Kapelle-op-den-Bos (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – After surviving asbestos cancer, Jan from Kapelle-op-den-Bos calls on local authorities to mandate reporting of demolition work that may release asbestos.
Jan is working for a legal framework to better safeguard others from asbestos cancer, as he lost a lung to the disease himself. The legal viability of the idea will be examined by the municipality.
“The first signs were fluid on my left lung,”
Says Jan.
“At first it went away by itself, but it came back faster and faster. In 2008 I was diagnosed with mesothelioma. I had pleural cancer as a result of inhaling asbestos particles.”
The diagnosis hit hard.
“It was a slap in the face. I have known a number of people who did not survive the terrible disease. Our municipality is therefore the asbestos municipality par excellence.”
Kapelle-op-den-Bos, Belgium, is known as the “asbestos municipality” because of the industry’s long history there.
Asbestos sheets rolled off the Eternit factory’s production line for a long period. Last year, a monument honoring the numerous victims was unveiled in the center.
The statue was meant to convey hope for a future free of asbestos while also symbolizing the anguish endured by those who have the illness.
In 2009, Jan’s left lung was removed.
“I was still quite young and that was hard. Walking is still possible, but running is impossible. I did finish the Dodentocht 3 times with 1 lung. I belong to a very select ‘club of survivors’ of this devastating cancer. I came through the eye of the needle.”
What worries Jan is that he sees that asbestos demolition is not always done according to the rules.
“On the many construction sites, people wear white overalls for visibility, but gloves and face masks are sometimes omitted. Because it is too hot, or too difficult. That puts the workers in danger.”
“But it can also be dangerous for local residents. Asbestos-containing material is thrown, for example by sliding the slates down over other slates. This of course releases asbestos fibres. That poses a great danger.”
“When it rains outside, you put on a raincoat so you don’t catch a cold. So why don’t people protect themselves against asbestos? They may not make the same reflex, because the effects of inhaling asbestos fibers occur much less quickly.”
Jan made a motion to the board of aldermen because he wishes to shield people from the effects of asbestos pollution.
“I asked the municipal council to draw up regulations requiring the client of the works to pass on the date of the works to the competent municipal services. This will allow for better monitoring of whether the rules are being followed and, if necessary, the works can be halted.”
The city council is in favor of the proposal.
“But we will first investigate whether it is legally feasible and enforceable via the Flemish Association of Cities and Municipalities (VVSG)”,
Says alderman for the Environment Jos Thomas (CD&V) at the city council.
Mayor Mathias Diricx (CD&V) also supports the proposal.
“We will treat the issue as a priority, as soon as we know what the feasibility is.”
In addition, opposition councillor Renaat Huysmans (N-VA) states that his faction supports the proposal.
“On the one hand, I think it’s very positive that there was such an enthusiastic response to my proposal,”
Says Jan.
“On the other hand, I think it’s a shame that no one has ever put forward such a simple proposal.”
“This problem is bigger than just Kapelle-op-den-Bos. It is a problem for all of Flanders and Belgium. I hope that other municipalities will also pick it up, so that it becomes safer for everyone.”
What challenges does Jan face in advocating for asbestos safety laws?
The fact that asbestos is still present in many older homes, industries, and buildings in industrial areas makes attempts to reduce exposure risks more difficult. Due to the high cost and technical complexity of remediation, some property owners may put off or postpone necessary maintenance.
With little funding, regulatory bodies frequently find it difficult to enforce asbestos safety regulations, carry out inspections, and keep an eye on compliance. Public protection loopholes and uneven oversight may arise from this.
Because asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to develop, the public and government don’t feel as urgently affected. Because of this, it may be challenging to rally support for stronger laws and preventative actions.
Regional variations in asbestos laws might result in gaps or incomplete coverage, particularly when it comes to “legacy” asbestos found in older structures.
