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 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 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.

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.