Parliament pushes for asbestos register amid rising health concerns in Denmark

Invisible yet lethal, tiny dust fibers pose a significant threat to life when inhaled. These dangerous particles can be found in a variety of materials, including asbestos roofing, paint, tile adhesives, and pipe insulation. The European Parliament is advocating for an asbestos register to address the widespread issue of asbestos in existing structures, having pushed for regulations for two years.

Marianne Vind, a member of the European Parliament, is committed to establishing this register. She highlights that approximately 300 Danes die each year due to asbestos exposure in their professions, impacting numerous families.

Professor Lars Gunnarsen from Aalborg University emphasizes the necessity of tracking asbestos locations to protect workers. He points out that construction professionals must be aware of potential asbestos exposure to ensure their safety. Jacob Bjørklund Jensen, a plumber from Kolding, aligns with this perspective, stressing that clear regulations on asbestos registration are crucial for safeguarding all skilled trades, including carpenters and painters.

Frustration mounts over the delay in establishing screening and registration rules for asbestos, which were expected to be enacted by the European Commission in 2023. Vind expresses her concern that each year of delay increases the risk for many workers.

In a recent statement, a spokesperson for the European Commission noted that more time is needed to gather relevant data and to develop appropriate measures.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has been known to pose health risks since the 1930s, with evidence linking it to conditions such as asbestosis and lung cancer. Harmonizing asbestos regulations across the EU is seen as essential for enhancing worker safety and preventing disease. Gunnarsen advocates for a standardized registration process to raise awareness and reduce health risks associated with asbestos exposure.