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.

Everything You Need to Know About Asbestos-Free Certificates for Buildings and Products

November 7, 2024 Simon Pickup

Mockup image of an ‘Asbestos Free Certificate’

An Asbestos-Free Certificate is a crucial document that certifies a building, material, or product is free from asbestos, a hazardous material once common in construction and manufacturing. This certification is often required before property renovations, demolitions, and sales to ensure safe handling and compliance with health standards. It is also essential when importing or exporting items like vehicles and vessels, where asbestos content could hinder transit across borders. Obtaining the certificate involves a detailed inspection process, from hiring a certified asbestos inspector to conducting laboratory testing. With varying regulations worldwide, securing this certification ensures safe environments and smooth, compliant operations across jurisdictions.

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

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.

The Most Common Asbestos Materials in the Middle East

July 19, 2022 Simon Pickup

Badly damaged Asbestos cement found in a residential area of Dubai, UAE

A blog to discuss the most commonly found Asbestos materials in the UAE and the wider Middle Eastern region.

Asbestos Solutions - How is Asbestos Removed?

June 5, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos gasket removal from within an industrial facility

A blog to discuss the ways in which Asbestos that may be in your home, workplace or building would be removed. The blog discusses the techniques used to safely remove Asbestos, the procedures to be followed, the equipment required and the reasons why this should be conducted by Asbestos professionals, rather than homeowners.

Asbestos Solutions - How do I Identify Asbestos in my Building?

June 1, 2021 Simon Pickup

Braided Asbestos insulation and an Asbestos gasket to a generator exhaust.

A blog to discuss the ways in which you can identify Asbestos that may be in your home, workplace or building. The blog offers practical solutions and risk assessment tools that can be used to make a reasonable assumption as to whether there may be Asbestos in your building. Asbestos testing, Asbestos surveys and Asbestos management solutions are discussed.

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.

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.

Uncontrolled Demolition in the Middle East

March 1, 2021 Simon Pickup

A blog regarding the issue of uncontrolled demolition that periodically occurs in the Middle East. The blog looks at why this happens, the negative aspects of such activities, the stakeholders that are put at risk and what can be done to fix the problem.

Managing Asbestos in the UAE and the Middle East

February 7, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos Cement Debris Following Uncontrolled Demolition

A blog regarding the prevalence and use of Asbestos in the UAE, and Middle East. The article looks at the relatively recent prohibitions, application of Asbestos, the health effects and what can be done in order to keep future generations safe from Asbestos exposure.

Asbestos on Ships - Asbestos Testing and Asbestos Surveys

January 2, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos is a Common Construction Material Found in the Maritime and Shipping Industry

A blog regarding the recent update of regulations around the identification and management of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) within the shipping industry. The article focuses on the various regulations, conventions and legislation, what their impact will be and what companies can do to ensure the health and safety of their staff whilst also enabling compliance with the new requirements.

Asbestos Awareness in the Middle East

November 24, 2020 Simon Pickup

Badly Damaged and Easily Accessible Asbestos Gasket - Abu Dhabi, UAE

A blog regarding raising the awareness of Asbestos risk within the Middle East and the wider region. The article discusses current legislation in the UAE, the lack of awareness within the general public and what can be done in order to improve peoples understanding of this occupational hazard.

Asbestos in the Middle East

May 24, 2018 Simon Pickup

Badly damaged Asbestos cement debris on a refurbishment project

A blog regarding Asbestos within the Middle East. The article discusses the general types of Asbestos, Asbestos in the Middle East and the various health effects associated with Asbestos exposure.

Uncontrolled Demolition Leading to Potential Asbestos Exposure in Dubai →

December 28, 2017 Simon Pickup

Asbestos cement debris in front of ongoing Dubai demolition works

Uncontrolled demolition that took place in Dubai, potentially leading to the Asbestos exposure of UAE residents. Reposted from an article published in The National, UAE - August 20, 2013. Through better planning, Asbestos surveys and Asbestos removal by competent professionals, this situation could have been avoided.