COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS on working towards an asbestos-free future: a European approach to addressing the health risks of asbestos
Date: 2022-09-28
Institutions: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission
Subjects: asbestos, building regulations, cancer, carcinogenic substance, disease prevention, energy efficiency, health risk, improvement of housing, occupational safety, waste disposal

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 28.9.2022  COM(2022) 488 final  COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS on working towards an asbestos-free future: a European approach to addressing the health risks of asbestos   
 
 
1.  INTRODUCTION 

is  a  highly  dangerous,  cancer-causing  substance1.  Environmental  and 
Asbestos 
occupational  exposure  to  asbestos  is  known  to  contribute  to  the  high  burden  of  cancer  in 
Europe, causing many avoidable deaths. 78% of cancers recognised as occupational cancer in 
the EU, and 88% of occupational lung cancers are asbestos-related2. In 2019, occupational 
exposure to asbestos claimed over 70 000 lives in the EU-273. Although this is mainly due 
to  past  work-related  exposure,  it  confirms  the  severe  consequences  of  being  exposed  to 
asbestos.  

Over the past 40 years, the EU has taken action to limit and then ban all use of asbestos. 
Between 19834 and 19855, it restricted the use of six types of asbestos fibres. In 1991, the EU 
banned the placing on the market  and use of  five  of those types6, and  the use of  chrysotile 
asbestos  in  products  widely  used  in  the  construction  sector,  amongst  others7.  In  1999,  it 
banned all six types of asbestos fibres8, with the EU asbestos ban taking effect in 2005. The 
ban applies to goods both produced in and imported into the EU9. 

Beating cancer is an EU priority. The Commission has committed to  effectively reducing 
exposure to carcinogenic substances such as asbestos as part of the Europe’s beating cancer 
plan10 and the zero pollution action plan11. As asbestos can still be found in many buildings, 
including  in  private  homes,  a  comprehensive  and  integrated  approach  is  required  to  tackle 
this legacy, across several policy areas. Taking further actions to manage the risks of asbestos 
exposure will protect  people from  diseases, promote well-being, and  help  strengthening the 
European Health Union.  

Futher protecting the population from exposure to asbestos is particularly important as 
the EU rolls out the European Green Deal, which includes the ambition to increase the 
rate  of  building  renovations.  Buildings  are  responsible  for  36%  of  energy-related 

1   https://monographs.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mono100C-11.pdf  
2   WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury  
3   Lassen, C. and Christens, F. (COWI); Vencovska, J; Vencovsky, D. and Garrett, S. (RPA), Schnekider, K. 

and Dilger, M. (FoBiG). 2021. Study on collecting information on substances with the view to analysing the 
health, socio-economic and environmental impacts in connection with possible amendments of Directive 
98/24/EC (Chemical Agents) and Directive 2009/148/EC (Asbestos). Final report for asbestos. 
Data from Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 database. 

4   Restrictions on the use of crocidolite by Council Directive 83/478 introducing restrictions on asbestos into 

Directive 76/769/EEC  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31987L0217&from=EN and https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31976L0769&from=en  

5   Restrictions on the use of Chrysotile, Amosite, Anthophyllite, Actinolite and Tremolite, in toys, products for 

spraying or in powder form, insulation devices, paints and varnishes, Directive 85/610 https://eur-
lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31985L0610&from=EN 

6   Crocidolite, Amosite, Anthophyllite, Actinolite and Tremolite. 
7   Certain devices, paints and varnishes, filters for liquids, road surfacing material, fillers and sealants, low 
density insulating or soundproofing materials, air filters and filters for gas, underlays for plastic floor and 
wall coverings, textiles (with a temporary exception for diaphragms) and roofing felt.  

8   Directive 1999/77/EC with the transposition deadline of 1 January 2005 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-

content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31999L0077&from=EN  

9   Controls on products entering the EU with regards to their compliance with the REACH Regulation are 
governed by Regulation 2019/1020 on market surveillance and the compliance of products https://eur-
lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32019R1020&from=EN 

10   COM(2021) 44 final https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:8dec84ce-66df-11eb-aeb5-

01aa75ed71a1.0002.02/DOC_1&format=PDF  

11   COM(2021) 400 final https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:a1c34a56-b314-11eb-8aca-

01aa75ed71a1.0001.02/DOC_1&format=PDF  

1 

 
 
                                                           
greenhouse gas emissions. Since it is estimated that more than 85% of existing buildings will 
still  be  standing  in  2050,  energy  efficiency  renovations  will  be  essential  for  reaching  the 
European  Green  Deal  objectives12.  In  this  context,  the  renovation  wave  strategy13  aims  to 
double the annual rate of energy renovations by 2030. Specialised renovation works to reduce 
energy  consumption  can  ameliorate  health  and  living  conditions  for  dwelers,  improve  air-
quality,  alleviate  energy  poverty  and  foster  social  inclusion.  They  can  also  boost  the  long-
term  value  of  properties,  create  jobs  and  lead  to  investments  often  rooted  in  local  supply 
chains. However, since many buildings with a poor energy performance were constructed by 
using asbestos, accelerating the building renovation rate could also significantly increase the 
number of people exposed to asbestos-related health risks, since asbestos present in buildings 
could  be released during renovation works.  The  number of workers exposed, currently 4.1-
7.3 million, is expected to increase by 4% a year for the next 10 years14.  

In  October  2021,  the  European  Parliament  adopted  a  resolution15  calling  for  a 
European strategy for the removal of all asbestos. In it, the Parliament called for further 
EU  action  to  protect  workers  and  citizens  from  the  health  risks  related  to  exposure  to 
asbestos,  especially  in  the  context  of  the  energy  transition.  The  European  Economic  and 
Social  Committee  also  called  for  the  removal  of  all  asbestos16,  underlining  that  works  in 
energy  renovations  create  synergies  with  the  removal  of  harmful  substances17.  Citizens’ 
recommendations  in  the  framework  of  the  Conference  on  the  Future  of  Europe  also 
highlighted  the  importance  of  fair  working  conditions,  in  particular  the  revision  of  the 
Asbestos at Work Directive, and of a holistic approach to health18. 

