Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Leuven district mapped 79,533 roofs, finding 17.8% likely contain asbestos. Interleuven led the AI-based survey; removal efforts continue, aiming for asbestos-free Flanders by 2040 with OVAM support.
As VRT News reported, Leuven has become the first district in Flanders to complete a comprehensive mapping of all roofs potentially containing asbestos. Asbestos was incorporated in over 3,500 building applications, including common roofing materials such as corrugated sheets and slats.
Authorities stated that with time, sun, rain, and wind weathering break down asbestos material, releasing harmful fibres into the atmosphere. Inhaling the fibres proves to be dangerous for one’s health, with risks including lung conditions like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
What risks does asbestos in 1 in 5 Leuven roofs pose to public health?
A recent study shows that 17.8% of roofs in the Leuven district are suspected to contain asbestos. This covers a total area of 11.29 square kilometres and includes 79,533 roofs or roof sections. Since the aerial photos were taken, 3,072 asbestos roofs have been removed.
The detailed asbestos map is not available to the public for privacy reasons, but local authorities have full access. Owners of buildings with suspected asbestos roofs received letters explaining their situation and how to make their roofs safe.
In 2026, a new survey will use updated aerial images to check on asbestos roofs and removal progress. The data will be shared with OVAM, the Flemish Public Waste Agency, for the Asbestos Abatement Action Plan. These efforts aim to make Flanders asbestos-free by 2040.
Asbestos used to be prevalent in construction products since it is durable and temperature-resistant. Asbestos was banned in 2001 in Belgium, but many of the existing old buildings contain it, particularly roofing and insulation. Interleuven launched a large-scale investigation in 2023 involving 30 municipalities in the Leuven district.
By combining detailed aerial imagery from 2022 with artificial intelligence analysis, the project precisely identified every building with roofs or roof sections suspected to contain asbestos. The AI technology examined textures and patterns in the images to flag potential asbestos materials, producing a detailed and accurate inventory. This data enables local authorities to prioritise asbestos removal, enhance public awareness, and reduce exposure risks.
