30.5.2023
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
C 188/77
6. urges the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) or, where appropriate, another European competent body to develop a uniform approach to the detection of asbestos-containing products.
A register of potential asbestos-containing products would be desirable in order to facilitate early detection by Member States.
Welcomes by the same token the European Commission’s proposal for a legislative initiative entitled Asbestos screening, registering and monitoring, aimed to bridge the gap among national actions in this field.
The introduction of mandatory screening and registration of asbestos in buildings and the development of national strategies for asbestos removal should lead to the implementation of a coordinated, and comparable approach throughout the EU, thus creating a safer environment and achieving a higher level of protection for EU citizens.
The Directive should also address the need to protect emergency services (including fire-fighters, police, doctors and rescue workers) from the risks associated with exposure to asbestos by creating an up-to-date and accessible database containing reliable data on infrastructure with confirmed or likely presence of asbestos;
7. notes that in order for the directive to be successful, Member States and EU institutions should actively involve local and regional authorities at all stages of coordination and implementation of the revised directive;
8. supports the adoption of a common EU framework to make it easier to detect and then safely remove asbestos in the EU’s building stock.
The Committee calls on the European Commission and Member States to develop and encourage the implementation of a common, systemic and systematic approach to tackling the problem of asbestos (from inventory method, through information and education campaigns, programmes to support residents, contractors and local and regional authorities in removing asbestos, to solutions for health protection and asbestos storage);
9. notes with concern that in some EU Member States it is permissible to dismantle asbestos products themselves.
Points out that, as training of workers is essential to prevent risks from occupational exposure to asbestos, European guidelines on the certification of required skills are needed to ensure that the same standards are applied across the EU.
Therefore, urges for the development of European guidelines on the certification of skills required from workers for the safe removal of asbestos-containing components;
10. calls on the Commission to create mechanisms to safely speed up the eradication of asbestos by raising awareness, more effective education and protection for workers and inhabitants through effective, attractive and targeted education and information programmes (including among local and regional authority and health service staff);
11. notes that the green transition sought by all and the EU’s ambition to increase the renovation rate of buildings as part of the Renovation Wave could at the same time lead to increased exposure to asbestos, particularly for construction workers.
This is why it is essential to put in place solutions to monitor asbestos removal more effectively, with a special system of healthcare and treatment for asbestos-related diseases (for workers currently and previously employed in sectors exposed to asbestos);
12.
draws attention to the need to initiate and financially support the innovative activities of R & D centres for the safe disposal, preservation and storage of asbestos (e.g. under Horizon).
In most countries, storage of hazardous waste is still used in landfills or in dedicated storage facilities for asbestos waste.
An increase in the rate of asbestos removal is equivalent to a significant increase in the storage area for this dangerous mineral.
At the same time, recommends creating a network of cities and regions facing the problem and impact of asbestos in their territory; The aim is to develop cooperation involving the exchange of practices and the creation of partnerships for the implementation of joint transnational research projects co-financed by the European Union;
13. notes that the main reason for the slow rate of asbestos removal is that only dismantling and disposal of asbestos products (particularly Eternit roofs) are funded.
Residents often do not have enough money to pay for the building materials and services to replace roofs and therefore forego investment.
There is a need to introduce new subsidy mechanisms and incentives (e.g. tax relief, subsidies);
14. in order to protect workers exposed to asbestos and minimise the impact of asbestos on the environment, joins the call for a European strategy for asbestos removal, which would ensure an integrated approach of different policies and implement systemic and effective solutions in all Member States on inventory, monitoring, safe disposal, storage and education (training) methods;