A  European  approach  to  asbestos  is  needed  to  protect  human  health  and  the 
environment, in particular in implementing the European Green Deal and the Europe’s 
Beating  Cancer  Plan.  To  achieve  this  goal,  this  communication  presents  a  life-cycle 
approach underpinned by an overarching public health objective. It spans the action needed to 
identify  asbestos  present  in  buildings  and  to  register  such  information,  to  ensure  its  safe 
removal  or  treatment  as  relevant  and  the  treatment  of  asbestos-containing  waste,  while 
maximising the protection of workers and ensuring an adequate follow-up of asbestos-related 
diseases. This communication positions the EU as an international leader in the fight against 
the risks posed by asbestos. It also highlights the EU funding available for the safe removal 
of  asbestos  at  national,  regional  and  local  level,  based  on  already  existing  or  planned 
programmes. The action taken would also contribute to achieve the Sustainable Development 
Goals (SDGs)19.  

12    https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:b828d165-1c22-11ea-8c1f-

01aa75ed71a1.0002.02/DOC_1&format=PDF  

13   https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/eu_renovation_wave_strategy.pdf 
14   Based on current notifications, the increasing trend of the amount of asbestos-containing waste, the number 
of certified workers and the lifespan of the asbestos cement materials (70-80% of asbestos in EU). Source: 
RPA (2021) external study, see footnote 3 

15   https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2021-0427_EN.html 
16   https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/opinions-information-reports/opinions/freeing-eu-

asbestos#:~:text=The%20EESC%20encourages%20the%20EU%20to%20work%20with,States%20should%
20be%20encouraged%20to%20develop%20such%20registers  

17   https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/opinions-information-reports/opinions/working-asbestos-energy-

renovation-own-initiative-opinion  

18   https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/annex_0.pdf  
19 Specific SDGs include good health and well-being (SDG 3), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), 
Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9) and responsible production and consumption (SDG 12). 

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2.  SUPPORTING  VICTIMS:  IMPROVING  DIAGNOSIS  AND  TREATMENT  OF  ASBESTOS-

RELATED DISEASES 

A strong and ambitious policy on asbestos would unlock significant benefits for human 
health  and  well-being.  Exposure  to  asbestos  can  cause  diseases  such  as  mesothelioma20, 
asbestosis  and  lung  cancer.  Cancers  caused  by  asbestos  are  severe  and  have  poor  survival 
rates.  Mesothelioma  has  no  cure  and  patients  have  an  average  life  expectancy  of  4  to  18 
months21.  Asbestos  exposure  is  responsible  for  92%  of  all  mesothelioma  cases22.  Lung 
cancer, which is the second most commonly diagnosed form of cancer for men and the third 
for women,  has  a relatively low survival  rate after diagnosis  compared  with  other common 
types of cancer23.  

Asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period. As the first signs of illness may take 
an average of 30 years from the moment of exposure to manifest, asbestos-related deaths and 
illnesses due to exposure that happened before the 2005 ban are expected to occur until the 
late 2020s and 2030s.  

Screening and early diagnosis are fundamental to cancer prevention. As part of Europe’s 
Beating  Cancer  Plan,  the  Commission  has  committed  to  put  forward  a  new  EU-supported 
cancer screening scheme24 to help Member States improve access to early diagnosis.  A key 
elements  of  this  new  scheme  is  the  Commission  proposal25  to  update  the  2003  Council 
Recommendation  on  cancer  screening,  which  includes  the  extension  of  population-based 
screening to lung cancer. Furthermore, the scheme will be supported by the European cancer 
imaging  initiative. Building on an ‘atlas’ of cancer-related images and data, as well as  new 
tools  such  as  high-performance  computing  and  artificial  intelligence,  the  initiative  will 
provide  the  ecosystem  for  the  development  of  new  screening  methods  and  algorithms. 
Investments  in  screening  and  early  diagnosis  can  significantly  help  victims  of  asbestos 
exposure,  as  a  quick  diagnosis  and  treatment  will  mitigate  the  effects  of  asbestos-related 
diseases, including cancers. In addition, several key actions under the Cancer Plan focus on 
optimising diagnosis, treatment and care of cancer patients, including complex cancers with 
poor prognosis such as those caused by asbestos exposure. For instance, the establishment of 
an  EU  Network  linking  recognised  National  Comprehensive  Cancer  Centres  in  every 
Member State will improve access to high-quality diagnosis and care,  the ‘Cancer Diagnostic 
and Treatment for All’ initiative will improve access to innovative cancer treatment, and the 
‘Inter-specialty  training  programme’  focusing  on  oncology,  surgery,  radiology,  and  nursing 
care will improve the skills of the cancer care workforce.   

20   Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal 

organs (known as the mesothelium). 

21   Burgers JA, Damhuis RA. Prognostic factors in malignant mesothelioma. Lung Cancer. 2004 Aug;45 Suppl 

1:S49-54. doi: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2004.04.012. PMID: 15261434. 

22   European Occupational Diseases Statistics (EODS) - Experimental statistics - Eurostat (europa.eu) 
23   Health at a Glance: Europe 2020: State of Health in the EU Cycle  
24   See footnote 10 
25 Proposal for a Council Recommendation (CR) on Strengthening prevention through early detection: A new 
approach on cancer screening replacing CR 2003/878/EC (europa.eu) of 20 September 2022 

3 

 
 
 
 
                                                           
The risk of exposure to asbestos is highest in occupational settings. In 2016, an estimated 
66 808 deaths in the EU-27 were attributable to past occupational exposure to asbestos26. In 
2019, this increased to 71 75027. For these workers to have access to relevant compensation 
schemes, the occupational origin of asbestos-related diseases needs to be recognised. As the 
Treaty does not allow the Commission to propose a legally binding instrument in this field, 
the  main  basis  for  promoting  the  recognition  of  occupational  diseases  at  EU  level  is 
Commission  Recommendation  2003/670/EC28.  This  Recommendation  currently  covers 
cancers  and  other  diseases  caused  by  occupational  exposure  to  asbestos.  The  Commission 
will consult the tripartite Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work (ACSH) on the 
need to update it in light of the latest scientific findings29. 

