Why has the EU delayed its asbestos screening programme?

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fibre with known carcinogenic properties, continues to pose a significant threat to public health. Despite its ban in the UK and many other countries, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) remain prevalent in older buildings and exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious health consequences – so why then has the EU delayed the launch of its screening programme? writes John Ridgeway.

Mesothelioma, a particularly rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, has seen a concerning increase in recent years. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recently reported a significant rise in mesothelioma cases, highlighting the ongoing dangers of asbestos. EU sources report cases up 10% year on year.

To put this into perspective UKHSA reported in 2017, that twelve thousand lung disease deaths annually were estimated to be linked to past occupational exposures and 18,000 new cases of breathing or lung problems are self-reported as being caused or made worse by work. The legacy of asbestos use continues to dominate mortality statistics, accounting for approximately 40% of annual deaths from respiratory disease.

The asbestos epidemic

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials throughout the 20th century, due to its insulating and fire-resistant properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibres are highly carcinogenic. Exposure to asbestos can lead to a range of health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Despite the ban on asbestos in the UK and many other countries, the number of mesothelioma cases, as we have reported, continues to rise. This is due to the long latency period between asbestos exposure and the development of the disease. It can take decades for symptoms to appear, making it difficult to link specific cases of mesothelioma to exposure to asbestos.

The recent UK Health Security Agency's report on the rise in mesothelioma cases, supported by similar EU figures, is a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers and highlights the need for continued efforts to prevent exposure to asbestos and to provide support for individuals affected.

It is just one reason why asbestos surveys are essential for identifying the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings and is why the European Commission's decision to delay the implementation of such a directive, has faced criticism from trade unions and health organisations. This directive was aimed to protect workers and the public by requiring asbestos surveys in buildings before renovation or demolition and should have been introduced in June 2023.

Trade unions argue that the delay in implementing the directive puts workers at risk of exposure to asbestos fibres, potentially leading to an increase in mesothelioma cases. They emphasise the urgent need for stricter regulations to safeguard the health of construction workers and the general public.

Reasons for the Delay

The reasons for the delay in implementing the directive are not entirely clear, which makes it even more baffling, but we can speculate and look at some of the factors that may have contributed to the decision.

Economic considerations are the most likely. Because the implementation of the directive would have required building owners to conduct asbestos surveys before renovation or demolition, could have led to increased costs and potentially delayed construction projects.

The directive would also have placed additional administrative burdens on building owners and contractors, requiring them to comply with new regulations and procedures. Furthermore, there may have been uncertainty regarding the prevalence of asbestos in buildings across the European Union, making it difficult to assess the need for a mandatory screening directive.

Employers already have a legal obligation to protect their employees from exposure to asbestos. This includes conducting regular asbestos surveys, providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and training workers on asbestos safety procedures.

Building owners are also responsible for ensuring that their properties are safe for occupants. This includes conducting asbestos surveys and taking necessary steps to remove or manage any ACMs present in the building.

As we have shown, the legacy of asbestos continues to haunt us, as evidenced by the increasing number of mesothelioma cases. It is time for decisive action to address this public health crisis. Governments, employers and building owners must work together to implement effective asbestos management programmes, including mandatory screening, safe removal and proper disposal. By taking these steps, we can protect the health of workers and the public and ensure a safer future for all.