Asbestos is a variety of naturally occurring, fibrous crystallized silicate minerals and has favourable properties for building products, such as high strength, heat and acid resistance and high insulation values. Products such as façade elements, window sills, ventilation shafts, insulation, roof coverings, fillers and adhesives.

The extraction, manufacture and use of asbestos has been banned in Germany since October 31, 1993. There has been a comprehensive ban on #asbestos in the EU since 2005.

Our map shows in green the countries that have signed an agreement to ban the extraction, manufacture and use of asbestos.

Between 1980 and 1990, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Sweden and Switzerland were the first countries to introduce the ban. Today, asbestos is banned in over 60 countries.

Between 2011 and 2020, Canada, among others, also joined the ban despite large deposits. In countries such as China, Russia and the USA, there is still no general ban on asbestos. In these countries, as well as in India, Brazil and Kazakhstan, asbestos fibers are still extracted and used industrially in asbestos mines (map: dark marking).

In 2023, around 1.3 million tons were mined in mines that are still officially active today.

Mineral fibers were already being used worldwide 100 years ago. According to estimates, we will still be dealing with it for more than 100 years until the last buildings have been renovated and are asbestos-free.

If you drive through old prefabricated housing estates, you can see that many people are apparently unaware of the asbestos hazard. Crumbling facades and roof structures endanger the residents of the houses and apartments. Renovations are often delayed or not carried out at all. The reason for this is the cost of extensive refurbishment.

Are we on track with the issue of asbestos? Are we aware of the risk? Does more need to be done?