A History of Use: Asbestos as a “Panacea”

For decades, asbestos was hailed as a wonder material, prized for its affordability, strength, and exceptional fire resistance. This led to its widespread adoption in various industries, most notably in the production of fire-resistant textiles, insulation, and a multitude of building materials.Companies like the Belgian firm Eternit heavily utilized asbestos cement, a composite material extensively used in corrugated roofing sheets, tiles, and piping.

The Dark Side Emerges: Health Risks and Delayed Action

The seemingly miraculous properties of asbestos masked a grave danger. By the mid-20th century, mounting evidence revealed a direct link between the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers and severe respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Despite this growing awareness, Eternit continued asbestos production until 1997. The company has maintained that it was unaware of the full extent of the productS harmful effects throughout this period.

It has become clear from the mid -20th century that asbestos fibers that are released and inhaled cause lung diseases and cancer.

Legislative Action and Lingering Legacy

Belgium officially banned the production and reuse of asbestos in 1998. However, the widespread past use of asbestos means it remains a important environmental and public health concern. The removal of asbestos from existing structures and contaminated sites is a complex and lengthy process, expected to take many years to complete.

The Scale of Contamination: Eternit’s Dominance and Other Producers

Eternit held the position of the largest asbestos producer in Belgium. A study conducted by OVAM (Public Waste Agency of Flanders) indicated that Eternit was responsible for approximately 1.3 million tonnes of asbestos cement out of a total of 2 million tonnes of asbestos produced and used in Flanders. While Eternit was the dominant player, other companies, such as building materials manufacturer SVK from Sint-Niklaas, also produced asbestos-containing materials until 1998.

of a total of 2 million tonnes of asbestos produced and used in Flanders, around 1.3 million tonnes of asbestos cement came from Eternit.

OVAM (Public Waste Agency of Flanders)

Asbestos Today: A Persistent Threat

The legacy of asbestos continues to pose challenges. Due to its extensive use in the past, asbestos remains present in numerous buildings and infrastructure. The ongoing risk of exposure necessitates careful management and remediation efforts. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 125 million peopel worldwide are exposed to asbestos in the workplace, and thousands of deaths each year are attributable to asbestos-related diseases. This highlights the critical importance of asbestos abatement programs and public awareness campaigns to minimize future health risks.