Modern Methods of Asbestos Waste Management as Innovative Solutions for Recycling and Sustainable Cement Production

Karol Durczak, Michał Pyzalski (), Tomasz Brylewski, Michał Juszczyk, Agnieszka Leśniak, Marek Libura, Leonas Ustinovičius and Mantas Vaišnoras
Additional contact information
Karol Durczak: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznan, Poland
Michał Pyzalski: Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Tomasz Brylewski: Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Michał Juszczyk: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Krakow, Poland
Agnieszka Leśniak: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Krakow, Poland
Marek Libura: Health Care Center of the Ministry of Interior, Administration Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, 25 Kronikarza Galla Str., 30-053 Krakow, Poland
Leonas Ustinovičius: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 10223 Vilnius, Lithuania
Mantas Vaišnoras: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 10223 Vilnius, Lithuania

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-28

Abstract: Managing asbestos waste presents a significant challenge due to the widespread industrial use of this material, and the serious health and environmental risks it poses. Despite its unique properties, such as resistance to high temperatures and substantial mechanical strength, asbestos is a material with well-documented toxicity and carcinogenicity. Ensuring the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) is crucial for protecting public health, the environment, and for reducing CO 2 emissions resulting from inefficient waste disposal methods. Traditional landfill disposal methods have proven inadequate, while modern approaches—including thermal, chemical, biotechnological, and mechanochemical methods—offer potential benefits but also come with limitations. In particular, thermal techniques that allow for asbestos degradation can significantly reduce environmental impact, while also providing the opportunity to repurpose disposal products into materials useful for cement production. Cement, a key component of concrete, can serve as a sustainable alternative, minimizing CO 2 emissions and reducing the need for primary raw materials. This work provides insights into research on asbestos waste management, offering a deeper understanding of key initiatives related to asbestos removal. It presents a comprehensive review of best practices, innovative technologies, and safe asbestos management strategies, with particular emphasis on their impact on sustainable development and CO 2 emission reduction. Additionally, it discusses public health hazards related to exposure to asbestos fibers, and worker protection during the asbestos disposal process. As highlighted in the review, one promising method is the currently available thermal degradation of asbestos. This method offers real opportunities for repurposing asbestos disposal products for cement production; thereby reducing CO 2 emissions, minimizing waste, and supporting sustainable construction.

Keywords: binder; asbestos; waste management; neutralization methods; recycling; health; safety; environmental protection; nano additives; supplementary cementitious materials (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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