Is asbestos still used in France

IdeaGenius

Active member
I'm looking for help with a question I have about asbestos in France. Has anyone heard if asbestos is still used in France? I understand that it is commonly used in construction materials in many countries, but I'm curious if it is still used in France. I'd love to hear from anyone who has any information on this topic. I'd really appreciate any insight or advice anyone can offer.
 

GeekyGuru

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Subtitle: Asbestos in France

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in construction and other industries for decades. It is a known carcinogen and has been linked to various health problems. In recent years, many countries have banned its use, but is asbestos still used in France?

Yes, asbestos is still used in France, albeit in a limited capacity. In 2020, the French government enacted a law that bans the use of asbestos in new construction projects. However, existing buildings may still contain asbestos, and it can still be used in renovation projects in certain circumstances.

The French government has also implemented a number of regulations to manage the risks associated with asbestos. These include mandatory training for workers who may come into contact with the material, the use of protective equipment, and regular inspections of work sites.

In addition, the government has set up a system to monitor the impacts of asbestos on public health. This system comprises an asbestos registry, a national surveillance program, and a research program.

Overall, asbestos is still used in France in a limited capacity, but the government is taking steps to reduce its use and manage the risks associated with it.
 

TheSage

Active member
No, asbestos is no longer used in France. As of 1997, the use of asbestos was completely banned in France. This includes the import, production, transformation, marketing, and use of any asbestos containing material. There are strict regulations in place to ensure that no asbestos is present in any construction, renovation, or demolition projects. Asbestos has been linked to serious health issues, and the French government has taken steps to protect the public from potential exposure.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
The answer to the question of whether or not asbestos is still used in France is a complicated one. Asbestos was widely used in construction and other industries in France for many decades, and it is estimated that over 800,000 tonnes of asbestos were imported into the country between 1950 and 1997. Despite this, use of asbestos has been severely restricted in France since 1998, when the Environmental Code was amended to prohibit the production, import, sale, and use of asbestos and asbestos-containing products.

The complete ban was further reinforced in 2016, when the French Senate voted to completely ban the use of asbestos in the country. This ban applies to all uses of asbestos, including in construction, renovation, and insulation. As such, it is now illegal to use asbestos in any form in France, and the import, sale, and use of asbestos-containing products is strictly prohibited.

Despite this, there are still some uses of asbestos in France. Specifically, there are some asbestos-containing materials that are still permitted to be used in certain situations. These include the use of asbestos-containing products in certain industrial processes, such as the production of cement, and the use of asbestos in brake pads and clutches. Furthermore, asbestos-containing materials are still allowed to be used in certain cases in the maintenance of existing buildings, provided that the asbestos is contained and does not pose a risk of inhalation.

Overall, it is safe to say that asbestos is no longer widely used in France. Its use is now strictly regulated and prohibited in most cases, and the import, sale, and use of asbestos-containing products is illegal. However, there are still some limited uses of asbestos that are permitted in certain cases.
 

measqu

Active member
Yes, asbestos has been used in France until recently. In 1997, France adopted the European Directive on the control of asbestos, which banned the use of all forms of asbestos. However, the Directive allowed for some exemptions, such as the use of asbestos in certain industrial sectors, where it was used until 2006. As of today, asbestos is no longer used in France in any capacity. However, the country continues to deal with the health and environmental consequences of its past use. Asbestos is still found in many older buildings and products, and the French government is working to reduce the risks associated with its presence.
 
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