Index-based FT-IR assessment of chrysotile detectability and environmental durability in asbestos cement materials

Despite regulatory restrictions, asbestos cement materials remain widely employed among the population, thereby presenting significant environmental and health risks due to their chrysotile asbestos composition and vulnerability to weathering-induced deterioration. This paper explores the environmental durability of asbestos cement products and the detectability of chrysotile fibres using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, with a focus on an index-based evaluation. The analysis included both environmentally exposed and non-weathered reference samples, categorised into flat sheets, corrugated sheets, and pipes. Key performance indices were developed to assess spectrum matching accuracy, chrysotile fibre detectability, and durability under environmental stress. Results indicate that environmental exposure was associated with higher chrysotile detectability, likely due to surface degradation and increased dusting potential. These findings offer valuable insights for risk assessment and the development of improved monitoring strategies for asbestos-containing materials in various environments. The paper highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluations to understand the environmental behavior and risk profiles of asbestos cement products, which can inform appropriate management approaches for these materials in different applications and settings.