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The EFBWW calls on the European Commission to accelerate the promised asbestos screening, registering and monitoring directive. This piece of legislation is vital to protect construction workers: knowledge of the presence of asbestos is the first and most important prerequisite for the safe removal of any remaining asbestos in private and public buildings.
In 2021, there were 1 409 new cases of mesothelioma recognised - a type of cancer connected to asbestos exposure - accounting for 43% of total occupational cancers. This represents an increase of 135 cases compared with 2020, when there were 1 274 new recognised cases. These alarming numbers were revealed by Eurostat yesterday. Taking into account that these figures only represent the recognised cases, the real figures are probably a lot higher.
The European Commission already announced in 2022 that it was going to "put forward a legislative proposal on the screening and registration of asbestos in buildings and ask Member States to set up national strategies for asbestos removal (2023). However, nothing has happened since then, with the Commission ignoring the calls for urgent action.
In 2023, the Commission lowered significantly the occupational exposure limit for asbestos across the EU in an important step to better protect construction workers. Nevertheless, this positive measure is not enough by itself. Knowledge of the presence of asbestos is vital for the safe removal of any remaining asbestos.
EFBWW General Secretary, Tom Deleu: “Asbestos is still a killer. Asbestos is still present in millions of buildings and homes all over Europe. With the Renovation Wave happening at full speed, thousands of construction workers continue to be exposed to this deadly substance, too often without being aware. For the revised Asbestos Directive to be effective and save workers’ lives, we urgently need legislation that regulates the screening, registration and monitoring of asbestos. Unfortunately, it seems that the European Commission needs to be reminded of this every day. The EU needs to act, people’s health and lives cannot be compromised because of its inaction.”