West of Scotland IOSH Community - Asbestos legacy in building destruction

When buildings collapse due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or major structural failure, large amounts of asbestos fibres can be released into the air. These fibres can travel significant distances, potentially affecting emergency responders, recovery workers, and members of the public long after the initial event.

This presentation will use U.N. data from recent conflicts and information gathered following the September 11 attacks and the collapse of the World Trade Center to provide insight into the scale of asbestos exposure that can occur during catastrophic building destruction.

The session will explore:

• Estimates of the tonnage of asbestos-contaminated materials and fibres released
• Comparisons with known exposure data from the Twin Towers collapse
• How this compares with current risk predictions
• Key risk factors for emergency workers, the public, and young children

Originally presented at the European Asbestos Forum Conference, this session offers valuable insight for health and safety professionals, emergency planners, and anyone interested in understanding the long-term legacy of asbestos in modern disasters.

Don’t miss this impactful session of learning and reflection with the West of Scotland IOSH Community.

Please note:

This is an in‑person event intended for those based in Glasgow. Please only register if you are able to travel to the venue.

This is your opportunity to expand your knowledge to enhance your professional journey. This event plans to cover the following IOSH competencies: risk assessment and analysis (technical), data analysis (core) and problem-solving (behavioural) at innovate and understand level.

The event is open to members and non-members. If you have dietary, accessibility, or other requirements, please contact us at [email protected] in advance.

This information will be shared with the venue that you are attending to help ensure staff are ready to assist if you need it.

As part of IOSH charitable objects, we offer this event free of charge. As we have limited spaces, we kindly ask that you inform us as soon as possible if you are no longer able to attend. This will allow us to offer your spot to someone on the waitlist. Please contact us at [email protected] thank you for your consideration.

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Host or Publisher IOSH West of Scotland Branch