Per Japanese news outlet Kyodo, Tokyo’s metropolitan government said it will take urgent measures after asbestos was discovered in the structure of a swimming center to be used for water polo at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The material, considered a health risk, was found in fire-resistant coating used at two locations on a pillar supporting the roof of the Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center, which opened in 1993.
The material was sprayed on a steel frame in an area usually inaccessible to the public, with the entire structure covered by a panel. Therefore, there was no possibility of it being touched, the Tokyo government said.
The metropolitan government has installed handrails for stairs and conducted other renovation work since the fall of 2018 in preparation for next summer’s Games.
The presence of asbestos was confirmed during an inspection in 2017 before the renovation work began, but the metropolitan government originally deemed no immediate measures were required based on the material’s location and condition.
However, Tokyo’s government reviewed the assessment and has now decided to implement asbestos containment measures.
Tokyo’s metropolitan government plans to turn the water polo venue into an ice skating rink following the Olympics.
Asbestos was widely used as construction material until the 1970s because of its fire-resistant qualities. However, it was discovered that inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis and cancer, meaning that specialized crews have to be used to remove the material.
Easy solution. Just cancel all Water Polo at the games. It is a sport that is currently in such rapid decline of participation, we could save years of hassle & debate.
Jeeeesh, know your audience
found it 2yr ago, but likely waiting until 2020 b4 taking action?!