Some of the most promising developments include:
1. Enzyme-Based or Chemical Neutralization
Biological or chemical treatments are being researched to neutralize asbestos fibers, making them non-toxic before removal.
Example: Magnesium chloride or other chemical agents that bond with asbestos to suppress fiber release.
2. Encapsulation Nanotechnology
Use of nano-coatings or smart polymers to seal asbestos materials permanently in place, reducing the need for physical removal.
These coatings resist wear, damage, and fire better than traditional encapsulants.
3. Remote-Controlled Robotic Removal
Drones and robots are being used to reduce human exposure in high-risk environments like old factories or ships.
Robots can scrape, vacuum, and bag asbestos under remote operation in sealed areas.
4. Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring
New portable devices provide instant airborne fiber detection, replacing delayed lab-based analysis.
Some use laser scattering or AI-enhanced image recognition to detect specific fibers quickly.
5. Safer Disposal Innovations
Research is underway into converting asbestos waste into inert materials (like glass) via high-temperature plasma arc technology.
This avoids long-term landfill issues.
6. AI-Powered Building Scanning
AI tools can analyze building records, materials, and layout to predict hidden asbestos locations before inspection even begins.
