Ukraine, 16 October 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Japan and in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, has opened the country’s first national laboratory equipped with a transmission electron microscopy system for asbestos detection and identification.

The new laboratory equipment can perform detailed analyses of the morphology, structure and elemental composition of individual fibres, allowing highly accurate asbestos identification, including extremely fine fibres that may be difficult or impossible to detect using conventional optical microscopy methods.

The laboratory findings will help identify asbestos-containing materials at an early stage, assess associated risks, and inform decisions on safe demolition practices, the sorting, transportation, and disposal of contaminated debris, and determine whether other debris materials can be safely recycled.

Yo Osumi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, highlighted Japan’s experience in managing asbestos-related risks following major disasters. “Japan understands the dangers of asbestos exposure during the recovery from large-scale destruction,” the ambassador said. “Following the devastating earthquakes, we strengthened our approach to managing these risks and developed national guidelines to prevent the spread of asbestos during disasters. These measures helped protect workers and monitor air quality following the 2011 earthquake.”

“Today, Japan is sharing this experience with Ukraine by supporting the establishment of this laboratory and the introduction of national standards to protect the health of Ukrainians, both now and in the future.”

Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine, emphasized the importance of the new laboratory. “According to the RDNA5 assessment, Russian attacks have already damaged or destroyed 14% of Ukraine’s housing stock,” Liashko said. “Some of these buildings were constructed before asbestos was banned, and their demolition can release hazardous asbestos fibres into the air.”

“That is why communities need to know whether debris contains asbestos before starting clearance operations. The new laboratory will help identify these risks, protect workers and make informed decisions on safe debris management. It also brings Ukraine closer to meeting European requirements for monitoring airborne asbestos, and we are building this capacity in advance. I sincerely thank the Government of Japan and UNDP for their support.”

Olena Kramarenko, Deputy Minister of Economy and Environment of Ukraine, emphasized the laboratory’s role in promoting safe and resource-efficient reconstruction. “A significant share of debris generated by the war can be recycled and reused in reconstruction,” Kramarenko said. “However, this requires proper sorting and testing to identify hazardous substances. The new laboratory will help ensure that recycled materials can be safely used in construction, supporting the development of a circular economy while protecting public health and the environment.”

Ihor Dehnera, Head of the State Labour Service of Ukraine, highlighted the importance of protecting workers from asbestos exposure. “Asbestos is widely present in construction materials that workers handle every day, particularly during debris removal and the demolition of damaged buildings,” Dehnera said. “Yet occupational diseases linked to asbestos exposure remain largely undetected in Ukraine, with only isolated cases officially recorded. To effectively protect workers, we must first be able to identify hazards and assess the risks. The new laboratory provides essential capacity to do so.”

Olena Voskobiinyk, Director of the Department of Technical Regulation in Construction at the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine, reflected on the progress achieved through joint efforts. “Just a year and a half ago, we were working with UNDP and relevant ministries to identify ways to strengthen asbestos monitoring and control in Ukraine,” Voskobiinyk said. “Today, we see the results of this cooperation — a modern laboratory that will help make debris management safer. Our next priority is to develop the technical requirements and standards needed to safely use recycled materials in construction. This work is already underway, bringing us closer to safer and more sustainable reconstruction.”

Monica Rijal, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s capacity for safe and sustainable recovery. “Ukraine’s recovery is not only about rebuilding infrastructure — it is about protecting people, reducing health risks, and creating the systems needed for long-term resilience,” Rijal said. “This laboratory gives Ukraine the capacity to identify hazardous materials, support safe debris management, and increase the reuse of construction materials, helping communities rebuild faster, safer, and in line with international standards.”

Following its official opening, the laboratory will continue preparations for accreditation under the international ISO/IEC 17025 standard. UNDP will also organise training for laboratory specialists. Initially, the laboratory’s capabilities will be used to analyse samples collected through UNDP-supported debris management projects. This will help ensure the timely identification and safe separation of asbestos-containing materials, while determining which other debris fractions can be safely recycled or reused to support Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Background:

Asbestos is a carcinogenic material that was widely used in construction in Ukraine for decades, particularly in roofing sheets and insulation materials. When asbestos-containing building structures are damaged or demolished, hazardous asbestos fibres can become airborne and mix with other debris, leading to further contamination. Inhaling asbestos fibres poses serious health risks and can cause respiratory diseases, including cancer. The use of asbestos was banned in Ukraine in October 2023. Given the extensive destruction caused by the war, identifying asbestos contamination has become particularly important for ensuring safe building demolition and debris management.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, UNDP, with support from international partners, has removed and sorted over 1 million tonnes of debris across eight regions of Ukraine. During these operations, more than 3,570 tonnes of hazardous waste, including asbestos-containing materials, were safely separated.

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications and Advocacy, UNDP Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org  

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