Statistical Evaluation of Asbestos Exposure Awareness That May Arise From Removal of Building Debris in the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes

In addition to the dangers posed by earthquakes, long-term health concerns arise from asbestos exposure during demolition activities. Our study aimed to assess the awareness and perceptual effects of asbestos dust on individuals involved in or near demolition sites. We conducted a survey involving 110 participants across three groups: a. Demolition Officers (DO) (27 participants), b. Environmental Safety Officers (SO) (28 participants), and c. Individuals Present (IP) (55 participants). Participants provided demographic information and answered questions related to asbestos exposure and safety practices. The SO group displayed the highest awareness of asbestos hazards, though protective measures were insufficiently prioritized. Conversely, the DO and IP groups exhibited significantly lower knowledge of the risks associated with asbestos exposure, revealing a concerning gap in safety training and public information. Our findings emphasize the need for comprehensive awareness programs and stricter enforcement of protective protocols to mitigate the health risks posed by asbestos, particularly respiratory diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. The lack of formal safety information further exacerbates this issue, underlining the critical need for better safety education and equipment for all parties involved in demolition activities.