The European Directive on risks of exposure to asbestos at work is modified

The Official Journal of the European Union has published at the end of last November the EU Directive 2023/2668 by which modifies certain articles of the Directive 2009/148/EC on the protection of workers against the risks related to exposure to asbestos during work.

Asbestos is a highly dangerous carcinogen that continues to affect various economic sectors, such as building rehabilitation, mining and quarrying, waste management and firefighting, where workers are at high risk of exposure. When inhaled, airborne asbestos fibers can cause serious diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, and the first signs of disease can take an average of thirty years to manifest from the time of exposure, ultimately leading to work-related deaths.

Therefore, this Directive applies to all activities, including construction, renovation or rehabilitation works and demolition, waste management, mining and firefighting, in which workers are exposed, or may be exposed, during their work, to dust originating from asbestos or materials containing it and always with the priority objective of improving protection and reducing the probability of contracting asbestos-related diseases. same.