The Commission will:  

launch the European Cancer Imaging Initiative (2022); 

 
  consult the tripartite Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work (ACSH) on 
the  need  to  update  the  Commission  Recommendation  concerning  the  European 
Schedule of Occupational Diseases by including additional asbestos-related diseases.  

3.  PROTECTING WORKERS AGAINST EXPOSURE TO ASBESTOS 

The  risk  of  exposure  to  asbestos  is  mostly  related  to  handling  asbestos  and  the 
dispersion of fibres during construction works, such as renovation and demolition. It is 
estimated that 4.1 to 7.3 million workers are exposed to asbestos. 97% of these workers are in 
the construction sector, including related occupations such as roofers, plumbers, carpenters or 
floorlayers,  and  2%  are  in  the  waste  management  industry.  Occupational  cancer  is  the  first 
cause of work-related deaths in the EU30 and 78% of occupational cancers recognised in the 
Member States are asbestos-related31. Therefore, tackling work-related exposure to asbestos 
is one of the priorities under the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work  for 
2021-202732. 

Lowering the occupational exposure limit for asbestos  

26   WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury  
27   Mesothelioma (7 510 deaths), ovarian cancer (2 032), tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer (61 035) and 

larynx cancer (1,173). RPA external study (2021), see footnote 3, data from Global Burden of Diseases, 
Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 database. 

28   Commission Recommendation 2003/670/EC of 19 September 2003 concerning the European schedule of  

occupational diseases, OJ L 238, 25.9.2003, p.28. OJ L 238, 25.9.2003, p.28.  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32003H0670&from=EN  

29   The occupational diseases linked to asbestos currently included in Annex I to the Recommendation are the 
following: asbestosis; mesothelioma following the inhalation of asbestos dust; complication of asbestos in 
the form of bronchial cancer, fibrotic diseases of the pleura, with respiratory restriction, caused by asbestos; 
and lung cancer following the inhalation of asbestos dust. 

30   Occupational cancer is, with a share of 52 %, the leading cause of work-related deaths in the European 

Union, above circulatory illnesses (24 %) and injuries (2 %) and all other causes (22 %). This is according to 
2017 data, thus EU27+UK. https://visualisation.osha.europa.eu/osh-costs#!/  

31   https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/experimental-statistics/european-occupational-diseases-statistics  
32   COM/2021/323 final. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0323  

4 

 
 
 
                                                           
EU legal protection of workers from the specific risks of exposure to asbestos dates back 
to 198333. Since then, it has been updated several times. The most recent piece of legislation 
is  the  Asbestos  at  Work  Directive  2009/148/EC,  which  lays  down  strict  obligations  on 
employers  in  terms  of  protection,  planning  and  training.  In  addition,  since  asbestos  is  a 
carcinogenic agent, Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related 
to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances at work34 applies whenever it 
is more favourable to the health and safety of workers.  

Overall,  the  Asbestos  at  Work  Directive  remains  fit  for  purpose35.  However,  the  most 
recent  scientific  knowledge  supports  a  lowering  of  the  current  occupational  exposure  limit 
(OEL)36  37.  Four  Member  States  (Denmark,  France,  Germany  and  the  Netherlands)  have 
implemented binding OELs below the current EU-wide OEL. Germany has, in addition to the 
binding  OEL,  a  limit  value  corresponding  to  an  acceptable  concentration.  In  order  to  keep 
exposure below the acceptance level, there are mandatory guidelines that require measures to 
be considered in practice. The remaining EU Member States use the current EU-wide OEL. 

The  Commission  is  adopting  today  a  legislative  proposal  to  significantly  lower  the 
existing  OEL  for  asbestos  from  0.1  fibres  per  cubic  centimetre  (f/cm³)  to  0.01  f/cm³,  10 
times  lower  than  the  current  value.  Revising  the  OEL  for  asbestos  will  lead  to  a  greater 
harmonisation  of  limit  values  across  the  EU.  This  is  expected  to  lead  to  better  working 
conditions, including for the significant number of posted workers in the construction sector, 
and to a fairer distribution of healthcare costs for Member States.  

To  protect  workers  from  exposure  to  asbestos,  it  is  important  to  use  the  most  scientifically 
up-to-date  methods  to  measure  the  concentration  of  fibres  in  the  air.  This  produces  an 
accurate assessment of the risks and, consequently, a better protection of workers. Although 
the  most  used  method  currently  is  phase-contrast  microscopy,  as  recommended  by  the 
World Health Organization in 1997, other effective methods are also available. Scientific 
evidence  suggests  that  a  method  based  on  electron  microscopy  could  give  a  more  precise 
counting of the fibres, potentially resulting in better protection measures38. The Commission 
has therefore covered the use of measurement methods in the proposal to amend the Asbestos 
at Work Directive.  

Guidelines supporting the implementation of the Asbestos at Work Directive  

33   The second individual directive within the meaning of Article 8 of Directive 80/1107/EC on the protection 

of workers from the risks related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents at work (OJ L 263, 
24.9.1983, p. 25). 

34   OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 50.  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-

content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02004L0037-20140325&from=EN  

35   See the 2017 ex-post evaluation of the EU OSH Directives https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-

content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52017SC0010  

36   Evaluation supporting study available at: https://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=17060&langId=en  
37   If no action is taken at EU level, and considering only the occupations where exposure to asbestos currently 
occurs, an estimated 884 cases of occupational cancer will occur over the next 40 years in the EU-27. It is 
also predicted that 707 workers will die from cancer attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos over the 
same period. In terms of health costs, it is estimated that cancer cases will cost between EUR 228 and 
438 million. 

