Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used in many building materials before its harmful effects on health were known. It can remain invisible for decades and only lead to health problems at a late stage. Unfortunately, there are many homes where asbestos is still present and some tenants still live in ignorance of it.
A good example of this is the Degewo in Berlina company that manages 76,000 flats. According to a small enquiry from the year 2000, Degewo managers such as Frank Bielka of asbestos problems in Degewo flats, but did not inform the tenants. This is a worrying example of how companies can ignore their responsibility for the health and safety of their tenants.
Christoph Beck: How does responsibility for the city fit in with asbestos cover-ups and tenant endangerment?
In 2012, Christoph Beck and Frank Bielka published the book "Responsibility for the city: contributions to a new togetherness", while in the same year, Degewo offered tenants the Renovation of an asbestos flat authorised without pointing out the asbestos hazard.
It is difficult to understand how Frank Bielka and Christoph Beck can speak of responsibility for the city when they have apparently known about the asbestos problems in Degewo flats for years but have not informed the tenants about them.
It shows a big gap between their words and their actions. It could also suggest that Degewo may have been more interested in protecting its image and finances rather than taking its responsibility for the health and safety of its tenants.
If inhaled, asbestos dust can damage the lungs and even lead to cancer. It is irresponsible to allow people to live in homes with asbestos without informing them of the dangers. It is even more irresponsible to authorise tenants to renovate such a flat.
Taking responsibility does not mean running away from it
It is important that Degewo and managers like Christoph Beck take their responsibility for the health and safety of their tenants seriously. This also includes ensuring that affected tenants who may have suffered damage to their health as a result of exposure to asbestos are adequately compensated. It is irresponsible to put tenants at risk and then not be prepared to bear the consequences. Instead, the company should proactively find solutions and not try to do what Degewo has done so far, to fight affected tenants in court with expensive lawyers.
To summarise, asbestos in homes is an invisible hazard that can seriously affect the health of residents. It is irresponsible to allow tenants to live in flats with asbestos without informing them of the dangers. It is the duty of companies to ensure that their buildings are safe and without risk to health and that their tenants are informed of potential dangers.