Asbestos: Health Risks, Removal, and Local Impact

When you think of old houses, schools, or factories in South Africa, you might picture brick walls, corrugated roofs, or pipe insulation. But hidden in those materials could be asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once widely used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Also known as fibrous silicate, it was everywhere—until people started getting sick. Asbestos doesn’t cause immediate harm, but when it breaks down and turns to dust, tiny fibers get into the air. Breathe them in, and they can stick in your lungs for decades. Over time, that can lead to serious diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. The problem isn’t just old buildings. It’s also the people who worked on them—builders, plumbers, electricians—and their families who got exposed through contaminated clothes.

South Africa has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related illness in the world. Why? Because it was mined here—especially in the Northern Cape—and used in everything from roofing sheets to wall panels, even into the 1990s. Many homes built before 2000 still have it. And while it’s now banned, removal is expensive, poorly regulated in some areas, and often ignored until someone gets sick. Local authorities struggle to track where it is, and many residents don’t know they’re living with it. Even small repairs—drilling a hole, sanding a wall—can release deadly fibers if the material isn’t handled right. That’s why proper asbestos removal, the professional process of safely identifying, containing, and disposing of asbestos-containing materials is critical. It’s not a DIY job. It needs licensed contractors, protective gear, and strict disposal rules. And it’s not just about safety—it’s about justice. Workers who handled asbestos without protection, often for low wages, are now paying with their health.

What you’ll find in this collection are real stories and reports tied to asbestos in South Africa: cases of unsafe removal, community protests, health warnings from clinics, and updates on government action—or lack of it. You’ll see how it shows up in schools, informal settlements, and industrial zones. There’s no fluff here. Just facts about what asbestos is, where it hides, and who’s paying the price. If you live in an older home, work in construction, or care about your neighborhood’s health, this is the information you need.