The purpose of this study was to explore the current situation and countermeasures to the asbestos-slate-roof problem in rural Korea. According to the Ministry of Environment, the share of asbestos slate roof occupies 38percent of total rural residents' houses and the asbestos slate includes about 10∼15percent of asbestos which is well known as a class one carcinogen.
The Korean government provides favorable incentives to the residents who want slate-house remodeling with a long-term house loan program while surveys the real situation of asbestos-slate-roof houses in terms of age, usage, and residents. However, this program does not fit very well because most residents of asbestos-slate-roof houses are very old and poor, and do not have any intention to remodel their house any more. Based on the research results, the followings are recommended as major countermeasures:
(1) Conduct a comprehensive survey of the real situation of the asbestos-slate-roof houses and develop a master plan to deal with related issues. Since asbestos is a toxic substance and most residents of asbestos roof houses belong to a neglected social class, government support is necessary for removal and replacement of asbestos slate roof.
(2) Advertise to warn the people how hazardous asbestos is, and provide education on how to handle asbestos-slate-roof materials. This education may reduce the unnecessary fear which may be caused by the misunderstanding of the asbestos slate and help reduce the cost of removing the asbestos slate by themselves. Designation of waste collection sites near rural centers and proper education of how to handle the asbestos slate with an instruction manual are useful ways of reducing the cost of replacing the asbestos slate roof.
(3) Modify the asbestos-related administrative systems which are operated by the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, and legislate laws for supporting the replacement of asbestos slate roof.
Researchers: Dong-Phil Lee, Kyeong-Hwan Choi, and Heo Joo-Nyung, Min-Soo Lee
Research period: 2010. 4. ∼ 2010. 6.
E-mail address: ldphil@krei.re.kr