- Organization：Evaluation Management Division
Data Source：Ministry of the Interior
- Due to the flexible nature of asbestos fibers and their properties such as insulation, heat resistance, soundproofing, acid and alkali resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability, asbestos was widely used in construction, electrical appliances, automobiles, and household items in the 1970s and 1980s. Examples include fire-resistant asbestos textiles, water pipes, insulation boards, and various insulation materials. However, with advancements in medical and health sciences, studies have shown that asbestos fibers can be harmful to human health. Inhalation of asbestos dust can cause lung fibrosis, leading to lung diseases, and can also induce bronchial lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other malignant tumors. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified asbestos as a Group 1 carcinogen, and many countries have gradually reduced or banned its use
- In Taiwan, asbestos was also used as a fire-resistant building material in the past. However, the Ministry of the Interior removed the provisions related to asbestos products from the fire safety regulations in 2003 and strengthened the inspection of fire-resistant materials for the presence of asbestos from 2004. Additionally, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has revised relevant national standards since 2006 to prohibit the use of building materials containing asbestos and included them as items subject to inspection. Random inspections have been implemented to ensure compliance. Currently, except for asbestos roofing tiles and buildings constructed before 2006, which may still contain asbestos, it is unlikely that other building materials in Taiwan contain asbestos. Therefore, the use of asbestos-containing building materials in the domestic construction industry has been completely discontinued since 2006.
- The main carcinogenic risk of asbestos arises when individuals inhale air containing asbestos fibers. As long as asbestos-containing building materials in households are not disturbed or damaged, they generally do not pose a health risk to residents. Therefore, regulations regarding asbestos in buildings focus on controlling and improving the environment during the demolition of older building materials containing asbestos.
- The Ministry of the Interior has established the Building Demolition Construction Specifications, which include regulations for pre-demolition surveys of older building materials containing asbestos, pollution protection for the environment and construction personnel during demolition, and regulations for cleanup and disposal after demolition. As of December 10, 2018, the construction plan must include a report on whether the materials to be demolished contain asbestos, the protective measures during asbestos removal must comply with the regulations of the Ministry of Labor, the storage and cleaning processes of asbestos materials must comply with the Waste Clearance Act and the standards for facilities and methods of storage and disposal of industrial waste, and when issuing building demolition permits, the municipal or county (city) governments must notify the local labor inspection agency and environmental protection agency to supervise and inspect the process. The regulations also apply to the removal of materials involved in interior renovation of buildings. These measures aim to protect the health and safety of the Taiwanese population and their living spaces.
- Link: Information on asbestos building demolition of Ministry of the Interior, National Land Management Agency.
The content includes safe demolition methods, demolition organizations, precautions, and related regulations, such as Building Demolition Construction Specifications.
