ukraine

Informed by extensive research, strategic collaborations, and our experience with asbestos removal, these guidelines address legislative gaps and provide best practices for personal protective equipment (PPE) and workflows when dealing with friable and non-friable asbestos. We have initiated training programs for contractors and are working to implement basic guidelines in universities to raise awareness.  

Asbestos Investigation 

To provide concrete evidence of the asbestos threat, we conducted a study in an active conflict zone. Ten samples were collected from various locations, including school basements used as shelters and residential buildings in Kharkiv. These samples were analyzed by JEOL laboratories in Japan, thanks to the collaboration of Dr. Ken Takahashi. 

The results confirmed the presence of asbestos in all samples, ranging from 1.5% to 7.5% of total weight. This objective evidence underscores the pervasive nature of the asbestos hazard in Ukraine’s built environment and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive management strategies. 

Building Back Safer

Asbestos-Aware Reconstruction 

As Ukraine looks towards eventual reconstruction, it is crucial to integrate asbestos management into the planning process. This includes: 

1. Developing protocols for safe demolition and debris removal 
2. Establishing secure disposal sites for ACM 
3. Training and equipping workers with proper PPE and decontamination facilities 
4. Implementing air monitoring systems in reconstruction zones

Asbestos Awareness Campaigns 

To address the lack of public knowledge about asbestos risks, we propose the following awareness initiatives: 

1. Public education programs through media channels and community meetings 
2. School-based education on identifying and avoiding ACM 
3. Training sessions for local government officials and community leaders 
4. Distribution of informational materials in high-risk areas 

Engaging All Hands  

Addressing the asbestos challenge requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders: 

1. Government agencies: To enforce regulations and allocate resources 
2. NGOs: To provide expertise and support community-based initiatives 
3. International organizations: To offer technical assistance and funding 
4. Local communities: To participate in awareness programs and report potential hazards 

International Support in the Asbestos Battle  

The international community can play a crucial role in supporting Ukraine’s efforts to manage asbestos risks: 

1. Providing technical expertise for large-scale asbestos remediation 
2. Offering financial assistance for equipment and training programs 
3. Sharing best practices from other post-disaster asbestos management scenarios 
4. Supporting research initiatives to develop innovative asbestos containment and disposal methods 

Breathing Easier in a Safer Ukraine 

The asbestos contamination resulting from the conflict in Ukraine presents a significant long-term health risk that must be addressed alongside immediate reconstruction needs. By implementing comprehensive asbestos management strategies, raising awareness, and engaging diverse stakeholders, Ukraine can mitigate this hidden hazard and ensure a safer future for its citizens. The international community’s support will be crucial in this endeavor, helping Ukraine to not just rebuild but to “build back safer” in the face of this environmental challenge.