A solution for the full impregnation of asbestos: the use of an epoxy polymer resin

Asbestos has been identified as priority substance for risk reduction and pollution prevention given its carcinogenic effects. Because of its wide occupational exposures and widespread use in commerce in the past, there is a big concern that it may present a general health hazard. Therefore, the identification of asbestos-containing materials and their neutralization has become a topic plan of social prevention and intervention in many European and American countries. If the presence of asbestos in buildings (i.e., schools) is detected, the abatement program usually accomplishes the removal of the asbestos-containing materials and displacement in controlled waste disposals (ex situ technique). Removal has many disadvantages: high costs, large production of toxic refuses, high risks of exposure for removal workers, and high risk of environmental pollution during and after the operations. Thus, the search for alternative in situ techniques has been recently promoted and full impregnation seems to be the best candidate given its reduced risks for both workers and environment, and its low costs. In this paper, a technique for the in situ full impregnation of asbestos by an epoxy polymeric resin is proposed, and the results of its application for the neutralization of either chrysotile or amphibole asbestos-containing materials is described.