Part 1: Asbestos in Buildings – The Hidden Risk Still Present in the Workplace

Asbestos is one of the most well-known health hazards in the construction industry – and at the same time one of the most misunderstood. And many people assume that asbestos “is banned and gone,” but the reality is that it still remains in enormous numbers of buildings and structures.

This means that asbestos continues to be an everyday risk for professionals working with:

• renovation and refurbishment
• demolition
• property maintenance
• installation (electrical, ventilation, plumbing/HVAC)

Asbestos is particularly dangerous because exposure can occur without being immediately noticed, and the effects may appear many years later.

What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?

Asbestos is a collective term for mineral fibers that were historically used in building materials due to their heat resistance and durability. The problem is that fibers can be released when the material is damaged or disturbed – becoming airborne and potentially inhaled.

Once the fibers enter the lungs, they can remain there for a very long time. This can lead to serious diseases such as:

• Asbestosis (pulmonary fibrosis)
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura or abdominal lining)

Research continues to strengthen the link between exposure and the global burden of disease. A study published in 2025 analyzed mortality related to asbestos-associated thoracic cancers (lung cancer and mesothelioma) and linked the disease burden to factors including national bans and exposure trends.

2025: Stronger Protection and Clearer Regulations in the EU

At the end of 2025, the European Commission emphasized that asbestos still plays a major role in work-related cancer in Europe, and that efforts to strengthen protection and guidelines continue to be based on medical and scientific evidence.

This is an important signal for the construction industry: asbestos is not a historical issue – it is a reality in today’s projects.

Why Does Asbestos Become a Production Risk?

Asbestos is not only an occupational health risk; it is also a risk to the overall execution of a project.

An asbestos incident can result in:

• work stoppages and downtime
• remediation costs
• delayed project timelines
• concern among clients and staff
• extensive documentation and follow-up inspections

With the right procedures in place, you can reduce the risk of a project “coming to a halt” due to a discovery or suspected exposure.

Next Part 2: How Do You Work Safely When Asbestos Is Suspected?

In the next article, we will review how to establish a safe working method using the right equipment to limit fiber spread. Stay tuned!