Synthetic roofing very popular in LOS, besides being cheap it's much lighter so it requires less roof support.

I'm interested in using this, however I've read that it can contain asbestos. Is there anyway of knowing whether a particular brand/type is asbestos free?

Water would be collected off the roof to be used for everything except cooking and drinking. So it's very important the sheets are safe.

I suspect there is much more danger from bird shit than from any asbestos content. Asbestos is a danger when inhaled into lungs from what I recall.

Not sure if there is any way to know for sure if they contain asbestos but some may advertise not having any - don't recall any list but it has been discussed here before so you may be able to find something with a search.

Synthetic roofing very popular in LOS, besides being cheap it's much lighter so it requires less roof support.

but the building department requires the same roof structure which is meant for heavy loads.

Synthetic roofing very popular in LOS, besides being cheap it's much lighter so it requires less roof support.

but the building department requires the same roof structure which is meant for heavy loads.

That's interesting, does this include colorbond roofing? I'm always reading that considerable money is saved by not using tiles because the roof structure doesn't have to be so heavy.

We are putting a roof on a shed, so the building dept aren't involved.

All fibre reinforced cement products in Thailand contain asbestos.

The economical products for house construction contain the very unsafe asbestos, while the little more expensive products still contain asbestos, but is called chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos) said to be more safe.

Unpainted products are exposing asbestos directly to the enviroment by just handling these, painted or color bonded products are much safer if not drilled or cut into.

Safety measures can be taken by using wet cutting and drilling (water), and personal safety equipment. Safer at the construction time, but the wet sludge residue from the drilling and cutting process will later dry up and expose the asbestos in the enviroment.

Working with these product is always an health risk, no matter the protection equipment or handling techniques applied, I stay away from these products in all of my construction projects.