Environmental management criteria, aimed at public policy making, for the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) in Colombia.

Asbestos is a carcinogenic mineral banned in Colombia since January 1, 2021; however, there is a considerable amount of asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) installed in the country in products such as roof tiles, tanks, pipes and downspouts. Installed ACBM represent an exposure risk when the mineral fibers are released into the air due to deterioration, damage or disturbance of the cement matrix within which the asbestos is contained. Due to potential detrimental impacts on human health, safe management and correct handling of ACBM is a matter of vital importance. This paper proposes evidence-based environmental management guidelines, aimed at public policy making, for the removal and final disposal of installed ACBM in Colombia. A descriptive study was carried out, with a qualitative approach, based on an integrative literature review of international practices applied in the removal and disposal of installed ACBM. Forty scientific publications were reviewed, as well as the regulations for removal, transport, and final disposal of installed asbestos-cement from Australia, United States, Italy, Chile, United Kingdom, and Canada. Guidelines for the removal and final disposal of installed ACBM are proposed considering the following stages: a) diagnosis and management plan of installed ACBM, b) removal of installed ACBM, c) Transport of ACBM waste, and d) Final disposal of ACBM waste. Expert opinion was collected in order to assess the local feasibility of the proposed guidelines. These guidelines may help direct national and regional agencies to establish comprehensive strategies with clear, measurable, and achievable goals for future replacement of installed ACBM. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;00:0-0. © 2023 SETAC.