Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Belgium, 89% of 2,500 schools have asbestos. Minister Zuhal Demir will ensure safety by providing a €5.4M budget for asbestos removal.
In the last few years, it has been checked that around half of Belgium’s total 6,000 schools have asbestos in them. In more specified numbers, around 2,500 schools have been checked, and 89% of them showed the presence of asbestos, according to Jan Verheyen of the waste management company OVAM.
How is Minister Demir addressing asbestos removal in schools?
Schools in Belgium received 60 to 70 per cent of the money spent to remove asbestos. The Minister of Flemish Environment and Nature, Zuhal Demir, has recently said that she would cover the cost entirely. For this, she has reserved about 5.4 million euros annually in her budget. All this money is from the already existing budget; therefore, there is no extra funding. According to Minister Demir, keeping children safe is a top priority because children spend a significant amount of their time in schools, which are supposed to be healthy and asbestos-free.
Minister Demir is urging schools to quickly submit their requests for reimbursement to take full advantage of the new support for asbestos removal. This initiative is meant to encourage schools to address asbestos risks. He mentioned that the government is showing commitment to protecting children and reducing their exposure to harmful substances by providing complete financial coverage for removal.
Asbestos health risks in schools
Asbestos was a common building material before its prohibition in Belgium in the late 1990s. It was used due to its strength and fire resistance. It was often found in roofing sheets and insulation. The older buildings constructed before 2001 are most likely to have asbestos.
Asbestos is a serious health concern, especially when it gets disturbed. It can let small fibres escape into the air that people can breathe. These fibres can lead to serious diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. If asbestos is not damaged, it’s usually safe, but any repairs can make it dangerous for students and teachers. Authorities mentioned that many schools in Belgium still need to be checked for asbestos, and some need fixing. To keep everyone safe, it’s important to properly remove or cover asbestos and follow strict rules for maintenance.
