Number
391-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Building and construction work
Other
Function
Other
Process
Other
Product category
other
Application
Asbestos construction products
Abstract
The World Health Organisation and the World Bank present reviews of products available to replace asbestos-cement construction materials and other asbestos products. The product research includes information on providers of alternative products and substitute synthetic and natural fibres.
Substituted substances
Tetrachloroethylene
CAS No. 127-18-4 EC No. 204-825-9 Index No. 602-028-00-4
Chemical group
Halocarbons
Classification: hazard statements
H351 Suspected of causing cancer
H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Other adverse effects
The substance is: 2A carcinogen (IARC), endocrine disruptor (SIN List), endocrine disruptor cat. 2 (EU EDC database), as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
Undecane
CAS No. 1120-21-4 EC No. 214-300-6 Index No.
Chemical group
Alternative Substances
Polyvinyl alcohol
CAS No. 9002-89-5 EC No. Index No.
Chemical group
Polypropylene
CAS No. 9003-07-0 EC No. Index No.
Chemical group
Polymers
Cellulose
CAS No. 9004-34-6 EC No. 232-674-9 Index No.
Chemical group
Carbohydrates
Reliability of information
Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Internet information: data are from an internet document and only a basic and partial evaluation could be performed
Reason substitution
CMR
Other type of alternative
Softwood kraft pulp, bamboo, sisal, coir, rattan shavings and tobacco stalks with optional silica fume, fly ash, or rice husk ash, etc.
Hazard Assessment
Substance to be substituted: All asbestos types are listed in the database of hazardous substances according to SUBSPORTplus screening criteria (SDSC) as carcinogens. Alternative substances: The alternative substances mentioned in this case story are not listed on SDSC. However, other alternatives are mentioned in the report for which no hazard assessment could be performed. » Check the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC)
Description of Substitution
According to the reports the substitute construction products consist of fibre-cements made with polymeric or plant fibres or a combination of these, as well as completely different product compositions that serve the same functions as asbestos-cement sheets, pipes, and water storage tanks. The main materials used as alternatives are polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose, polypropylene fibres (PP) as well as PVA-cellulose and PP-cellulose. Other alternatives for asbestos-containing products are mentioned in the reports. Costs for producing fibre-cement sheets from polymeric fibres (polyvinyl alcohol or polypropylene) combined with cellulose are 10-15% higher. Some of the substitute products such as micro-concrete tiles are cheaper than asbestos-cement, and can be made in a basic workshop near the building site with locally available small contractors and materials (sand, gravel, and cement), lowering transport costs. Therefore, non-asbestos fibre-cement panels are lighter, less brittle, and have improved nailability over asbestos-cement sheets. Compared with asbestos-cement pipes, iron pipes can be transported with less difficulty and breakage, take greater compression loading, and last longer.
Case/substitution evaluation
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has evaluated the carcinogenic potential of substitutes for chrysotile asbestos. The alternative materials polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose and polypropylene have not carcinogenic properties.
State of implementation
In use
Availability ofAlternative
On the market
Type of information supplier
Authority
Research
Further information
You can find more information about asbestos and its substitutes here:
International Social Security Association (2006) Asbestos: towards a worldwide ban, p. 25-27
Harrison P.T.C, Levy L.S., Patrick G., Pigott G.H., L. Smith L.L. (1999) Comparative Hazards of Chrysotile Asbestos and Its Substitutes: A European Perspective. Environmental Health Perspectives. 107(8), available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1566482/pdf/envhper00513-0039.pdf
http://www.ibasecretariat.org/
Type of publication and availability
Freely available
Publication source: author, company, institute, year
WHO (2011) National Programmes for Elimination of Asbestos Related diseases: Review and Assessment. 07-08 June 2011. Bonn, p. 22-29, available at: http://www.euro.who.int/en/what-we-do/health-topics/environment-and-health/occupational-health/publications/national-programmes-for-elimination-of-asbestos-related-diseases-review-and-assessment
World Bank Group (2009) Good Practice Note: Asbestos: Occupational and Community Health Issues, available at: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTPOPS/Resources/AsbestosGuidanceNoteFinal.pdf
Date, reviewed
February 9, 2022