Air Quality Survey at 23 Schools Conducting Asbestos Removal During Summer Vacation

Seoul City Analyzes Asbestos Concentration Inside Classrooms After Construction Completion

A scene of collecting samples to investigate asbestos concentration in the air.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 28th that it will investigate the concentration of asbestos in classroom air at 23 schools undergoing asbestos dismantling and removal work during the summer vacation period, in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.

Asbestos is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). When dispersed in the air and inhaled through the respiratory tract, it is known to cause diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education inspects solid asbestos residues and dust samples using a scanning electron microscope after completing asbestos dismantling and removal projects in school buildings.

However, as concerns from teachers and parents about asbestos residues have not been easily alleviated, the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment was commissioned to investigate the concentration of asbestos in the air using a transmission electron microscope after the completion of the work. Approximately 1,200 liters of air (airflow 5 L/min, sampling time 4 hours) from classrooms where asbestos dismantling and removal work was completed will be collected and asbestos particles will be analyzed by magnifying about 18,500 times with a transmission electron microscope.

The investigation results will be used as basic data for establishing a standard model for future school asbestos dismantling and removal projects.

Shin Yong-seung, director of the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment, said, "We understand that there is a high level of anxiety due to poor construction, such as the discovery of asbestos residues in some schools where asbestos dismantling and removal was conducted," adding, "We will thoroughly investigate asbestos dispersed in the air to contribute to creating a safe educational environment."

Asbestos particles magnified 18,500 times with a transmission electron microscope.

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