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Environment Minister Aden Duale on Wednesday ordered the removal of asbestos roofs from all buildings across the country within three months.
The CS cited health risks and warned that failure to comply could lead to prosecution.
Duale directs the National Environment Management Authority to write to agencies Handling of hazardous fibrous minerals.
Asbestos fibers can cause serious lung disease, including asbestosis, and cancer. Smoking also increases the risk of illness from asbestos exposure.
Symptoms of the disease may not appear until years after exposure.
Currently, the group most exposed to asbestos is people in the construction industry, with most occupational exposure occurring during asbestos repair, renovation, removal or maintenance.
“We have written to the ministries of defence, interior, education and health to request an audit of all facilities with asbestos roofs,” said Mamo Mamo, director general of the National Energy Administration.
Asbestos is a group of six fibrous minerals that occur naturally in metamorphic deposits throughout the world.
In the 1960s and 1970s, asbestos was the material of choice in the construction industry.
Many facilities, including food manufacturing industries and residences, used asbestos roofing materials because of its durability and fire resistance.
Asbestos fibers are strong and heat-resistant. Many other products contain asbestos.
Most of these materials are used in roofing, sound insulation, ceiling tiles and tiles in buildings; as insulation in boilers, steam pipes, water heaters, brake pads, clutch plates and valve cover linings; and in protective gear such as fire blankets, jackets and gloves.
Canada, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Russia, India, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the main producers. Kenya once mined asbestos, but mining has ceased.
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