Istanbul's Asbestos Crisis Amid Urban Transformation

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News Summary

Istanbul’s urban transformation is exacerbating the asbestos crisis, threatening public health while modernizing the city.

Istanbul’s Urban Transformation: A Rising Asbestos Crisis

As Istanbul undergoes an ambitious urban transformation, the rapid pace of demolishing old buildings reveals alarming risks buried beneath the dust — the hazardous material known as asbestos. While these demolitions aim to modernize the city and forge a new urban aesthetic, they simultaneously threaten the public’s health and the very essence of the area.

An Urban Makeover or Just Chaos?

The term “urban transformation” started to resonate throughout Türkiye post the devastating 1999 Marmara earthquakes. Initially linked with creating safer, more earthquake-resistant structures, the reality today is more chaotic than noble. Thousands of buildings across Istanbul are being targeted for demolition, many containing asbestos, a deadly substance associated with severe health risks, including various types of cancer such as lung, throat, and digestive system cancers.

Istanbul has transformed into a sprawling construction zone, overshadowing its historical and cultural richness. The city’s original allure, once characterized by greenery and aesthetic architecture, is fading, captured now mainly in old photographs.

Fake Transformations and Real Dangers

Urban transformation in Istanbul is being marketed as a much-needed renewal of the city. However, experts caution that what is truly happening lacks foundational structure and sustainable planning. The current wave of development appears as parcel-based renewal rather than sincere, holistic urban planning.

Mismatched cityscapes arise from this chaotic building boom, raising questions about whether these changes represent a real transformation. Most demolitions occur with little regard for necessary asbestos assessments, leaving both construction workers and nearby residents vulnerable to exposure. The debris left on-site continuously poses a hazard, as asbestos fibers can linger in the air for extended periods, risking health for terrible consequences.

Public Health at Risk

Scientific committees and various NGOs highlight a disturbing trend: millions of residents live in danger due to insufficient inspections prior to demolitions. The 2010 ban on asbestos production and usage in Türkiye has not completely extinguished the problem. Alarmingly, about 130,000 tons of asbestos have been imported into the country over the past decade, primarily sourced from nations like Russia.

Although regulations are in place by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, the responsibility for enforcement rests largely with local municipalities. Unfortunately, only a handful of these municipalities actively conduct pre-demolition asbestos inspections. This means that the majority of demolitions proceed without proper assessment, putting countless lives on the line.

Long-term Consequences Yet to Unfold

One of the most insidious aspects of asbestos exposure is that its health effects may take years, if not decades, to manifest. This delayed reaction leads to a pervasive underestimation of the risks associated with exposure. In light of this, the true cost of Istanbul’s urban transformation — both in human lives and public health — may not be evident until it is far too late.

Final Thoughts on Asbestos in Istanbul

The ongoing urban transformation in Istanbul raises urgent questions about the safety and health of its residents. With millions at risk and only a minimal level of proactive measures being implemented, preparedness against the danger posed by asbestos in demolition debris is sorely lacking. Without strict enforcement of asbestos inspections and a well-defined urban planning strategy, Istanbul’s bustling metamorphosis could lead to a health crisis overshadowing its architectural achievements.