IG Bau: Danger of large quantities of asbestos in buildings
The IG Bau trade union has drawn attention to the dangers posed by large quantities of asbestos in residential buildings in Schleswig-Holstein. In Kiel alone, more than 19,000 buildings with a good 70,000 apartments were built between 1950 and 1989, when asbestos building materials were used, announced the chairman of IG BAU Schleswig-Holstein Nord, Arno Carstensen, on Monday.
There is a new threat to construction workers and hobby craftsmen because a wave of renovation work is now beginning. There is no immediate health risk for people living in residential buildings that were built with building materials containing asbestos. However, it is important to proceed professionally and with the utmost care when renovating inhabited buildings.
Carstensen called for a pollutant building passport with different hazard levels for the respective asbestos contamination of a building. "Every construction worker and every DIY enthusiast must know what they are letting themselves in for when they knock off tiles, tear down walls or renovate facades."
The trade unionist also called for a state refurbishment bonus. To this end, the federal government should create a KfW "Asbestos Renovation" funding program. This would help with the additional costs incurred when renovating asbestos-contaminated residential buildings. It would also ensure the proper disposal of old asbestos building materials.
Construction workers and hobbyists need to be aware of the asbestos content in buildings before starting renovation projects, as this material can pose health risks. Properly handling and disposing of asbestos-containing building materials is crucial to protect their health.
Source: www.dpa.com