38   For more information on measurement methodologies see the opinion of the European Chemicals Agency’s 

Risk Assessment Committee 
https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/30184854/OEL_asbestos_Final_Opinion_en.pdf/cc917e63-e0e6-
e9cd-86d2-f75c81514277  

5 

 
 
                                                           
The  considerable  number  of  renovations  and  demolitions  expected  over  the  coming 
years means that for workers to be fully protected, the Asbestos at Work Directive must 
be adequately implemented. Member States, employers (especially small and medium-sized 
enterprises  (SMEs),  which  make  up  99%  of  all  companies  working  with  asbestos)  and 
workers  could  benefit  from  additional  support  to  ensure  compliance.  To  this  end,  the 
Commission will develop guidelines to aid implementation of the revised Asbestos at Work 
Directive, once adopted. The guidelines will provide in-depth information on the provisions 
in the Directive currently in force (such as training and use of personal protective equipment), 
but that merit clarification and advice. It is crucial to promote adequate training for workers 
who handle asbestos as part of construction, renovation and demolition works. The guidelines 
could  help  Member  States  and  employers,  especially  SMEs,  to  make  sure  that  workers  are 
aware  of  the  precautions  needed,  to  achieve  the  highest  level  of  protection.  The  guidelines 
could also cover some provisions that fall within the competences of the Member States (such 
as  certification  of  asbestos  removal  firms),  where  additional  explanations  could  be  useful. 
This would allow all parties involved to carry out the expected number of renovations, while 
ensuring the highest level of protection of workers from exposure to asbestos.  

Awareness raising 

As part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the European Agency for Safety and Health 
at Work (EU-OSHA) is preparing a workers’ exposure survey on cancer risk factors in 
Europe39.  It  will  look  into  the  most  prevalent  exposure  situations  and  the  number  and 
characteristics40 of workers exposed to a range of cancer risk factors, including asbestos. This 
will  enable  better  targeted  awareness-raising  campaigns  and  preventive  measures,  and  will 
contribute  to  evidence-based  policy-making.    It  will  be  particularly  important  given  the 
increased number of companies, workers, and private and public building owners that will be 
affected by the removal  of asbestos. For the same reasons,  the Commission  will work with 
the  Senior  Labour  Inspectors  Committee  (SLIC)  to  launch  an  updated  awareness-raising 
campaign.  

The Commission: 

  proposes  to  revise  the  Asbestos  at  Work  Directive  in  order  to  lower  the  current 
related  provisions 
limit  value  and  clarify 
occupational  exposure 
(accompanying  this  communication)  and  calls  on  the  European  Parliament  and 
Council for a swift adoption; 

the 

  will  develop  updated  guidelines  to  support  Member  States,  employers  and 
workers in implementing the Asbestos at Work Directive, following its revision;  
  will  work  with  the  Senior  Labour  Inspectors  Committee  (SLIC)  to  launch  an 
updated  awareness-raising  campaign  on  the  safe  removal  of  asbestos  aimed  at 
companies, workers, owners and public administrations.  

4.  ADDRESSING ASBESTOS PRESENT IN BUILDINGS  

39   See https://osha.europa.eu/en/facts-and-figures/workers-exposure-survey-cancer-risk-factors-europe for 
more information. The survey will initially be carried out in a broadly representative selection of six EU 
Member States covering 24 cancer risk factors, including chemical and physical risks. First findings 
expected in 2023. 

40 The characteristics analysed include gender, age, country of birth, occupation, activity sector, the size of the 
company, size of the workplace, professional status, type of contract, and weekly working hours. 

6 

 
 
 
                                                           
Before the EU ban, asbestos was widely used, mainly in the construction sector. 70-80% 
of  asbestos  was  used  for  cement  products,  the  rest  mainly  for  other  construction  products, 
such as floor coverings, textiles, cardboards, or insulating boards. In 1970, more than 920 000 
tonnes  of  raw  asbestos  were  consumed  in  the  countries  that  now  form  the  EU,  reaching  a 
peak of 1 200 000 tonnes in 1980, before falling to fewer than 40 000 tonnes in 200041. Given 
that over 220 million  building units (85% of  all  units) were built  before  200142, it is  likely 
that a significant part of today’s building stock contains asbestos43.  

The peak consumption period of asbestos differs between Member States (see figure 144). 
All Member States registered high shares of asbestos consumption between 1970 and 1990. 
However, in Cyprus, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Sweden, the bulk 
of  asbestos  were  consumed  before  the  1970s,  while  Croatia,  Ireland,  Portugal,  Romania, 
Slovenia and Slovakia registered high  levels  of  asbestos consumption in  the 1990s  or early 
2000s.  

Figure 1 Estimated share of asbestos consumption during the main periods of construction of buildings in the 
EU27 

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

1920 – 1945

1946 – 1960

1961 – 1970

1971 – 1980

1981 – 1990

1991 – 2000

2001-2003

Source: JRC figures45 

The  magnitude  of  the  asbestos  legacy  challenge  differs  between  regions.  Based  on  the 
average  age  of  residential  buildings  and  the  average  estimated  quantity  of  asbestos 
(kg/dwelling), the map below displays the asbestos vulnerability of EU regions, ranging from 
both low levels of built-in asbestos (low quantity of asbestos, newer buildings) to both high 
levels  (high  quantity  of  asbestos,  older  buildings).  It  appears  that  central  EU  regions  have 

41   Maduta, C., Kakoulaki, G., Zangheri, P., Bavetta, M., Towards energy efficient and asbestos-free dwellings 

through deep energy renovation, JRC129218, 
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC129218  

42   A Renovation Wave for Europe. See footnote 13. 
41 E.g., flat roofing tiles, large and small facade panels, ceiling and wall panelling, heat and sound protection 
against fire and condensation on beams, smoke proof doors and gates, kilns, boilers and high-temperature 
installations, etc.  

