Cancer risk assessment of exposure to asbestos during old building demolition.

This article focuses on assessing asbestos exposure and associated cancer risk among workers demolishing old buildings in Tabriz, Iran. Personal air sampling during demolition revealed that approximately 67% of airborne fibers were asbestos, with some buildings showing asbestos concentrations exceeding occupational exposure limits (0.10 fibers/ml). Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method and Monte Carlo simulation, the study estimated a considerable lifetime cancer risk for most workers exposed to asbestos during demolition. The authors recommend implementing asbestos risk management strategies—including separating asbestos-containing materials, using personal protective equipment, and applying wet methods during demolition—to reduce exposure and associated health risks.