Asbestos Destruction: European Proposals on Thermal, Chemical and Biological Processes

Abstract

From its storage in the workplace to its permanent disposal in landfill or through recycling, asbestos-containing waste (ACW) is a worldwide problem that requires careful and safe management. Considering the high amount of ACW produced by remediation activities and the lack of sufficient landfills, in particular in Europe and in high-density countries, in the past few years new patents for industrial plants to destroy asbestos have been submitted and approved. This paper analyzes some of the industrial plants proposed in Europe to destroy asbestos. This work highlights the advantages and disadvantages and focuses on worker health and environmental protection.