In a significant move towards safeguarding workers and promoting a healthier environment, the European Union (EU) recently reached a political agreement to update the EU Directive on asbestos at work. The revision of this directive is a crucial step in better protecting workers from the hazards of asbestos exposure.

HOW PREVALENT IS THE ASBESTOS PROBLEM?

Asbestos, a notorious carcinogen, notably known as the hidden killer had widespread applications in construction, insulation and numerous other industries in the UK until its complete ban in 1999. This has led to cases of asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma and lung cancer with approximately 5000 related cases being registered in the UK between 2021-2022. Across Europe, Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People, emphasized the legacy problem of asbestos in older buildings, which claims around 88,000 lives annually in Europe alone.

This is a globally prevalent issue but not many countries across the world have as stringent and dedicated government bodies to monitor asbestos-related cases as the UK and Europe.

EU’S PROACTIVE APPROACH

The recent political agreement introduces stringent measures that aim to minimise asbestos exposure during a transitional period towards becoming asbestos-free. The new limit of 0.01 asbestos fibres per cubic centimetre (f/cmᶾ) is ten times lower than the previous threshold.

Additionally, the EU directive also emphasizes the importance of transitioning to more modern and sensitive methods of counting asbestos fibres, such as electron microscopy, as opposed to the older phase-contrast microscopy.

WHAT ARE THE UK’S CURRENT ASBESTOS REGULATIONS

In the United Kingdom, the Control of Asbestos Regulation 2012 (CAR 2012) sets an exposure limit for asbestos fibres at 0.1f/cmᶾ of air. It’s crucial to note that these regulations are in line with previous international standards.

WHY SHOULD THE UK FOLLOW SUIT?

The UK should take inspiration from the EUs proactive approach to asbestos safety and here’s why:

1. Safeguarding Our Workers: The EU’s recent directive update and the UKs own CAR 2012 regulations and share a common goal – to significantly reduce asbestos exposure levels therefore prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our workforce.

2. A matter of Public Health: Asbestos lurking in older buildings poses a grave public health concern that extends far beyond workplace boundaries. By adopting and rigorously upholding stringent asbestos regulations, the UK can make strides in safeguarding the broader public during any activities involving asbestos-containing materials, whether its renovation, demolition, or regular maintenance.

3. Raising The Bar to International Standards: Aligning ourselves with the EU will set a precedent for international standards. Maintaining an unwavering commitment to safety and environmental standards, which not only preserves our competitive edge in international markets but also solidifies our reputation as a responsible, forward-thinking nation.

4. Embracing Technological Progress: The emphasis on modernising asbestos measurement methods, along with the EU and the UK regulations, underscores the urgency of keeping pace with technological advancement. Employing the latest tools and techniques is not an option but a vital means to accurately assess exposure risks and to shield our workers and the larger population from the harrowing consequences of asbestos-related diseases

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