Concerns rise over illegal asbestos handling involving minors in Sønderborg, Denmark

Concerns over illegal asbestos handling have surged in Denmark recently, particularly in Sønderborg, where minors have reportedly been involved in handling dangerous asbestos at LM Multiservices. A documentary revealed that migrant workers were also tasked with asbestos-related jobs without adequate protection.

Recent investigations reveal further issues. In June, the Danish Working Environment Authority issued two immediate orders to Bygenergi ApS to properly store asbestos roof tiles during removal work in a densely populated area of Frederiksberg. The company failed to mark hazardous materials, leaving neighbors and pedestrians unaware of the dangerous waste in their vicinity.

During an inspection on June 21, officials noted unwrapped asbestos tiles on scaffolding, loose tiles on the sidewalk, and broken tiles both in a container and on the pavement, contributing to the generation of harmful asbestos dust. Experts warn that such dust, once released, poses inhalation risks leading to potential long-term health issues, including cancer.

While residents are not deemed at significant risk from the asbestos exposure during the construction, it nonetheless presents an unnecessary hazard. Addressing such risks requires careful management, especially in urban contexts where dust can linger longer due to environmental conditions.

The owner of Bygenergi, Torben Bro Petersen, acknowledged mishandling but attributed the oversight to inadequate updates on regulations concerning asbestos handling. He insists that his workers, including Polish laborers, operate under Danish agreements.

Experts have emphasized that the unsafe handling of asbestos materials warranted immediate regulatory action, underscoring the need for strict adherence to safety protocols in ongoing construction efforts, especially in densely populated areas.