According to a Korean news outlet, one in five demolition sites is over the permissible limit for asbestos air density.

The amount of asbestos in the air at each demolition site varied, but it was reported that each demolition site in violation had between 1.34 and 67 times higher asbestos density that is permitted.

This report was released by the Korean Environmental Ministry. The Ministry stated that 31 out the 155 demolition sites reviewed exceeded the limit of 1 particle per 100 cubic centimeters of air.

The Environmental Ministry commissioned Professor Paik Nam-won of Seoul National University to carry out this study. Paik Nam-won is concerned about the results of the study, stating “Exposure to even the slightest amount of asbestos is risky. The result of the study is especially alarming as residents near the construction sites and passersby are exposed to a high density of asbestos.”

Asbestos is recognized as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Exposure to asbestos is linked to health conditions including asbestosis (a chronic inflammatory disease), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen).

Asbestos was at one time widely used in buildings components such as insulation, siding, and tiles. Asbestos is banned in many countries. Usage has not yet been banned in the US.

Korea recently banned asbestos, effective at the start of 2009. However, Korean experts have estimated that 80 to 90 percent of old buildings that are currently being remodeled or demolished contain asbestos.

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