44   Figure 1 breaks down the consumption of asbestos per main periods of construction of EU buildings. The 
estimate is based on the apparent asbestos consumption between 1920 and 2003 (Virta, 2006) and the 
percentage of raw asbestos used in building materials identified in the literature; no figures for asbestos 
consumption were reported for Malta. Full methodology in reference 40. 

45   See footnote 41. 

7 

 
 
 
                                                           
mostly  old  buildings  and  high  quantities  of  asbestos,  while  generally  in  eastern  and  north-
eastern EU regions, large amounts of asbestos are found in more recent buildings. The results 
could  indicate  the  Member  States  and  regions  where  asbestos  screening  before  renovations 
should be a priority.  

Figure  2.  Bivariate  map  showing  the  average  age  of  residential  buildings  (years)  and  the  average  quantity  of 
asbestos (kg/dwelling)  

Source: JRC figures46 

More information and transparency on asbestos in buildings 

The  main  threat  to  human  health  posed  by  asbestos  occurs  when  asbestos-containing 
materials are disturbed, as fibres may be released into the air and subsequently inhaled. The 
deterioration of some asbestos products as they age may also eventually lead to fibres being 
released  into  the  air.  Since  asbestos  is  mainly  found  in  construction  materials,  and  these 
materials  are  subject  to  substantial  change  during  renovation  works,  construction  deserves 
special  attention  when  developing  protection  measures.  The  likelihood  of  fibres  being 
released varies depending on the type of asbestos and where it is found. For instance, friable 
asbestos is particularly dangerous, because its fibres are released more easily than non-friable 

46   See footnote 41. 

8 

 
 
 
 
                                                           
asbestos. By contrast, asbestos embedded in solid materials is less easily disturbed, and poses 
considerably lower risks when left untouched. 

A principal challenge in addressing the removal  of asbestos from the building stock is 
the  lack  of  knowledge  on  whether  the  buildings  contain  asbestos.  The  renovations 
planned for the coming years and the long-term goal of renovating Europe’s building stock to 
reach  climate  neutrality  strongly  support  the  case  for  a  comprehensive  assessment  of  the 
buildings that  could  potentially  contain  asbestos,  and  where  renovation  could  pose a health 
threat.  The  late  identification  of  asbestos-containing  materials  may  delay  renovations,  and 
finding  them  unexpectedly  during  renovation  works  could  lead  to  the  accidental  release  of 
asbestos fibres, a potentially severe risk for workers, inhabitants and neighbours. It is already 
compulsory  to  assess  the  risk  of  exposure  to  asbestos  before  works  commence,  under  the 
Asbestos at Work Directive 2009/148/EC47. However, as asbestos screening, registration and 
removal  strategies  vary  widely  across  Member  States48,  it  would  be  helpful  to  have  a 
common EU framework to more easily identify and then remove the asbestos contained in the 
EU building stock.  

The  Commission  will  put  forward  a  legislative  proposal  on  mandatory  screening  and 
registration  of  asbestos  in  buildings,  while  respecting  the  principles  of  subsidiarity  and 
proportionality and Member States’ competences. Adding to existing obligations to assess the 
presence  of  asbestos  before  renovation  works  commence,  the  legislative  proposal  could 
consider  the  obligation  to  screen  and  register  the  presence  of  asbestos  in  buildings  when 
economic transactions are made (e.g., before sale or rent) and/or at other pivotal moments in 
the life-cycle of a building. Member States would also be asked to set up national strategies 
for  asbestos  removal,  reflecting  their  building  codes,  and  taking  into  account  national 
circumstances, as well as historical information on the use of asbestos. 

In  preparing  the 
legislative  proposal,  the  Commission  will  also  consider  the 
introduction of minimum requirements on data collection and dissemination related to 
the  presence  of  asbestos  in  buildings.  It  is  critical  to  have  transparent  information  on  the 
presence of asbestos across the entire life cycle of buildings to minimise the risks of exposure 
and  facilitate  the  removal  of  asbestos.  Registration  in  a  digital  format  would  make  this 
information more easily accessible, as described in the next section.   

The  proposal  will  be  developed  through  a  broad  consultation  of  experts  and 
stakeholders. It will also draw on an impact assessment study to identify the best available 
policy options based on the best available scientific evidence,  and respecting the legal basis 
provided in the Treaty.  

The  proposal  will  also  build  on  the  evaluation  and  identification  of  best  practices  in  the 
management  of  asbestos  risks  in  the  Member  States,  including  in  the  context  of  the  the 
implementation of the renovation wave action plan.  

47   Directive 2009/148/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the 

protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work, OJ L 330, 16.12.2009, p. 28. 
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32009L0148&from=EN  

48   See footnote 41. 

9 

 
 
                                                           
  For instance,  France has  legislated to  make  the identification of asbestos  mandatory 
before certain operations can be carried out in buildings (decrees of May 201749 and 
July 201950).  In building works that could result in a risk of exposure, the person or 
body ordering the works (for instance, the building owner or the contracting authority) 
must  carry  out  a  preliminary  identification  of  asbestos  before  works  can  start.  This 
means searching, identifying and locating materials and products containing asbestos 
likely to be affected by works.  

  Poland also has a national programme for the safe removal of asbestos (2009-2032), 
and has operated an asbestos database since 2013. The national programme comprises 
legislative  measures  for  asbestos  removal,  information  and  training,  and  also 
monitoring via Spatial Information Systems.  

 

In  Belgium,  the  Flemish  Government  aims  to  make  buildings  and  infrastructure 
asbestos-free  by  2040  at  the  latest.  To  achieve  this,  it  has  taken  measures  such  as 
making asbestos removal a precondition for installing solar panels and it has planned 
to bring in an asbestos certificate for buildings for sale in 202251.    

