engleski

National experience on asbestos management

Shipbuilding, asbestos cement industry and use of asbestos-containing materials had been growing in Croatia since World War II. First cases of asbestosis were recorded in 1960. Twothirds of the 248 pleural mesothelioma cases recorded from 1991 to 1997 were attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos. The 1999 EU Directive 76/769/EEC on dangerous substances and preparations adopted by all EU Member States articulates that “ no threshold level of exposure has yet been identified below which asbestos does not pose carcinogenic risk” . In 2002, United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) supported EU legislation, and required that all forms of asbestos be banned and added to an international list of chemicals that should be subject to trade control. At the EU Asbestos Seminar held in Brussels in 2001, Eastern European countries showed a near alarmingly low level of professional and public awareness of asbestos-related problems. Through the EU Directive brought into force on January 1st, 2005, trade, manufacture and use of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials have been banned in all Member States. Up to now, about 40 countries throughout the world have banned all forms of asbestos. Torn between health/safety and economic interests, Croatia opted for the latter, just like most developing countries with high unemployment, and asbestos was imported, manufactured and used throughout 2005. Currently, national regulations are revised and conformed to recommendations of the European Union. Import of asbestos and export of asbestos-containing goods stopped. Still, the problem of asbestos already in place and asbestos containing waste remains to be solved. Despite efforts to ban asbestos, it is likely that the global community will continue to live with this mineral forever. People will continue to face risks from asbestos exposure, particularly during asbestos removal, demolition, building maintenance, ship-breaking and waste-handling activities. Education on asbestos might substantially contribute to prevent disease and save lives. Asbestos is hazardous in all forms and at all stages of use. In conclusion: all types of asbestos cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. There is no safety threshold of asbestos exposure. Ban of the future use of all forms of asbestos has to be promoted. Asbestos currently in use has to be identified and managed properly. Export of asbestos-containing goods and asbestos-contaminated waste to the third countries has to be stopped.

asbestos removal; building maintenance; asbestosis;

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