European Commission to hold online asbestos conference

(PHOTO: Adobe Stock)

The conference will be online only event that will run from 13:00 to 17:30 on 28 November. Bringing together frontline experts, it aims to support the effective implementation of the recently revised Asbestos at Work Directive.

It will focus on three key areas; legal framework and enforcement aspects, main challenges and possible solutions from different perspectives and implementation aspects, with speakers set to go into details on sampling and testing, comparability of exposure assessment methods, and training.

The European Commission said in a statement: “Asbestos is a highly dangerous, cancer-causing substance which became widely used over the time due to its heat resistance and strength. Asbestos is known to contribute to the high burden of cancer in Europe.

“Although in 2005 all forms of asbestos were banned in the European Union (EU), a substantial legacy problem exists across the EU, especially in many older buildings likely to be renovated or demolished.

“While extracting, manufacturing, and processing asbestos is prohibited, it is estimated that currently 4.1 to 7.3 million workers in the EU are exposed to asbestos and 125 million people worldwide. In 2019, occupational exposure to asbestos claimed over 70 000 lives in the EU.”

Those who wish to attend can register by emailing: [email protected]

European Commission to create new guidelines for asbestos EC calls for asbestos experts and stakeholders to participate

European Asbestos Forum 2024 to address asbestos in demolition and construction World’s biggest asbestos conference to feature 30 speakers from around the world