Japan

Nov 5, 2005

Making asbestos safer

TOKYO - Nippan Kenkyujo, a manufacturer of ceramic coatings, has developed a coating that can render asbestos harmless.

When the coating is applied, the asbestos fibers undergo a chemical reaction in which they are bound in bundles of up to several hundred fibers each and then hardened. This process prevents the fibers from being inhaled.

The company made the product by mixing a catalyst in silicon dioxide.

When used, the substance is diluted with water and then directly applied by a roller or brush to asbestos or architectural material

containing asbestos.

The product differs from typical sealants, which merely harden the surface of asbestos, in that it binds the fibers together. Asbestos fibers have a diameter of about 20 nanometers, which is about 1/5000th the diameter of hair. When these fibers are released into the air and inhaled, they can lead to health problems. If bundled, however, they become heavier and will not become airborne.

Nippan Kenkyujo will offer a total of three products, including one that can be colored, starting in December. In its first year, Nippan Kenkyujo anticipates sales of 500 million yen (US$4.2 million).

For the time being, the company will produce the substance at its plant in Kanagawa prefecture. As sales grow, it will consider collaborating with outside plants.

(Asia Pulse/Nikkei)

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