Presence of Asbestos : What Danger for Your Employees?

Asbestos: A Silent but Deadly Risk

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Asbestos, once prized for its insulating and heat-resistant properties, is now recognized as one of the most dangerous materials for human health. Although invisible to the naked eye, its fibers can remain suspended in the air, ready to be inhaled by workers.

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This exposure can lead to serious, even fatal diseases decades after initial contact.

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How to Recognize Asbestos in a Building?

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Asbestos was widely used in the construction sector until it was banned in Belgium in 2001. It may still be present in many buildings constructed before this date.

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Here are some materials where asbestos can be found:

• Insulation and Sprayed Coatings: Used for thermal insulation of pipes and boilers.
• Roofing and Cladding: Corrugated or smooth fiber cement sheets.
• Ducts and Pipes: Rainwater downpipes, ventilation ducts, fiber cement chimney flues.
• Floor Tiles and False Ceilings: Vinyl tiles, plasterboards, etc.

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The Health Dangers of Asbestos

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All forms of asbestos are classified as proven carcinogenic substances for humans. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause several serious pathologies:

• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Such as asbestosis, a chronic lung disease.
• Cancers: Of the pleura (mesothelioma), lungs, and bronchi.
• Other Complications: Pleural plaques, pleural thickening, etc.

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These diseases typically develop 20 to 40 years after exposure, making prevention and management of asbestos-containing materials all the more crucial.

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Best Practices to Protect Your Teams

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To minimize the risks of asbestos exposure on your work sites, it is essential to implement rigorous safety practices:

1. Identification of Asbestos-Containing Materials: Before any intervention, conduct a thorough inspection to identify materials likely to contain asbestos.
2. Marking and Limiting Access: Isolate the contaminated area to prevent fiber spread and limit access to authorized personnel only.
3. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers must wear appropriate PPE, such as respiratory masks and protective coveralls, to prevent fiber inhalation.
4. Waste Management: Asbestos-containing materials must be handled carefully and disposed of in plastic bags labeled "asbestos" for safe and compliant disposal.

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Call on Our Experts

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Asbestos detection and management require specific expertise. Trust our experts for an accurate assessment of asbestos presence in your buildings and to ensure the safety of your teams.

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Contact us here for more information.

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Want to know more about asbestos and how to identify it? Consult the resources specific to your region:

• Brussels-Capital:: environnement.brussels
• Wallonia:brochure "Asbestos in and around the house"
• Flanders: asbestinfo.be (OVAM)