Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police to Intensively Crack Down on Illegal Asbestos Disposal

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province is launching a focused crackdown on the illegal disposal of waste asbestos.

The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police announced on the 4th that from the 10th to the 28th of this month, they will conduct a large-scale investigation into illegal activities occurring during the discharge, collection, transportation, and disposal processes of waste asbestos throughout the entire province.

Although there was a previous crackdown last year on illegal waste asbestos disposal in five areas within the province, including Anseong and Siheung, this is the first wide-area investigation covering the entire province.

Asbestos, a Group 1 carcinogen, can cause diseases such as lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma when exposed over a long period. Its use in building materials has been banned since 2009. Since a large amount of asbestos residue can be generated during the demolition and dismantling of existing buildings, safe disposal according to related laws and regulations is crucial.

According to the 'Asbestos Management Integrated Information Network' registration data as of the end of June this year, Gyeonggi Province has 3,913 asbestos-containing buildings, accounting for 17.2% of the nationwide total of 22,705 asbestos buildings.

The main investigation points include ▲ illegal dumping and burial of waste asbestos at demolition sites and hillsides ▲ failure to report or implement waste disposal plans ▲ designation of asbestos dismantling supervisors and proper performance of their duties ▲ proper handling by collection and transportation companies.

When demolishing asbestos-containing buildings, a prior asbestos survey must be conducted, and demolition and destruction reports as well as waste disposal plan reports must be submitted to the relevant administrative authorities. Asbestos dismantling must be carried out by registered specialized companies, and waste asbestos must be strictly handled by waste disposal companies. Violations may result in imprisonment of up to seven years or fines up to 70 million KRW under the 'Asbestos Safety Management Act' and the 'Waste Management Act.'

In Chi-kwon In, head of the provincial special judicial police, stated, "Waste asbestos, which poses a significant threat to residents' health, must be handled according to relevant laws." He added, "We will strongly punish illegal dumping and burial of waste asbestos generated during the demolition of buildings such as houses, factories, schools, and livestock barns."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.