Communication on working towards an asbestos-free future: a European approach to addressing the health risks of asbestos

Author (Corporate)
Series Details COM (2022) 488
Publication Date 28/09/2022
Content Type

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission on 28 September 2022, focusing on work towards an asbestos-free future.

Further information:

Asbestos is a dangerous, cancer-causing substance. Environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos is known to contribute to the high burden of cancer in the European Union (EU), causing many avoidable deaths. The European Commission has committed to reducing exposure to carcinogenic substances such as asbestos as part of the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and theĀ Zero Pollution Action Plan. As asbestos can still be found in many buildings, a comprehensive and integrated approach is deemed required to tackle this legacy, across several policy areas.

This Communication presents a life-cycle approach underpinned by an overarching public health objective. It spans the action needed to identify asbestos present in buildings and to register such information, to ensure its safe removal or treatment as relevant and the treatment of asbestos-containing waste, while maximising the protection of workers and ensuring an adequate follow-up of asbestos-related diseases. It also highlights the EU funding available for the safe removal of asbestos at national, regional and local level, based on already existing or planned programmes.

Source Link Link to Main Source https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=COM:2022:488:FIN
Related Links
Official
European Commission: Press Release, 28/09/2022: Commission acts to better protect people from asbestos and ensure an asbestos-free future https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5679
European Commission: Questions and Answers: Towards an asbestos-free future (28 September 2022) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_22_5678
European Commission: Statement by Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Schmit on protecting people from asbestos and minimum income (28 September 2022) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_22_5844

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