Asbestos: A Computational and Scientific Analysis of Its Material characteristics, Health Hazards, Applications in Nepal and Viable Alternatives

Asbestos was widely used in the twentieth century because of its excellent thermal insulation, high tensile strength, and fire-resistant properties. However, prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibres has been linked to serious diseases, including lung cancer, Mesothelioma, and asbestosis. This study investigates the engineering performance and health implications of asbestos using published scientific literature and Python-based computational modelling. The thermophysical properties of six construction and insulation materials were used to develop a 1-dimensional (1-D) heat conduction model and an indoor air simulation. The heat transfer simulation was performed over 120 s, while the indoor air model examined fibre settling, airborne concentration, and the effect of ventilation on particle dispersion. The results showed that asbestos effectively delayed heat transfer, but fiberglass, glass wool, and rock wool provided comparable insulation without the associated health risks. The simulations also demonstrated that asbestos fibres, typically smaller than 10 μm, remain airborne for longer periods and are dispersed more widely by mechanical airflow. Overall, the study shows that although asbestos has favourable engineering properties, its health risks outweigh its practical benefits, while Python-based computational modelling provides an effective and cost-efficient tool for analyzing heat transfer and airborne particle behaviour.