Asbestos in Middle Eastern Schools: Essential Safety Guidelines, Risks, and Community Action for a Safer Learning Environment

November 13, 2024 Simon Pickup

Hidden Danger - Asbestos in Schools - Photo by Elizabeth Lizzie

Asbestos has long been a hidden hazard in schools across the Middle East, with its use originally intended to enhance fire safety and insulation. However, asbestos poses serious health risks, especially to children whose developing respiratory systems are more vulnerable. Although banned in the UAE since 2006, asbestos still lingers in many older school buildings, from ceiling tiles to insulation and roofing materials. Schools, staff, and parents each play a vital role in ensuring a safe learning environment. By staying informed, asking questions, and supporting proactive asbestos management, together we can reduce the risk of asbestos exposure and prioritize the health and safety of our students, teachers, and community.

Comprehensive Guide to Asbestos Management in Saudi Arabia: Risks, Regulations, and Best Practices

July 24, 2024 Simon Pickup

Old Building - Saudi Arabia - Photo by Yasser Mutwakil ياسر متوكل on Unsplash

The discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia in 1938 initiated a construction boom that extensively utilized asbestos, now recognized for its severe health risks. Although banned in 1998, asbestos remains a significant concern, particularly in older buildings and during demolition activities. Effective asbestos management in Saudi Arabia necessitates mandatory surveys, comprehensive management plans, and stringent enforcement of regulations. Public awareness campaigns and professional training are crucial to mitigating asbestos risks and ensuring safety. This guide explores the current challenges and best practices for asbestos management in the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to protect public health and the environment.

The Hidden Dangers of Asbestos Cement Pipes in the Middle East: What You Need to Know

July 15, 2024 Simon Pickup

Asbestos cement pipes, common in older Middle Eastern infrastructure, pose significant health risks as they degrade, potentially releasing harmful fibers that can cause serious diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Factors such as extreme heat, rapid urbanization, and improper handling exacerbate this risk

UAE's Robust Fight Against Cancer: Asbestos Management Takes Center Stage

April 25, 2024 Simon Pickup

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Discover how the UAE is combating cancer with a focus on asbestos management. Learn about the nation's innovative cancer screening programs, the ongoing challenges posed by asbestos in construction, and the vital role of asbestos management consultancies. Join the UAE's effort to enhance public health and safety standards, reducing cancer risks and protecting future

Understanding and Managing Asbestos Risks in War Zones: A Comprehensive Guide

December 18, 2023 Simon Pickup

Asbestos Materials in War Zones - Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash

Asbestos, widely used in building materials for its durability, becomes a significant health hazard in war zones like Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Palestine, where its fibers are released from damaged buildings. The Middle East, with a history of importing asbestos and operating factories, such as the one in Lebanon, is especially at risk. Our company, specializing in asbestos surveying and removal across the Middle East, including the UAE, focuses on mitigating these risks in high-risk areas. In war zones, civilians, military personnel, and aid workers face heightened exposure to asbestos, leading to severe health issues like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Our comprehensive approach includes rigorous safety protocols, advanced containment, and filtration systems, and adherence to international standards, ensuring effective management of asbestos-related risks in these challenging environments.

Navigating Asbestos Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide for Importing Vehicles

November 15, 2023 Simon Pickup

Could there be Asbestos in your vehicle? Photo by Garett Mizunaka on Unsplash

This comprehensive blog delves into the intricate challenges associated with the use of asbestos in vehicles and the stringent regulations governing its importation into territories, with a particular focus on Australia. The blog underscores the importance of meticulous documentation by importers, necessitating accurate information on the vehicle's construction materials and declarations of asbestos presence or absence.

Safe and Sustainable Decommissioning: Managing Hazardous Materials in the Oil and Gas Industry, with a Focus on Asbestos

September 12, 2023 Simon Pickup

Oil and Gas platforms are known to contain a number of hazardous materials. Photo by Gabriel Xavier on Unsplash

Discover the challenges of decommissioning oil and gas assets, driven by changing industry dynamics and environmental goals. Learn how to manage hazardous materials, including asbestos, during the decommissioning process, prioritizing safety and environmental protection. Early assessments, specialized removal contractors, and meticulous planning are key. Navigate the unique challenges of offshore decommissioning while ensuring a safe and sustainable future for the industry

Everything You Need to Know About Asbestos in Power Stations: Identification, Health Risks, Removal and Regulations

April 17, 2023 Simon Pickup

Asbestos insulation found around boilers and calorifiers in a Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP)

Anthesis Team members have been working in the power and water sector in the Middle East, Africa, the Balkans and Central Asia for the past 15 years, surveying for, and removing Asbestos and other hazardous materials. Asbestos, due to its durability and resistance to heat and chemicals, is a prime material for use in a power station and as a result can pose a significant hazard to human health, especially during rehabilitation.

