Each country uses different building materials in the construction of their infrastructure projects, buildings and communities, and in turn different Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) have been favored in some countries more frequently than others. There are a number of different reasons why certain Asbestos materials are more common in some countries rather than others – factors such as climate, building heating and cooling systems, construction methods/types and miscellaneous factors such as proximity to an existing Asbestos manufacturing plant.

In this blog we explore, with photographic evidence, the most common Asbestos materials found in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and wider Middle Eastern region.

Asbestos Cement Roof Sheeting

Typically used for car park shading, villa roofing, farm buildings and warehouses, Asbestos cement sheeting can be found throughout the Middle East. If it is undamaged and in a good condition is can be classed as low risk. Many Asbestos surveyors can visually identify Asbestos cement sheeting without Asbestos testing, but typically it is preferable to conduct an Asbestos survey as the best way on how to identify Asbestos fibres in the material

Asbestos Cement Pipes

Most commonly used for water supply, potable water, irrigation and storm water drains, Asbestos cement pipes can be found throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi and all of the Northern Emirates - as well as across the Middle East. An Asbestos cement pipe factory was operational in Dubai until approximately 2012, providing Asbestos cement water pipes for major infrastructure projects.

Asbestos cement pipework found at an infrastructure project in Dubai, UAE

Asbestos Gaskets

Anywhere you have two pieces of metal joined together, in order to enable the seal there may be a gasket – a gasket that could contain Asbestos. Unlike Asbestos insulation or Asbestos ceiling tiles, Asbestos gaskets can be relatively low risk as they are contained within a flange. However, opening of the equipment can mean the Asbestos fibres can be released causing Asbestos exposure and potential future health problems.

Braided Asbestos Insulation

With an Asbestos content of 100% Chrysotile Asbestos, braided Asbestos insulation is by far the most dangerous of all of the Asbestos materials listed in this blog post. It is typically found in fire pump rooms, generator rooms and covering the exhausts of pipework from equipment that can become overheated. It is highly friable (easily releases dust), should be treated with extreme caution and should only be removed by specialist Asbestos abatement companies accompanied by Asbestos air sampling.

If you have any Asbestos related concerns, contact us to see how Anthesis Consulting Middle East can help you:

Charles Faulkner (Head of Environment, Health and Safety and Asbestos Team Leader)

Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320
Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com