The renovation wave and energy efficiency 

The renovation wave strategy emphasises the importance of maintaining standards for 
buildings that are sustainable and safe. Therefore, it is important to take action to remove 
and  protect  against  harmful  substances,  in  particular  asbestos.  The  implementation  action 
plan52 for the renovation wave includes regulatory measures strengthening the EU legislative 
framework,  in  particular  the  Energy  Performance  of  Buildings  Directive  2010/31/EU.  In 
December 2021, the Commission proposed53 a revision of this Directive, which stresses the 
importance  of  a  healthy  indoor  environment.  The  proposal  contains  provisions  for  Member 
States  to  address  the  removal  of  hazardous  substances,  including  asbestos,  in  buildings 
undergoing major renovations.  

Ensuring good indoor air quality will become even more important, in particular in the 
context of reducing energy losses by improving the insulation of buildings. Although EU 
policies have addressed several factors contributing to good air quality (from ambient air to 
heating,  cooling  and  ventilation  systems,  construction  materials  and  consumer  products,  as 
well as smoking and similar occupant behaviour), the main regulatory instruments to tackle 
these  elements  –  building  codes  –  are  a  competence  of  Member  States  and  their  regions. 
Therefore,  the  EU  lacks  a  comprehensive,  integrated  approach  to  indoor  air  quality. 
Nevertheless, as announced in the zero pollution action plan, the Commission will, by 2023, 
assess pathways and policy options to improve indoor air quality, focusing on the key factors 
of  air  quality  and  the  main  sources  of  pollution,  including  asbestos.  The  Commission  will 
explore ways to raise greater public awareness and reduce risks.  

49   https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/download/pdf?id=LykGmH7vMb-

yJKNXCJ9VQ3z9fiEK5Q9jlNDoaaUnwUM=  

50   https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/download/pdf?id=uE3o2iaLz4ujX46N5eNQWUANnUy9niNepuHoD-

nISzQ= amended in 2020 
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/download/pdf?id=TtFjMCu9CIzP1bhSZJIVTvpNRp6cu4pAD6cG41mJnZw
=  

51   See footnote 41. 
52   https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:0638aa1d-0f02-11eb-bc07-

01aa75ed71a1.0003.02/DOC_2&format=PDF  

53   https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:c51fe6d1-5da2-11ec-9c6c-

01aa75ed71a1.0001.02/DOC_1&format=PDF  

10 

 
 
                                                           
Digital building logbook 

Digital  technologies  can facilitate  the  registration  and  sharing  of  asbestos-related  data 
collected during the screenings. Digital building logbooks hold all building-related data and 
they can allow the sharing and use of all types of information generated over the lifetime of 
the building, from design and construction to renovation and demolition.  

The  Commission  will  propose  a  regulatory  approach  for  a  model  for  an  EU  digital 
building logbook. It will build upon existing obligatory and voluntary initiatives in different 
Member  States,  and  the  digital  tools  and  certificates  for  buildings  being  developed  at  EU 
level  (e.g.,  energy  performance  certificates).  Logbooks  can  also  store  any  available 
information  linked  to  the  ‘Level(s)’54  core  indicators  that  track  sustainability  and 
performance of buildings. This proposal for a model will include a standardised approach to 
data  collection,  data  management  and  interoperability.  This  will  include  its  implementation 
framework, also for data resulting from the screening obligation. Information on the presence 
of  asbestos  in  buildings  should  become  available  through  logbooks  and  be  linked  to  other 
datasets within the logbooks (e.g., blueprint of the building).  

The Commission will:  

  put forward a legislative proposal on the screening and registration of asbestos in 
buildings and ask Member States to set up national strategies for asbestos removal 
(2023); 

  propose  a  regulatory  approach  for  an  EU  model  for  digital  building  logbooks  

(2023); 

  support Member States who wish to introduce digital building logbooks or expand 

their existing schemes and align them to the EU model;  

  assess pathways and policy options to improve indoor air quality, focusing on the 
key  factors  of  air  quality  and  the  main  sources  of  pollution,  including  asbestos, 
and explore ways to raise greater public awareness and reduce risks (2023). 

The Commission encourages Member States to:  

  accelerate the digitalisation of building-related information and existing registries, 
improve  the  collection,  storage,  comparability  and  exchangeability  of  data  on 
building characteristics; 
introduce digital building logbooks, or improve existing initiatives, following the 
EU guidelines. 

 

5.  SAFE DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS WASTE - ZERO POLLUTION 

Although the use of asbestos has long been banned in the EU, it is still necessary to take 
action  to  manage  and  dispose  of  products  resulting  from  demolition  and  asbestos 
removal. Construction and demolition waste represents over one third of all waste generated 
in the EU55. The volume of asbestos-containing materials, mostly as part of buildings, runs to 
tens of millions  of tonnes and is  likely to exceed 100 million  tonnes. The  renovation  wave 

54   https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/circular-economy/levels_en  
55   See Eurostat, 2018 

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-

explained/index.php?title=Waste_statistics#Total_waste_generation 

11 

 
 
 
                                                           
strategy  aims  to  at  least  double  the  annual  rate  of  building  renovations  by  2030.  This 
highlights the importance of addressing the whole life cycle of asbestos.  

EU waste legislation comprehensively regulates the environmentally sound management 
of  asbestos  waste  once  it  is  generated56.  As  asbestos  waste  is  classified  as  hazardous 
waste57,  specific  and  stringent  provisions  already  apply  under  EU  waste  legislation  to  the 
generation, transport and management of such waste. This includes reporting and traceability 
obligations to ensure that the waste is managed in a way that protects the environment. The 
Commission  has  issued  two  guidance  documents  to  help  stakeholders  follow  these 
obligations: the EU Construction and Demolition Waste Management Protocol (2016)58 and 
the  Guidelines  for  the  waste  audits  before  demolition  and  renovation  works  of  buildings 
(2018)59.  

