1. Introduction

ERM Umwelt Consult Rhein-Main-Neckar GmbH (ERM, formerly ERL) was commissioned by the Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (gtz) mbH to perform an Asbestos study. A total of 1.5 FM was available for this assignment. The first phase of the project was completed in June 1992. In a second phase the main focus was placed on the use of Asbestos containing materials in the areas of housing and water mains construction, as well as on the available Asbestos substitutes in these areas. Furthermore, the use and handling of Asbestos should be more closely discussed on the basis of selected countries and donor organizations. The selection of the countries and donors was performed in collaboration with the contractor or the Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW). External budgets were formed for the acquisition of information from the selected countries. For the performance of the second phase 2 FM were available.

The study "Asbestos" serves as an estimation of the risks resulting from the handling of Asbestos materials. The practices in mining and use of Asbestos containing materials in the developing countries (DC) should be given special attention. One goal of the study is the development of recommendations for handling the Asbestos problem for people involved in joint projects with developing countries. The study should also be helpful in practical use for better handling of the Asbestos problem in DC.