Removal of Ankara building bearing tons of asbestos begins under strict measures

The Ankara Municipality has taken wide measures against potential diffusion of asbestos to the air as part of the dismantling work for a decades-old factory in central Ankara, which is certified of bearing 350 tons of the carcinogenic material inside its building. 

Measures have been taken for the work that began for the coal gas factory in the Maltepe neighborhood in Ankara, according to a written statement made by the municipality. The office said the removal began from the garage areas and a depot that does not bear asbestos. 

As part of the measures, a cover was sealed around the buildings' parts that have asbestos to ensure the materials stick to it without mixing with air. After the preventive measures are completed, the expert teams will de-assemble the parts of the building that have the material and will vacuum the asbestos dust on them. 

After the disassembling and vacuuming works, the teared down parts will be put on special trucks to be taken to a factory in the northwestern province of İzmit, where they will be destroyed.  

Speaking about the whole process, which is observed with great caution due to potential health implications it could have on workers and the residents in the area, Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek said the operation was aimed at "preventing Ankara from a problem and a leakage to which it might be subjected to."

Meanwhile, Turkish Thorax Association head Ali Fuat Kalyoncu has warned that serious health implications might occur in the environment if the work is carried out without applying the necessary procedures. 

Speaking of the health implications that might occur, both for workers carrying out the removal job and the residents in the area, after breathing the air filled with...