Methodology & Data Sources
How we collect, verify, and maintain the data that powers amianto.info.
Regulation Data Collection
Amianto.info maintains a structured database of asbestos regulations covering multiple countries and jurisdictions. This data is used to populate regulation pages, inform country-specific guidance, and help users understand the legal requirements in their area.
Regulation data is sourced from official, publicly available government and international body publications. The platform does not invent, interpret, or editorialize regulatory information. It collects, structures, and presents what official sources state.
International bodies
World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), European Commission directives, and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) guidelines.
National regulatory agencies
EPA and OSHA (United States), HSE (United Kingdom), SafeWork Australia, INSST (Spain), INRS (France), and equivalent bodies in each covered country.
National legislation databases
Official gazettes, legislative repositories, and published statutory instruments from each jurisdiction.
Professional standards bodies
UKAS (UK accreditation), NATA (Australia), COFRAC (France), and country-specific certification authorities that define professional qualification requirements.
All regulation pages cite their sources. When regulations change, pages are updated to reflect the current legal position. Historical regulation information is retained for reference but clearly marked as superseded where applicable.
Professional Profile Verification
When a professional registers on amianto.info, their profile undergoes verification before receiving a verified badge. The verification process checks:
Business registration
Confirmation that the business exists as a registered legal entity in their stated jurisdiction. This is checked against national company registries or equivalent databases.
Relevant certifications
Verification that the professional holds certifications appropriate to the services they claim to offer. This varies by country: in the UK, this may mean UKAS accreditation; in France, certification SS3/SS4; in the US, state-specific licensing.
Insurance and compliance
Where publicly verifiable, confirmation that the professional carries appropriate insurance coverage and is in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements for their jurisdiction.
Service area accuracy
Confirmation that the stated coverage areas and service categories accurately reflect the professional's actual operational capacity.
Verification is point-in-time. Certifications and compliance status can change. Amianto.info conducts periodic re-verification for subscribed professionals and encourages users to confirm current certifications directly with the professional before engaging services.
City & Coverage Data
The directory is structured around geographic coverage. Professionals are associated with the cities and regions they serve. This data is maintained through a combination of professional self-reporting (during registration) and editorial review.
City data includes population figures, administrative boundaries, and approximate service demand indicators. This information is sourced from national statistical offices (ONS, INSEE, INE, ABS, Census Bureau) and is used to structure the directory geographically and to display relevant context on city pages.
Coverage areas stated by professionals are not independently audited for every project. The platform relies on the professional's accurate self-reporting, with verification focused on confirming that the professional is licensed to operate in the jurisdictions they claim.
AI Screening Tool
Amianto.info provides an AI-powered visual screening tool that allows users to upload photographs of materials for a preliminary assessment of whether the material may contain asbestos. Important details about how this tool works:
Technology
The tool uses a YOLO (You Only Look Once) object detection model trained on images of common asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as corrugated cement sheeting, vinyl floor tiles, pipe lagging, textured coatings, and similar materials.
Purpose
The tool provides an indicative screening only. It identifies visual characteristics associated with materials that historically contained asbestos. It cannot confirm the presence or absence of asbestos fibers.
Limitations
Visual identification cannot definitively determine asbestos content. Many materials that contain asbestos are visually identical to materials that do not. The only definitive method is laboratory analysis (PLM, SEM, or TEM). The tool explicitly states this limitation to users.
Disclaimer
Every result from the AI tool is accompanied by a clear disclaimer stating that the result is not a professional assessment, that laboratory testing is required for confirmation, and that users should consult a certified professional for any suspected ACM.
The AI tool is a convenience feature designed to help users understand whether professional inspection may be warranted. It is not a substitute for a professional survey, and the platform makes this clear at every interaction point.
Data Update Frequency & Review Process
Regulation data
Reviewed quarterly and updated whenever new legislation, amendments, or regulatory guidance is published. Major regulatory changes (such as the EU Directive 2023/2668 lowering the occupational exposure limit) are reflected within 30 days of official publication.
Professional profiles
Professionals can update their profiles at any time. Verification status is reviewed annually for subscribed professionals. Material changes to certifications or compliance status trigger re-verification.
City and geographic data
Updated annually using the latest available statistical data. New cities are added as the directory expands into new markets.
ACM database
The asbestos-containing materials database is continuously expanded through professional contributions, academic sources, and verified industry references. All additions are reviewed before publication.
AI model
The visual screening model is retrained periodically as new training data becomes available. Model accuracy metrics are tracked internally and improvements are deployed as they meet quality thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is regulation data updated?
Regulation data is reviewed quarterly and updated within 30 days of major legislative changes. Each regulation page displays its last-reviewed date.
Can I rely on the AI screening tool as a professional assessment?
No. The AI tool provides an indicative visual screening only. It cannot confirm asbestos content. Laboratory analysis (PLM, SEM, or TEM) is required for definitive identification. Always consult a certified professional.
How are professionals verified?
Verification checks business registration, relevant certifications, insurance where publicly verifiable, and service area accuracy. Verification is point-in-time and subject to periodic re-review.
Where does regulation data come from?
From official sources: WHO, ILO, national regulatory agencies (EPA, HSE, SafeWork Australia, INSST, INRS), national legislation databases, and professional standards bodies.
How can I report an error in the data?
Errors can be reported through the Contribute page or directly via the contact page. All reports are reviewed and corrections are published as quickly as possible.