Asbestos Inventory
Global leaders in asbestos remote sensing and software development for comprehensive lifecycle management
- Why is the asbestos census mandatory?
- What is an asbestos census and removal schedule?
- The advantages of Agforest
The regulations on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy (law 07/2022, of April 8) establishes the obligation for municipalities throughout Spain to carry out a census of facilities and sites with asbestos. The inventory must be accompanied by a timetable planning its removal. As stipulated in the law, both documents should have been submitted before the end of April 2023.
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This information must be of a public nature and sent to the competent health, environmental and labor authorities of the autonomous communities, following the guidelines of law 07/2022, of April 8. DOWNLOAD INFOGRAPHIC
Our algorithm, which combines geospatial data with artificial intelligence (AI), has demonstrated more than 90% accuracy in the more than 30 municipalities in which we have worked to date.
In addition, we have managed to automate the scheduling of the removal of this material based on the UNE 171370-2 standard for high-risk public buildings by 2028, integrating a web viewer on the city council’s website and a public notification mailbox to involve citizens in the process.
Eradicating asbestos is a challenge for Spanish municipalities and the European Union, which is why we have developed the only solution in the world for the integrated management of the asbestos life cycle. DOWNLOAD INFOGRAPHIC
What Municipalities Need to Do to Comply with Law 7/2022
Asbestos Inventory
Inventory of sites and buildings, both public and private, containing asbestos with 90% detection accuracy using our in-house algorithm.
Removal Schedule
Plan for asbestos removal, focusing on high-risk public sites by 2028 based on risk algorithms.
Public Information
The asbestos census and removal schedule must be public and submitted to the competent authorities.
Asbestos Removal
Municipalities must address high-risk public sites by 2028 and aim for complete removal from public and private buildings by 2032. The EU stipulates that by 2032 asbestos should be eradicated from both public and private buildings.
Agforest’s Asbestos Inventory Solution
Preliminary Inventory
Geo-statistical analysis of asbestos susceptibility.
Basic Inventory
AI-driven remote detection of asbestos-containing roofs.
Removal Schedule
Prioritizing public buildings for 2028 as per risk algorithm on each country.
Reports and Deliverables
Data directories and reports generation.
Public Web Map
Integration of the inventory in the municipal website, including a public notification box for asbestos-containing locations alerts.
Implantación de Ag4Asbestos
Software para la gestión integral del ciclo de vida del amianto único en el Mundo
Preliminary Inventory
We conduct a statistical analysis based on parameters such as the construction date, cadastral information, or building usage to determine the susceptibility of different sites within the municipality to contain asbestos. This provides a broad overview of the asbestos situation in the geographical area.
*Onlyavailable for Spanish territory
Basic Inventory
We process geospatial data with our in-house developed artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, achieving an accuracy rate of over 90%, to remotely detect asbestos-containing fibrocement roofs. This helps cities to get to know how much asbestos should be managed within the next few years.
Methodology
Geospatial data
with accurate information
AI Algorithm
with 90 % accuracy
Integration
with cadastral data
Generation of complementary
and associated geostatistical information
Creation of the removal schedule
for each detected site
Analysis of results
with map viewers and reports
Removal Schedule
We plan the removal of asbestos present in the municipality based on based on local legal framework and European guidelines. We prioritize the removal of asbestos from public sites by 2028 and from private buildings by 2032. This is done according to the risk calculation algorithm on each country.
Webmap inventory
We make the resulting information from the asbestos census and removal schedule public by integrating the results on the municipal website. We implement a public notification box through which citizens can report the presence of asbestos in locations where it could not be detected (e.g., downpipes, encapsulated asbestos). All this information is included in the map viewer, the basic census, and the removal schedule to complete the data.
Ag4Asbestos: Comprehensive Asbestos Lifecycle Management
At Agforest, we understand the effort municipalities put into conducting asbestos censuses and removal schedules. We support public administration throughout the process to ensure proper material management.
That’s why we’ve developed Ag4Asbestos: the world’s only software for comprehensive asbestos lifecycle management. The census and removal schedule will be archived on the platform, allowing public administration to download documentation.
Manage all processes from one platform: from conducting inspections for detailed census to recall management. The solution that helps to achieve traceability of a material that constitutes a public health problem in a simple, accessible and agile way.
FAQs about asbestos
What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?
Asbestos is a fibrous material that has been used in construction and various industrial products due to its insulating and fire-resistant properties. However, its use has been banned in many countries because of the severe health risks it poses as a carcinogenic material.
What Are the Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure?
- Asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause severe respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal issues, and heart problems.
- Improper handling and disposal of asbestos can lead to serious environmental contamination.
- Treating these diseases can be prolonged and costly, significantly impacting the quality of life of patients and their families.
Asbestos is a hazardous material with serious health and environmental consequences. It is crucial for companies and individuals to take measures to avoid asbestos exposure and ensure its safe removal to protect public health.
What Measures Will Be Taken to Reduce or Eliminate Asbestos Exposure?
The use of asbestos has been banned in numerous countries. In Spain, this prohibition came into effect with the ministerial order of December 7, 2001, which prohibited its production and commercialization from December 15, 2002. Consequently, any construction element prior to this date may contain asbestos until the end of its useful life.
According to a 2022 European study titled “Towards energy efficient and asbestos-free dwellings through deep energy renovation,” it is estimated that there are approximately 2 million tons of asbestos in Spain. The amount in Europe is significantly higher, prompting Europe to adopt a strategy to remove all asbestos by 2032.
Specifically, in Spain, Law 7/2022 mandates municipalities to begin inventorying and scheduling asbestos removal. Public buildings must have all asbestos removed by 2028, while private buildings are expected to meet the European deadline of 2032.
How Long Will the Asbestos Detection and Reduction Process Take?
According to Law 7/2022, municipalities must complete the inventory and scheduling of asbestos removal by May 2023. After this, a Phase II inspection by certified technicians will commence before the hazardous waste is removed and disposed of in accredited landfills.
Public buildings must have all asbestos removed by 2028, while private buildings have until 2032.
Using Agforest’s Ag4Asbestos software, the inventory and removal scheduling (Phase I of asbestos management) can be completed in less than one month.
How Accurate is the Asbestos Detection Method Using Satellite Technology?
Agforest’s AI algorithms achieve over 90% accuracy in asbestos detection. We further verify our results through photointerpretation analysis by certified asbestos inspection technicians under UNE 1713470-2 standards. This dual approach not only maintains high accuracy but also corroborates results with certified experts, improving precision to over 95%. This accuracy level has been validated in more than ten large municipalities.
How can I make sure that my building or structure is asbestos-free after the removal process?
Hiring a certified company for asbestos removal is a good start. However, follow these additional steps to ensure complete asbestos removal:
Aquí hay algunos pasos que puede seguir para asegurarse de que su edificio esté libre de amianto después de contratar a una empresa certificada para la eliminación:
- Obtain all removal documents and certifications from the company, detailing the removal scope, equipment used, and post-cleaning procedures. Request an independent indoor air quality assessment from an accredited laboratory to check for asbestos fibers.
- If asbestos fibers are found, work with the certified company for additional cleaning. Consider annual indoor air quality inspections to detect future issues.
- If the assessment indicates that asbestos fibers are present, be sure to work with the certified company and any other contracted companies to perform additional cleaning to ensure that the building is completely free of asbestos.
- Once the building has been verified as asbestos-free, consider performing an annual indoor air quality inspection to detect any potential future problems.
In summary, while hiring a certified company is an important step in ensuring safe asbestos removal, it is still important to take additional steps to verify that the building is completely free of asbestos and ensure long-term safety.