Asbestos removal

For many years, asbestos inhalation has been considered to be highly harmful, with serious consequences for human health. Diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and pleural cancer affect people who have breathed in asbestos dust, sometimes for many years without even realizing it. Present in many types of building, asbestos becomes breathable to humans as soon as it has been sawn, sanded, planed or when a roof is stripped. The fibers enter the alveoli of the lungs, often causing severe damage to the body.

Since the Royal Decree of February 3, 1998 restricting the marketing, use and manufacture of certain dangerous substances and preparations, including asbestos, the use of asbestos applications has been prohibited. And since January 1, 2005, the marketing and use of products containing asbestos has been completely banned. When selling or renting a home, the owner is under no obligation to produce an asbestos inventory. The buyer or tenant may, however, include a clause to this effect, either in the sales agreement or the rental lease, specifying as part of the obligation to deliver that the property is asbestos-free, or with a description of asbestos-containing elements.

Unlike in France, there is no automatic, organized asbestos screening in Belgium. However, an asbestos inventory is mandatory for companies and for the conversion or demolition of a building or dwelling, in accordance with the decree of the Brussels-Capital Region Government of April 10, 2008 on the conditions applicable to asbestos removal and encapsulation worksites. In the case of conversion or demolition work, an asbestos inventory must be drawn up so that the person carrying out the work is aware of the presence of asbestos. In certain specific cases, asbestos must be completely removed before work can begin.

In its dangerous form, asbestos is perceived as a building defect that can be considered a hidden defect with consequences for the sale of a property. To constitute a hidden defect, asbestos must be present in its friable form, and therefore considered dangerous. If you have any questions about asbestos legislation, XLG's experts will be happy to answer them. Contact us to find out more.