In  the  pursuit  of  an  environmentally  sound  management  of  the  high  volumes  of 
asbestos-containing  waste,  landfilling  remains  the  main  approach  to  safely  dispose  of 
this waste. Other treatment methods are limited due to the high volumes of waste involved, 
the shortage of installations offering alternative treatments,  and their high costs and energy 
intensity.60 While landfilling does not destroy asbestos fibres, it stabilises and contains them, 
and therefore provides a safe way of dealing with asbestos waste until alternative treatment 
options become widely available and affordable. EU waste legislation sets strict requirements 
for the safe disposal of asbestos in landfills61. 

Exploring  alternative  ways  of  treating  asbestos  waste  in  an  environmentally  sound 
manner  is  a  priority.  The  waste  hierarchy62  prioritises  waste  recovery  over  disposal.  The 
Commission  will  launch  by  the  end  of  2022  a  study  to  identify  asbestos  waste  treatment 
technologies  and  practices  and  carry  out  a  comparative  analysis  of  them  and  of  their 
environmental impacts. This includes an analysis of gaps in asbestos waste management and 
future perspectives. The results of the study will be used to evaluate whether any changes to 
the EU waste legislation are warranted to improve the environmentally sound management of 
asbestos-containing waste, in particular, demolition waste.  

The Commission will:  

 

launch  a  revision  of  the  EU  Construction  and  Demolition  Waste  Management 

56   Under Article 2(b) of Directive 2008/98/EC on waste ‘buildings permanently connected with land’ are 

excluded from the scope of the Directive since they are not regarded as waste. 

57   See Annex III to Directive 2008/98/EC on waste and Decision 2000/532/EC establishing a list of waste. 
58   https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/20509/  
59   https://ec.europa.eu/growth/news/eu-construction-and-demolition-waste-protocol-2018-09-18_en  
60   Vitrification, for instance, which converts asbestos into inert, potentially recyclable, mineral materials, has 
very limited availability at industrial scale, and it is highly energy intensive. For instance, the plant of the 
company INERTAM, in France, uses plasma-torch technology that vitrifies asbestos waste, reaching 
temperatures of up to 1600 °C, which generates a very high energy consumption and related climate impact. 

61   Council Decision 2003/33/EC sets requirements for the safe disposal of asbestos in landfills, and Directive 

1999/31/EEC on landfilling of waste provides minimum control and monitoring procedures to be carried out 
periodically at the site. 

62   The waste hierarchy, as set out in Article 4 of the Waste Framework Directive, is a priority order for waste 
management, reflecting a general approach under EU waste management law. The hierarchy sets out five 
possible ways of dealing with waste and prioritises these measures as follows: 1) Prevention; 2) Preparing 
for re-use; 3) Recycling; 4) Other recovery, e.g., energy recovery; and 5) Disposal. Its primary purpose is to 
minimise adverse environmental effects from waste and to increase and optimise resource efficiency in 
waste management and policy.  (Extracted from the 2012 Guidance on the interpretation of key provisions of 
Directive 2008/98/EC on waste https://ec.europa.eu/environment/pdf/waste/framework/guidance_doc.pdf ). 

12 

 
 
                                                           
Protocol, and the Guidelines for the waste audits before demolition and renovation 
works  of  buildings,  with  a  particular  focus  on  renovation  works  and  asbestos 
(2023); 
launch  a  study  to  identify  asbestos  waste  management  practices  and  novel 
treatment technologies, whose results will be used to evaluate whether changes to 
EU waste legislation are warranted (by the end of 2022).  

 

6.  FINANCING   

The  EU  provides  significant  funding  through  the  Recovery  and  Resilience  Facility 
(RRF), which can be used to support national measures for  the removal of asbestos in 
the  context  of  renovations.  The  Recovery  and  Resilience  Facility  makes  available 
EUR 723.8  billion  (in  current  prices)  in  loans  (EUR 385.8  billion)  and  grants  (EUR 338 
billion)  to  support  investments  and  reforms  in  the  Member  States  to  make  European 
economies and societies more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the challenges and 
opportunities of the green and digital transitions. One of the seven flagship initiatives of the 
RRF  is  the  Renovation  flagship  initiative,  which  will  cover  millions  of  square  metres  of 
residential  and  public  buildings  undergoing  both  medium  and  deep  renovations.  Member 
States can use the RRF to fund the removal of asbestos-containing materials from buildings 
as part of energy efficiency renovation work planned in their national recovery and resilience 
plans.  Member  States  can  also  use  RRF  funds,  in  particular  under  pillar  6  (policies  for  the 
next generation) and flagship 7 (reskill and upskill)  to promote skills acquisition for workers 
handling  asbestos  (for  instance  in  the  construction  or  waste  management  sector)  and  to 
update workers’ skills to meet new market needs.  

In  addition,  the  European  structural  and  investment  funds  can  support  a  range  of 
measures  related  to  renovations.  One  of  the  key  objectives  of  the  European  Social  Fund 
Plus  (ESF+)63  is  to  help  Member  States  finance  policies  and  structural  reforms  to  promote 
upskilling, reskilling and lifelong learning for all, and the adaptation of workers, enterprises 
and entrepreneurs to change. This  could include changes brought by action taken under the 
green transition, such as renovation works. During the programming period 2014-2020, large-
scale  asbestos  removal  projects  were  co-financed  by  the  European  Regional  Development 
Fund  (ERDF)64  in  Poland,  Italy  and  other  countries.  Several  Member  States  have 
demonstrated  an  interest  in  including  similar  projects  in  their  programmes  for  the  period 
2021-2027. The Commission can also offer support for administrative capacity building and 
for the exchange of expertise and knowledge between national authorities managing cohesion 
policy  programmes  through  the  REGIO  Peer2Peer+  initiative,  which  is  available  at  the 
request of Member States. 

Given the wide range of EU financing mechanisms available to support energy renovations 
and energy efficiency, Member States need to be able to identify how to make the best use of 
these funds to also cover the identification and removal of asbestos.  

