Assessing the Risks and Solutions for Asbestos Containing Material Waste Disposal in the Pacific

Abstract

Asbestos removal (remediation) requires careful procedures, and the waste materials must be disposed of safely, ensuring that no-one can breathe in the hazardous fibers during remediation, transport, and disposal. Once landfilled or entombed, the asbestos containing material (ACM) should not be disturbed. A PESTLE analysis leaves little doubt that local burial of asbestos waste, conducted and maintained under strict health and safety protocols, is the best solution to the legacy issues of ACM in Pacific Island countries. However, some challenges remain, including political and community resistance, cultural concerns, and securing adequate funding for infrastructure.