Brussels’ public buildings may have asbestos problems

There are concerns that up to a thousand public buildings in the Brussels-Capital Region may be a threat to people’s health because of asbestos. The Socialist Trades Union claims that the buildings are not in accordance to the rules surrounding the cancer-causing insulation, and that some schools and crèches are among the list of problem buildings.

This isn’t the first time this year that asbestos has resurfaced as an issue. It was discovered in the Brussels city centre police station, prompting union officials to begin looking into whether the problem extended beyond its walls, encouraging a city-wide search of other public buildings.

The union found that a vast number of Brussels’ public buildings in fact have not been able to provide an asbestos inventory, or a plan to manage the substance even though doing so is mandated by law.

The union says that up to a thousand buildings may require inspection.