The national recovery and resilience plans can also bring substantial improvements to 
healthcare reforms and investments, focusing on prevention and increasing the quality of 
diagnosis  and  treatment,  including  of  cancer  patients.  In  particular,  investments  in  medical 

63   https://ec.europa.eu/european-social-fund-plus/en  
64   https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/erdf/  

13 

 
 
 
                                                           
devices  for  diagnosis  and  treatment,  national  oncological  programmes,  the  development  of 
specialised  oncological  care,  and  of  the  creation  of cancer  prevention  infrastructure  can 
strengthen the overall resilience of the cancer prevention and care system.  Lastly, Europe’s 
Beating  Cancer  Plan  will  be  implemented  and  supported  using  the  whole  range  of 
Commission  funding  instruments  with  a  total  of  €4  billion  being  earmarked  for  actions 
addressing  cancer,  including  from  the  EU4Health  Programme,  Horizon  Europe  and  the 
Digital Europe Programme.  

The Commission encourages Member States to: 

  make  the  best  use  of  all  the  specific  opportunities  under  EU  programmes  and 

 

funds to cover initiatives that focus on asbestos screening and removal; 
integrate their strategies on asbestos removal in all their programmes and policies, 
in particular in implementing their national recovery and resilience plans; 

  disseminate information on EU funding opportunities at regional and local level. 

7. THE EU AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ASBESTOS 

The  EU  must  continue  to  play  a  leading  role  globally  to  end  the  use  of  all  types  of 
asbestos. Several non-EU countries still produce and use asbestos-containing products, with 
global  production  reaching  approximately  1.2  million  tonnes  in  202165.  Through  technical 
assistance  under  the  Rotterdam  Convention66,  the  EU  helps  countries  replace  asbestos 
materials  with  safer  substitutes,  and  improve  early  diagnosis,  treatment  and  rehabilitation 
services for asbestos-related conditions.  

The EU leads by example in global action to protect workers from asbestos, as part of 
its  ambition  to  achieve  open  strategic  autonomy67.  Currently,  outside  of  the  EU,  only 
Switzerland (0.01 f/cm3) and Japan (0.03 f/cm3) have an occupational exposure limit stricter 
than  the  current  EU  limit68.  The  proposal  to  revise  the  Asbestos  at  Work  Directive  would 
make the EU OEL the strictest in the world, together with Switzerland. In 2017, the EU first 
brought  up  the  need  to  formally  recognise  occupational  safety  and  health  (OSH)  as  a 
fundamental  principle  and  right  at  work  in  the  context  of  the  International  Labour 
Organization  (ILO).  Following  five  years  of  continued  action  by  the  EU,  the  2022 
International Labour Conference agreed to include a safe and healthy working environment in 
the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work. The EU will continue its 
work  with  the  International  Labour  Conference,  to  promote  safe  and  healthy  environments 
and  dignity  at  work  for  all.  The  European  Commission  also  provides  support  to  candidate 
countries  and  potential  candidates  to  align  their  legal  frameworks  governing  occupational 
safety and health to EU law. 

The  EU  is  committed  to  ensuring  the  protection  of  workers  across  Global  Supply 
Chains (GSCs).  The European Commission  recently adopted  a proposal  for a Directive on 

65   U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2022. 
66   http://www.pic.int/TheConvention/Overview/TextoftheConvention/tabid/1048/language/en-US/Default.aspx  
67  Resilient  health  systems  and  first-mover  global  position  in  standard-setting,  including  in  terms  of  rights  at 
work, are among the 10 pillars of Europe’s open strategic autonomy - see COM/2021/750 final.  
68   See footnote 3  

14 

 
 
 
                                                           
corporate sustainability due diligence69, to ensure that companies take measures to minimise 
adverse human rights and environmental impacts through their operations within and beyond 
the EU. This includes operations of their subsidiaries and along the value chain. The EU is 
also  contributing  financial  support  to  a  number  of  international  projects  for  improving 
Occupational  Safety  and  Health  that  are  also  relevant  to  address  the  risks  from  asbestos70. 
The  EU’s  global  commitment  on  occupational  health  and  safety  in  global  supply  chains  is 
further complemented by its involvement in framework initiatives such as the G7 Vision Zero 
Fund, the G20 Safer Workplaces Agreement, and the OSH Experts Network.  

8. CONCLUSION  

Though asbestos has  been banned in the  EU  since 2005, its legacy continues to  pose  a 
considerable threat to  public  health.  To protect  the population from  exposure to  asbestos 
and to prevent the risks from being passed on to younger generations, it is important to scale 
up action at EU and national level to identify and remove asbestos.  

This  communication  comes  at  a  time  when  the  EU  is  determined  to  greatly  improve  the 
energy efficiency of buildings, and to make its building stock carbon neutral by 2050. As part 
of  this  goal,  addressing  the  health  risks  of  exposure  to  asbestos  is  essential  to  achieve  the 
green transition that puts public health and decent living and working conditions at its core.  

The  Commission  calls  upon  all  EU  institutions,  Member  States,  social  partners  and 
other stakeholders to  accelerate action to achieve  an asbestos-free  EU for current and 
future generations.  

69   COM(2022) 71 final https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-

content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52022PC0071&from=EN  

70   The EU contributes to the ILO Vision Zero Fund (VZF) by financing, with EUR 1.8 million from the EU 
Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI), a project for improving Occupational Safety and 
Health  in  the  global  supply  chain.  It  also  finances  with  EUR  0.5  million  the  project  ‘Filling  data  and 
knowledge gaps on OSH in GSCs to strengthen the model of shared responsibility’. The project is aimed at 
ensuring that actionable knowledge on OSH and GSCs is available, to support industry, public and private 
stakeholders’  decision-making,  and  to  inform  the  development  of  industry-wide  strategies  to  sustainably 
address  the  most  persistent  OSH  challenges.  The  project  provides  available  up-to-date,  sex  disaggregated 
data  on  the  incidence  of  occupational  fatal  and  non-fatal  accidents,  injuries  and  diseases  in  VZF  project 
countries. 

15