ASBESTOS IN DEMOLITION WASTE: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF SAFE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONDITIONS OF POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Objective of the study. The war in Ukraine has caused an unprecedented level of destruction of residential, public and industrial infrastructure, which, in turn, has led to the formation of a huge amount of waste from destruction. This waste has a diverse composition and includes fragments of concrete, bricks, metal structures, wood, plastic, glass and hazardous materials, among which asbestos-containing components attract particular attention. Asbestos, which has been widely used in the construction industry for decades, has been indispensable for thermal insulation, fire protection and sound insulation. Its use has been widespread in the production of slate, insulation materials, pipes and cladding panels. As a result of the destruction of buildings, these materials disintegrate, releasing dangerous asbestos fibers, which have carcinogenic properties. Getting into the air, water or soil, these particles pose a serious threat to the health of the population and the state of ecosystems. The management of asbestos-containing waste is an important environmental and social problem that requires urgent resolution. The purpose of the study is to analyze the scale of the problem of waste generation from destruction caused by military operations in Ukraine, with a special emphasis on asbestos-containing materials. The main task is to develop approaches to their safe disposal based on international experience and adapt these practices to Ukrainian realities, taking into account the difficult environmental situation, lack of infrastructure and the needs for rapid recovery of the regions. Methodology. To achieve the goal, a comprehensive approach was applied, which includes the study of literature and regulatory framework for the management of asbestos-containing waste in the countries of the European Union, the study of the composition and properties of waste from destruction caused by military actions, with a focus on materials containing asbestos, the assessment of environmental and social risks associated with hazardous waste, and the adaptation of European practices to the conditions of Ukraine through the development of recommendations that take into account the limitations of local infrastructure. Scientific novelty. The novelty of the work is in the systematic analysis of the consequences of military actions for the formation of asbestos-containing waste, consideration of European practices for handling such waste in the context of their application in Ukraine, and formulation of recommendations that take into account the specifics of wartime and its consequences, including the creation of a system for monitoring the impact of waste on public health and the environment. Conclusions. As a result of military operations in Ukraine, a significant amount of demolition waste was generated, among which asbestos-containing materials pose a particular threat due to the carcinogenic properties of the released fibers. Safe management of such waste requires an integrated approach, including detection, sorting, transportation, processing and disposal. European experience in managing asbestos-containing waste can be integrated into Ukrainian realities, provided that the necessary infrastructure is created and the legislative framework is improved. The proposed measures will help minimize environmental risks and ensure the safety of the population, as well as accelerate the restoration of destroyed territories.