Warnings issued by IG BAU: Rehabilitation efforts might inadvertently spark a harmful resurgence of asbestos
In an upcoming press conference, the Pestel Institute will present a "Asbestos Situation Analysis" to shed light on the ongoing challenges posed by asbestos in Germany, including the Saarland region. The focus of modernization efforts, aimed at creating new living space, climate protection, and barrier-free housing, is set against the backdrop of a significant asbestos threat.
Asbestos, a carcinogenic substance widely used in construction materials until its ban, continues to pose a health hazard in many older buildings across Germany. These buildings, constructed before the asbestos ban, still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that can release hazardous fibers during renovation, posing a risk to both workers and the public.
In Saarland, as in other German states, many residential and public buildings date from periods when asbestos use was common. While specific recent data for Saarland is not available, the nationwide presence of ACMs necessitates strict regulations and safety measures to protect against asbestos exposure during modernization.
These regulations govern asbestos handling and removal. Renovations must comply with the German Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (Gefahrstoffverordnung) and the Asbestos Ordinance (Asbestverordnung). Mandatory asbestos surveys are required before renovation or demolition to identify ACMs. Asbestos removal must be carried out by certified professionals equipped with protective gear and following safety protocols to prevent fiber release.
The disposal of asbestos waste follows stringent guidelines to avoid environmental contamination. Public awareness campaigns and training for construction workers and property owners increase safety and compliance. Modernization projects often incorporate asbestos abatement to ensure buildings meet current health and safety standards.
The Industrial Union of Construction, Agriculture, and Environment (IG BAU) has raised the "Asbestos Alarm for Germany," warning that with a massive wave of modernizations in older residential buildings, the asbestos threat is escalating. Asbestos is commonly found in elevator and utility shafts, plaster, joint compounds, tile adhesives, old asbestos-cement facade panels, and roof coverings.
Carsten Burckhardt, a member of the federal board of IG BAU, warns of a potential escalation of the asbestos threat in Germany, particularly in Saarland. The "Decade of Renovation" in Saarland and Germany could trigger an escalation of the asbestos danger, according to Burckhardt. The Professional Association of the Construction Industry (BG BAU) will assess the danger situation and present current data on lung cancer caused by asbestos.
IG BAU will hold a hybrid press conference in Berlin on August 10 to discuss the asbestos threat. The press conference will provide figures, data, and facts for the Saarland and the whole of Germany regarding the asbestos threat. Millions of tons of asbestos are hidden in old buildings across Germany, making the need for vigilance and proper safety measures paramount.
- The Pestel Institute is set to discuss the ongoing issues of asbestos in Germany, specifically focusing on the Saarland region, in an upcoming press conference.
- Asbestos, a carcinogenic substance, was commonly used in construction materials, and it continues to pose a health hazard in many older buildings across Germany.
- The focus of modernization efforts, aimed at creating new living space, climate protection, and barrier-free housing, is set against the backdrop of a significant asbestos threat.
- Many residential and public buildings in Saarland, constructed before the asbestos ban, still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that can release hazardous fibers during renovation.
- Specific recent data for Saarland is not available, but the nationwide presence of ACMs necessitates strict regulations and safety measures to protect against asbestos exposure during modernization.
- The German Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (Gefahrstoffverordnung) and the Asbestos Ordinance (Asbestverordnung) govern asbestos handling and removal in Germany.
- Mandatory asbestos surveys are required before renovation or demolition to identify ACMs, and asbestos removal must be carried out by certified professionals following safety protocols.
- The disposal of asbestos waste follows stringent guidelines to avoid environmental contamination.
- Public awareness campaigns and training for construction workers and property owners increase safety and compliance with asbestos regulations.
- Modernization projects often incorporate asbestos abatement to ensure buildings meet current health and safety standards.
- Carsten Burckhardt, a member of the federal board of IG BAU, warns of a potential escalation of the asbestos threat in Germany, particularly in Saarland.
- The Industrial Union of Construction, Agriculture, and Environment (IG BAU) has raised the "Asbestos Alarm for Germany," citing a massive wave of modernizations in older residential buildings as a factor escalating the asbestos danger.
- Asbestos is commonly found in elevator and utility shafts, plaster, joint compounds, tile adhesives, old asbestos-cement facade panels, and roof coverings.
- The Professional Association of the Construction Industry (BG BAU) will assess the danger situation and present current data on lung cancer caused by asbestos.
- IG BAU will hold a hybrid press conference in Berlin on August 10 to discuss the asbestos threat and provide figures, data, and facts for Saarland and the whole of Germany.
- Millions of tons of asbestos are hidden in old buildings across Germany, making the need for vigilance and proper safety measures paramount in the workplace-wellness industry.
- In the health-and-wellness sector, alongside medical-conditions like chronic-diseases and respiratory-conditions, asbestos exposure is a concern that requires continuous monitoring and preventive measures.
- The manufacturing industry, including businesses in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, retail, transportation, and technology, should also prioritize asbestos awareness and safety to protect their employees and the public.
- As the asbestos threat continues to persist in older buildings, investors in real-estate, personal-finance, finance, banking-and-insurance, and even the data-and-cloud-computing industry should be aware of the potential risks and costs associated with asbestos management and remediation.