Back to Basics - What is Asbestos and How is it Identified?

December 19, 2022 Simon Pickup

Asbestos in a derelict building - Photo by Alwan Ibrahim on Unsplash

A blog looking at what Asbestos is, how it is identified and what types of Asbestos surveys are best suited to identify Asbestos in your building.

Could the UAE Become the First Asbestos-Free Country in the World?

July 26, 2022 Simon Pickup

Is an Asbestos-Free UAE possible? Photo by ZQ Lee on Unsplash

With a strong commitment from the government could the United Arab Emirates (UAE) become the first country in the world to eradicate the deadly material and declare its territory as Asbestos free? In this blog article we explore if this is possible and how it could be achieved.

Asbestos in South East Asia

November 29, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos removal operatives, Jakarta, Indonesia

A blog discussing the Asbestos situation within various South East Asian countries. The article focuses on continued Asbestos use, importation, manufacturing and topical issues associated with Asbestos in each country.

Asbestos in Southern Asia

May 25, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos cement roof sheeting found in Goa, India

A blog summarizing the major issues faced within each of the 8 countries located in Southern Asia. Topics discussed include Asbestos prohibitions, shipbreaking, Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA), Asbestos importation, mining and factories - and the health effects all of the aforementioned have on these populous third world countries.

Asbestos in Homes – A Property Owners Guide to Abatement in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

May 3, 2021 Simon Pickup

Friable Asbestos Insulation - Abu Dhabi, UAE

A blog discussing what property owners and home owners should do if it is confirmed that there is Asbestos in their building. The blog looks at the various common types of Asbestos materials, their risk ratings, what to expect during Asbestos abatement and whether is may be more cost effective and convenient to manage the existing Asbestos rather than remove it.

Asbestos in Homes – A Property Owners Guide to Identification in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

April 30, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos Cement Roof Sheeting - Dubai, UAE

A blog discussing what property owners and home owners should do if they suspect there may be Asbestos in their building. The blog looks at the various common types of Asbestos materials, their properties and what steps should be taken to conclusively identify the presence of Asbestos in a home.

Asbestos in the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC)

April 25, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos Cement Used as Fencing in a Central European Village

A blog discussing the use of Asbestos in the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC). The blog looks at why the CEEC is facing such a legacy of Asbestos related issues and such a significant disease burden. Factors such as continued use, excessive use in the 20th century, proximity to Asbestos mines and colder climates are considered. The blog looks to provide some solutions to lessen the impact of the Asbestos issue.

Is Asbestos Still a Problem in the GCC?

April 18, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos Cement Debris Found in the Desert of the Middle East

A blog discussing the historical use of Asbestos across the globe and locally within the GCC countries. The blog looks at whether citizens and residents should still be concerned by the potential risk posed by Asbestos in the Middle East, some of the current issues associated with this topic in the region and what can be done to reduce the hazard posed by this cancer causing material.

Asbestos in the Rocks – Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA)

March 20, 2021 Simon Pickup

Tunneling Activities - Could There be a Hidden Asbestos Risk?

A blog discussing the issue of Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA), its prevalence in the Middle East and the activities that are most likely to cause Asbestos disturbance and interface with Asbestos minerals in the ground and rock faces. The article poses best practice means to identify and manage Asbestos risk during major infrastructure projects.

Could There be Asbestos in Your Home or Workplace?

March 15, 2021 Simon Pickup

Damaged Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) Ceiling Panels Found in a Residential Home

A blog discussing the different types of Asbestos found in the buildings we visit, work in or live in. The blog outlines the likely locations where Asbestos can be found, the main properties of Asbestos, and what to do if you suspect there may be Asbestos materials in your building.

Hidden Danger - Underground Asbestos

March 10, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos Cement Pipework Debris by the Roadside - Fujairah, UAE

Asbestos cement pipes are a common type of pipework found in the Middle East and Africa, used for storm water drains, potable water, sewerage and irrigation. They present a hazard to human health when they are damaged and disturbed predominantly during groundworks. The blog details information on their use, prevalence and recommends safe procedures for their handling.

Asbestos on the Continent of Africa

March 6, 2021 Simon Pickup

A blog discussing the use of Asbestos in many African countries, the history of use and export of Asbestos from the continent and pleas from the WHO for an outright ban. The blog looks at some of the countries that have implemented prohibitions, but also details how more regulation needs to be in place to stop the continued use Asbestos.