Ministries warn of potential asbestos hazard in buildings damaged by rockets

The Environmental Protection Ministry and the Health Ministry warn of potential exposure to asbestos hazards due to the war in the north.

Direct hits from rockets, shockwave damage, and shrapnel have caused damage to structures containing asbestos. The damaged structures might then release asbestos fibers, which are classified as carcinogenic.

The ministries urge people to take immediate action against asbestos hazards and eliminate the risk of exposure. If there is a concern about an asbestos hazard, the public should contact the Environmental Protection Agency hotline and report it at *6911.

Asbestos removal must only be carried out by licensed professionals listed in the Environmental Protection Ministry’s asbestos registry.

The public is urged not to enter buildings or yards where asbestos fragments or suspected asbestos fragments are scattered, not to touch asbestos fragments or suspected asbestos fragments, not to open windows in homes located near an asbestos hazard, and not to remove any objects from buildings with a suspected asbestos hazard.

The public can contact the Israel Tax Authority to receive financial compensation for asbestos hazard removal.

People can visit the Environmental Protection Protection Ministry’s website [Hebrew] for further information.