Asbestos hazard - how harmful are asbestos fibres?

Almost 80 years ago Asbestosis and Lung cancer due to asbestos exposure is recognised as occupational. Studies have shown that pleural mesothelioma (Pleural cancer) is very often due to asbestos contact by those affected. The risk for Laryngeal cancer is also increasing.

Asbestos-induced Mesothelioma of the pleura (pleura), the peritoneum (peritoneum) or the pericardium (pericardium):

The malignant MesotheliomaMostly of the pleura, this was a rather rare form of cancer in the 1980s, takes but since then steadily increasing.

This disease can occur even with short-term exposure or low concentrations.

The average Latency time is approx. 30 years, rarely under 20 years, maximum until about 60 yearswhich makes it difficult to assess past exposure to asbestos.

"A. whereas all types of asbestos are dangerous and the health hazards of asbestos have been documented and regulations have been put in place;

whereas most of the adverse health effects of inhaled asbestos fibres do not occur until decades after exposure;

B. whereas a group of experts commissioned by the European Commission came to the following conclusion as early as 1977: "There is no abstract proof of an exposure threshold below which cancer will not develop. A safe maximum exposure limit has not been determined for asbestos";

whereas this opinion confirmed over the years by all relevant scientific advisory bodies whereas it is generally recognised in the courts that there is no known exposure threshold for asbestos below which there is no risk;

C. whereas Directive 1999/77/EC states: "No threshold has yet been identified below which chrysotile asbestos would not be associated with a cancer risk", and "An effective means of protecting human health is to prohibit the use of chrysotile asbestos fibres and products containing these fibres";

D. whereas Populations exposed to very low levels of asbestos fibres, including chrysotile fibresa Increased risk of cancer was observed;"

Although the asbestos removal process without fibre release, in which Floorflex panels are removed and the asbestos-containing adhesive remains under a sealant, proved to be reliable, the State Office for Occupational Safety, Health Protection and Technical Safety (LAGetSi) changed the removal specifications in 2012.

On 11 July 2012, the new removal regulation came into force, which now also includes the removal of the adhesive by means of a grinding process.

The "Low exposure method" is now mandatory, which leads to an increased Release of asbestos fibres during asbestos removal leads. The technical and financial outlay has increased considerably.

Not only the Labourers are therefore additional danger exposed. The new procedure also jeopardises the immediate surroundings, as a Fibre release through Dust formation cannot be ruled out during the refurbishment.

"Take do-it-yourselfers, for example: they knock Eternit panels off the roof of their wooden shed. They remove radiators from the wall that are insulated with asbestos fibres. Or they try to remove tiles from the wall that are glued on with asbestos-containing adhesive.

They then inhale the fibres without knowing it and are unable to protect themselves. And For this reason, it is assumed that although occupationally associated malignant asbestos diseases are decreasing slightly, those contracted in their leisure time, i.e. not at work, are increasing."

For some, the danger of asbestos seems abstract. As with radioactivity, asbestos fibres cannot be seen or smelled. Added to this is the relatively long latency period (approx. 20-60 years). Some even speak of asbestos scaremongering or asbestos fearmongering. 

However, experts agree. Asbestos is dangerous even with short-term exposure. It is not for nothing that the use of asbestos has been banned in many countries (EU-wide ban on asbestos since 2005). Asbestos is a highly toxic substance that must not be released into the air we breathe. In the light of these findings, there can be no question of asbestos scaremongering or asbestos fearmongering. 

As mentioned in the article a group of experts commissioned by the EU concluded as early as 1977 that there is no exposure threshold for asbestos below which cancer could not develop. This opinion has been confirmed over the years by all relevant scientific advisory bodies. It is also recognised in court that there is no exposure threshold for asbestos below which there is no risk. 

Due to the lack of labelling of asbestos-contaminated residential buildings and the lack of information policy on the part of landlords (e.g. Degewo in Berlin) tenants are still exposed to the risk of asbestos.