Why Asbestos Regulations Must Change to Protect EU Workers

24 May 2023

According to EU climate change targets, by 2030, around 25 million buildings are expected to be renovated - potentially leading to many workers becoming exposed to asbestos. In a bid to improve worker safety, the European Commission (EC) is preparing to reduce the asbestos fibre exposure limit by a factor of 10. 

When inhaled, asbestos fibres are known to cause life-threatening health issues later in life, such as lung cancer (mesothelioma), which can appear as much as 30 years after exposure. 

Why Asbestos Regulations Need to Change

Speaking about the strong measures that need to be introduced across Europe to protect workers, interim Director of the European Agency for Safety & Health at Work, William Cockburn, had this to say…

"Today, we're seeing the deaths related to exposures that took place in the eighties and nineties. When we renovate, or we carry out construction works, we risk exposing workers again to asbestos. So what we need are good procedures in place. We need to have the strong legislation that has been proposed with the good technical measures recommended there.

Asbestos fibres are carcinogenic, and as such, there is no totally safe level of exposure. The more fibres are breathed in, the greater the risk of developing an illness".

Trade Unions Believe in a Near-Zero Exposure Limited

Many trade unions concur with Mr Cockburn, believing the exposure limit should be 100x lower in order to properly protect workers. However, as he continued, there are a number of practical considerations to make to ensure levels aren’t too low. He continued…

"This is a difficult issue and one that the commission has addressed through quite extensive studies. At some point, you're approaching the background limit. Here we are in Bilbao, and we will be breathing in asbestos fibres at a very low concentration. So really you have to find a practical limit."

Protecting Ireland From the Dangers of Asbestos

At OHSS, we’ve been protecting businesses across Ireland from the dangers of asbestos since 2001, so our team has the experience and expertise to assist you with your asbestos removal consulting needs. To find out more about our full range of services, including occupational hygiene, visit us today at www.ohss.ie. 

Alternatively, if you suspect asbestos may be present in your premises, please speak to a member of our team at (01) 6905907, and they’ll give you the advice and assistance you need.

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