Asbestos Issues In Ireland

14 Apr 2016

Asbestos Issues In Ireland

Asbestos continues to be a problem in Ireland. It was mainly used in the 1960s through the 1980s. It was phased out with laws passed in 1994 and 1998, but a complete ban wasn’t enacted until 2004.


Asbestos was found in a school in Antrim during routine building work. They then conducted a survey to see if asbestos was present in the school. The students are being relocated to other nearby schools while the work takes place. However, 800 students may have already been exposed to asbestos.


A large amount of asbestos was believed to be dumped in Kilberry. The asbestos came from an old factory that eventually burnt down. One source said it was taken off in two 40ft containers, but apparently it wasn’t disposed of in the proper manner. It seems that some of the asbestos may have been broken up and buried in Kilberry.


Asbestos is fairly safe when it is intact. When it gets broken up, dangerous particles are released into the air. The fibres are inhaled and trapped in the lungs. This can lead to lung cancer or other lung disorders.


Illegal asbestos dumping is quite common. The cost of proper removal and disposal prompts some people to do it themselves. In trying to save money someone has not really taken onboard the very dangerous substance that asbestos is to for human health, including their own.


Asbestos removal will continue to be an issue as more homes and buildings are renovated.


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