Europe calls for removal of asbestos from public buildings

In March 2013, the European Parliament backed a resolution calling for the removal of asbestos from all public buildings and buildings requiring public access by 2028. It also wants action on a screening and registration programme for public buildings contaminated by asbestos, a road map for asbestos-free workplaces and an asbestos-free environment. The resolution also demands more action on asbestos waste, and for people to be better informed about the risk of asbestos contamination in their homes. Poland is currently the only member state to have adopted an action plan for an asbestos-free country.

Research link between cardiovascular disease and asbestos

Research published on behalf of the HSE in April 2012 has shown that the heart disease risk for asbestos workers is significantly greater than that of the general population. A link to the research can be found at: http://oem.bmj.com/content/69/6/417