A team of researchers from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) has designed and tested a new system for detecting asbestos that has not yet been removed from the roofs of buildings, despite regulatory requirements.
The article titled “New AI tool efficiently detects asbestos in roofs so it can be removed,” published on TechXplore, details a groundbreaking advancement in the detection of asbestos in building roofs through an AI-powered system.
This new technology, developed by researchers from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) and in partnership with DetectA, leverages artificial intelligence, deep learning, and computer vision techniques to analyze aerial RGB images of roofs to detect the presence of asbestos.
Key Takeaway Points
- Innovative Use of RGB Images: The AI system uses commonly available and cost-effective RGB aerial photographs instead of the more complex multiband images. This approach not only simplifies the detection process but also makes it more accessible and economical for widespread use.
- High Accuracy and Scalability: The system has demonstrated a success rate of over 80% in identifying asbestos presence, which is significant given that RGB images contain less spectral information compared to other imaging methods. The scalability of this technology means that it can potentially be deployed widely to monitor and facilitate the systematic removal of asbestos from roofs.
- Potential for Wide Application: The system has been designed to work in various environments, including urban, industrial, coastal, and rural areas. This versatility is crucial because asbestos removal is a critical public health issue, with legal requirements in many countries for its systematic eradication from public and private buildings.
- Impact on Public Health: The article emphasizes the persistent threat of asbestos, which is linked to over 100,000 deaths annually due to conditions like lung cancer and pleural tumors. Effective detection and removal of asbestos are vital in reducing these health risks.
- Future Developments: The researchers are looking to expand the training data for the AI system to enhance its effectiveness in rural areas, where detection is currently less reliable due to variations in asbestos wear and coverage by vegetation.
This AI tool represents a significant technological advancement in addressing the global challenge of asbestos in building materials, potentially accelerating the removal process and reducing associated health risks.
Source: New AI tool efficiently detects asbestos in roofs so it can be removed
