Humans continue to debate the implementation of artificial intelligence. However, implementing AI to detect hazards such as asbestos can protect people. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic since its inception. Experts in various industries hold different opinions on how to implement AI without hurting the human job market, creativity, and other factors.

One of the best places to experiment with AI implementation is in jobs that are dangerous to people, such as hazard testing. Testing for hazardous materials, such as asbestos, can leave human testers vulnerable to this cancer-causing material. Using AI protects people while leaving other testing positions available. Keep reading to learn how artificial intelligence helps us detect asbestos worldwide.  

The Marvin Microscope System in Australia

Specialized laboratory technicians must examine a potential asbestos sample for roughly 15 minutes before documenting their findings. While they wear protective equipment, there is still a risk of asbestos exposure.

Frontier Microscopy, an AI and robotics company started by Australian engineer Jordan Gruber, is developing a microscope system to replace this human process. The system’s name is Marvin, and it can take pictures of potential asbestos samples, upload the pictures to an analysis program, and generate findings in just two minutes! While Marvin is not yet laboratory accredited, Gruber hopes that it will be soon and can start protecting lab techs.

Aerial and Satellite Surveillance in Spain

Asbestos isn’t just a problem in Australia. It was a popular building material in Europe, as well. Some European countries, such as Spain, have passed regulations requiring asbestos removal from public and private buildings within the next decade. While this is a great goal, experts are still creating a detection system to make the removal process more efficient and safer. 

The Universitat Oberta de Catalunya may have a solution. A research team from the university has partnered with a local technology company to launch an asbestos detection project. They are training a computer system algorithm to survey aerial and surveillance images of rooftops in Spain that may contain asbestos. As people confirm whether certain rooftops contain asbestos, the hope is that the algorithm will improve. While humans still need to understand the differences between asbestos abatement and remediation to perform the appropriate procedure, the detection algorithm will make the entire process more efficient.

Asbestos Cancer Detection in the US

AI isn’t just helping humans detect asbestos in building materials—it’s also helping us detect the effects of asbestos in the human body. Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause various health problems, including mesothelioma. Sometimes, diagnosing asbestos-related health problems is challenging.

Despite this, various medical studies in the US show promising diagnostic results. If a medical professional shares imaging with potential mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another health problem, AI can detect and diagnose it quicker than the professional. Additionally, artificial intelligence reduces the margin for error when diagnosing patients.

Artificial intelligence is helping us detect asbestos worldwide by providing advanced image recognition, real-time analysis, automation, enhanced accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and global accessibility and making the world a safer place. While AI continues to challenge societal norms and spark debates, using this technology for human safety shows a positive way forward.

If AI alone can do this, imagine what the synergism of all the cutting-edge technologies can bring out for you! Watch this for a detailed panel discussion with the global experts:

(45) Synergism of AI, Blockchain, IoT & Cybersecurity in Digital Transformation – YouTube