Regarding laws regarding asbestos

On June 5, 2020, the ``Act for Partial Amendment of the Air Pollution Control Act'' (Act of 2020) was adopted in order to suppress the emission of asbestos during construction work such as demolition of buildings. No. 39 (hereinafter referred to as the “Revised Act”) has been issued.
The revised law has been gradually implemented since April 1, 2021.
Please check the Ministry of the Environment website for details.
Regarding the revised Air Pollution Control Act (1) Expansion of the scope of regulations Regulations will be put in place to expand the scope of regulations to include all asbestos-containing building materials, including molded boards containing asbestos.
(2) Ensuring the reliability of preliminary inspections In order to prevent inappropriate preliminary inspections such as overlooking asbestos-containing building materials, we ask prime contractors to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos-containing building materials for demolition work of buildings of a certain size or larger. Regardless of the situation, reporting of investigation results to prefectures, etc. is mandatory. In addition, investigation methods, etc. will be legalized.
(3) Creation of direct penalties In order to thoroughly prevent the scattering of asbestos during work such as removing asbestos-containing building materials, direct penalties will be established for those who carry out work to remove asbestos by spraying without isolation.
(4) Preventing inappropriate work Main contractors are required to report the results of work such as removing asbestos-containing building materials to the client, and to create and preserve records regarding the work.
(5) Other necessary measures, such as expanding the scope of on-site inspections by prefectures, etc., and creating a responsibility for the national and local governments to assist owners of buildings, etc. in preparation for disasters in ascertaining whether building materials containing asbestos are being used, etc. Regulations will be put in place.

Asbestos scattering prevention flyer

Asbestos Scattering Prevention Leaflet

At the same time as the Air Pollution Control Act was revised, the Asbestos Regulations (Asbestos Hazard Prevention Regulations) were also revised.
For details, please check the website of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Regarding related laws and regulations such as the Asbestos Hazard Prevention Regulations

Asbestos General Information Portal Site

《Air Pollution Control Act/Environmental Security Ordinance》Notification regarding specified dust emission work (asbestos)

We will inform you about notification regarding measures to prevent asbestos scattering, which is necessary when demolishing, remodeling, or repairing buildings.

Application Guide