News - Jun 4, 2025 Tuvalu Uses New Technology to Collect Asbestos Data

Tuvalu’s Department of Waste Management (DWM) has been busy in the outer islands collecting data on location of asbestos.

The team has visited the islands of Niue, Nanumea, Nanumunga, and Nukulaelae. The data collected provides information on the location and quantity of asbestos to enable the DWM to plan for its future management.

To complete the assessment, the DWM has utilised new technology – the MicroPHAZIR assessment tool to identify location of asbestos, and Kobotoolbox to record findings.

The MicroPHAZIR AS enables rapid, in-field screening and (presumed) identification of six types of asbestos fibres using non-destructive analysis – meaning that asbestos samples can be collected without the need for destructive testing methods, making the process faster and safer.

To ensure that the data is recorded correctly and can be used for informed decision-making, the team has been using KoboToolbox, a mobile data collection tool. This technology allows for data entry, even while being offline, and ensures that all information is accurately captured and shared for analysis.

To support this initiative, the Environmental Governance (EG)Team at SPREP provided training to the DWM and other Tuvalu Government Departments on how to input data into KoboToolbox and how to use the data and maps for informed decision making.

The integration of technology enhances the accuracy of the data collection and helps streamline the decision-making process, ensuring that Tuvalu can take proactive steps to safeguard its communities from asbestos.