Protect the environment: Japan transfers knowledge and equipment to Ukraine for the safe handling of hazardous asbestos

Slate, tiles, pipes, wall panels and thermal insulation - natural asbestos material is widely used in construction due to its durability, fire resistance and low cost. However, the dust that is formed during the destruction or damage of products containing it has a harmful effect on human health.

WHO sounds the alarm

The World Health Organization claims that more than 200,000 people die annually in the world from exposure to asbestos fibers.

The damage caused to human health by asbestos may only manifest itself after decades.

“We are all potentially on the list of people who are exposed to harmful effects,” comments Denis Pavlovsky, a UNDP hazardous waste analyst.

The main danger of asbestos comes not from the solid materials, but from the dust: microscopic fibers remain in the body forever after inhalation. That is why the WHO classified asbestos as a Group 1 carcinogen, as it causes lung cancer, mesothelioma and chronic respiratory diseases.

The European Union officially banned the use of asbestos in 2005. Japan - in 2012. Ukraine - from November 2023.

War and environmental problems

The massive destruction of infrastructure that is taking place in Ukraine as a result of a full-scale war leads to environmental pollution. After explosions, artillery shelling, fires and the destruction of buildings, asbestos dust gets into the air and becomes one of the key threats to the environment. At risk are local residents, rescuers, builders, military personnel - everyone who is nearby is involved in removing debris and restoring structures.

According to expert estimates, as of January 2025, more than 250 thousand buildings and infrastructure elements in Ukraine were partially or completely destroyed. Up to 70% of these structures are thought to containe asbestos products.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) draws attention to this problem, which since the beginning of the full-scale invasion has scaled up assistance to Ukraine in various areas. These include debris management.

Having studied the situation in the regions that suffered the most destruction, the agency decided to share Japanese expertise, protective equipment and experience in handling asbestos-containing waste.

Partner Support: Protective Equipment and Knowledge

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently joined forces and held a special workshop for local administrations in the most affected regions.

Its aim is to raise awareness among local authorities responsible for debris removal, disposal and reconstruction about the dangers of asbestos waste and to explain the method of identifying and safely handling ACMs (Asbestos Containing Materials).

The organizers stressed that immediate action is needed. Improper handling of hazardous materials is exacerbating the problem. Without proper knowledge and procedures, hazardous materials, including asbestos, can enter the soil, water and air, posing a long-term health threat.

"We are concerned that many Ukrainians may not be aware of the risks of asbestos exposure. So we need to take immediate action. First of all, we are providing protective equipment for those involved in debris management at JICA-supported sites. We have also provided guidance so that they can conduct an initial inspection of the debris. But equipment is only one step. We have joined forces with the United Nations Development Programme to share knowledge about the risks associated with asbestos, how to identify and handle them safely,” says Naoki Takyo, a representative of the JICA office in Ukraine.

From Kyiv region to Kherson

Among the areas of assistance from JICA to Ukraine is providing Japanese experience in the field of debris management; transferring best practices for safe asbestos management; assisting in developing a long-term strategy for monitoring and controlling asbestos pollution; coordinating capacity-building activities and providing the necessary equipment for its implementation; and organizing training for local administrations on effective asbestos risk management.

Japanese partners have already transferred equipment needed for safe debris management, such as crushers, loaders, trucks, asbestos analyzers and protective equipment, worth $4 million to Ukraine.

Kyiv region is the first region where a pilot project on debris processing has been launched. Similar projects are being implemented in Kharkiv, Dnipro, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Kherson.

“The main goal is to establish uninterrupted, efficient, safe management of waste left over from the destruction. Sort hazardous waste and materials, isolate and transport them, and store them as safely as possible using modern technologies,” adds Valeriy Kotsiuba, the Regional Coordinator of JICA consultant team.

The Japanese agency focuses on both the medium and long-term perspectives in its support for Ukraine.

The partnership includes assistance in public finance, demining, health, education, agriculture, private sector investment, debris management, etc.

JICA's efforts are also aimed at improving living conditions, namely - human resource development, reconstruction and development planning, restoration of the energy sector. Support projects are also provided for the water supply and sanitation, rebuilding its infrastructure.

A separate area of ​​cooperation is strengthening democratic governance and expanding the capabilities of public broadcasting.