The influence of the new corona is also an issue of "dust masks" held by local governments April 10 14:44

Insufficient masks throughout Japan due to the spread of the new coronavirus. Due to the growing demand, in addition to those for household and medical use, it is said that "dust masks" used to prevent inhalation of dust at construction sites are becoming scarce. Last year, in areas affected by a series of typhoons and heavy rains, the need for these dust masks increased sharply during reconstruction. Under the situation where it is difficult to know when similar disasters will occur, many local governments around the country have become unable to secure sufficient dust masks. (Kobe Broadcasting Station Reporter Shin Horiuchi)

Insufficient dust mask in disaster area

Temporary storage site for disaster garbage installed in various places in Chiba Prefecture. What was scattered all over was dust coming from debris and waste being carried in one after another. The prefecture quickly bought a dust mask to distribute to local workers. The number is said to be about 20,000.

Chief of Air Conservation Division, Chiba Prefecture “I never imagined that so many dust masks would be needed. I would like to proceed with stockpiling in the future, as it is possible. ''

Kofu City, which dispatched staff to the affected area, also faced the problem of dust masks, similar to Chiba Prefecture. According to a report from a staff member working in the stricken area that "four to five masks were used a day, it was not enough," he said he was considering increasing the stockpile.

How to prepare dust masks nationwide?

According to the government, the stockpiling of dust masks by local governments is not an "obligation," but they are calling on each local government to "prepare." Therefore, we decided to cover how many local governments actually stock up dust masks. The interviews covered a total of 138 local governments, including prefectures and ordinance-designated cities, that are responsible for preventing asbestos from spreading under the Air Pollution Control Law. First, we asked about the storage of dust masks for staff.

As a result, 51 local governments and about one third of the total answered that they had stockpiled for disasters. A total of 86 municipalities answered that they did not stockpile them in case of a disaster, and 62 of these municipalities answered that they did not secure any sources.

It is not just the staff who work in the stricken area. Residents and volunteers also work.

So we asked about dust masks for residents and volunteers. Then, only 54 municipalities answered that they had stockpiled or secured sources, and 76 municipalities answered that they had neither stockpiled nor secured sources.

Despite the government's call, it turned out that many municipalities did not have dust masks. Why didn't the municipality stockpile enough dust masks?

When asked, the reasons were that "the required number could not be estimated due to the scale of the disaster and the budget could not be set up", and "the priority of the measures was low, among other disaster risks". Was.

However, some municipalities answered that they had “equipped” in some areas with tens of thousands of stocks, and some respondents said that they had “equipped” even if they had tens of items, and the temperature difference among It became clear that there was.

Serious health damage

Why is the government calling on local governments to provide dust masks in the first place? It was closely related to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred in January 1995. Some 25 years ago, some people complained that they had inhaled asbestos from a building that had collapsed in an earthquake, and that after a long incubation period they had caused diseases such as "mesothelioma."

It is known that at least five people who have recovered or recovered from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake have died from asbestos and are recognized as work-related or public affairs accidents. The government has given serious consideration to the health damage caused by asbestos caused by the earthquake, and is calling on local governments to stock up on dust masks.

This asbestos is a natural mineral called "Ishiwata" or "Sekimen". It is very thin compared to hair and floats in the air when it scatters. Until about 20 years ago, it was widely used as a spray for buildings, roofing materials for factories and houses, and as a soundproofing material because of its high insulation and soundproofing effects.

Although production and use were completely banned by 2006, many asbestos still remain, and the country estimates that there are 2.8 million private buildings in which asbestos is used throughout the country. I am. If an earthquake occurs and the building breaks, there is still the danger that asbestos will splatter.

If it is not "dust prevention", it is useless

Although it depends on the situation of use, according to the Ministry of the Environment manual, dust masks with a particle collection efficiency of 95% or more are required when working outdoors in the event of a disaster.

When I interviewed the company that manufactures it, it sells for 200 to 300 yen per piece. The expiration date is two to three years, so you need to replace the stock mask regularly. However, after the spread of the new coronavirus in Japan, production has not been able to keep up with orders. It's called.

Extremely thin asbestos may be floating at disaster sites and demolition work sites of old buildings. For this reason, general masks and handmade cloth masks to prevent cold and pollen are not effective enough.

"Because you can't get a regular mask, buy a dust mask as a substitute." If there are people around you who think that way, I think it is important to stop and think about it. Not just dust masks, but we need to be modest in reaching the people who really need it.

Kobe Broadcasting Press Reporter Horiuchi Arashi