79% of public buildings test asbestos-positive

Asbestos was found in eight out of 10 public buildings and facilities, the Ministry of Environment reported yesterday.

According to the full-scale inspection conducted over the past two years, 79 percent of public buildings nationwide, including government offices, libraries, and art and sports centers, tested positive for asbestos.

The toxic substance was also found in 49 percent of subway trains and station buildings.

The ministry said, however, there were no cases where the asbestos density in the air exceeded the permissible level.

Asbestos is known to cause lung cancer if inhaled and can have a latent period of up to 30 years.

"Considering the current situation of the buildings, it is unlikely that asbestos particles will be released from the construction materials (those mostly for ceilings and walls) any time soon. However, conditions should be monitored strictly when conducting maintenance or renewal works," said a ministry official.

The nationwide sample survey was conducted on 737 of the total 14,244 public buildings and facilities from 2008 through January this year.According to the survey, 93 percent of the buildings constructed in the 1970s tested positive for asbestos. The rate was cut in half to 46 percent in those built after 2000.

Based on the inspection results, the ministry plans to offer asbestos maps and management manuals to building managers.

In South Korea, about 82 percent of asbestos use is concentrated in building materials. Aimed at introducing new measures for its safety management, the government announced an inspection plan in 2007.

Investigations of schools and military buildings is also being made by Education and Defense ministries.

By Lee Ji-yoon ( jylee@heraldm.com)