Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction and manufacturing, has been banned in many countries due to its toxicity. In Greece, asbestos was commonly used in the building and construction industry until the early 2000s.
In 2004, the Greek government adopted a law that banned the use of asbestos in all new construction projects and products. This ban was implemented to protect public health and to reduce the risk of asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Despite the ban, asbestos is still commonly used in some circumstances in Greece. The law only applies to new construction projects, so existing buildings and structures that contain asbestos are not affected. Asbestos can also be found in certain products, such as brake linings, gaskets, and insulation.
In addition, asbestos is still used in certain industries in Greece. For example, it is still used in shipbuilding and ship repair, where it is used to insulate pipes and other equipment. Asbestos is also used in the production of some types of cement.
Despite the ban, asbestos use is still a major problem in Greece. The country's poor enforcement of the law and lack of awareness of the risks associated with asbestos have resulted in a large number of asbestos-related deaths and illnesses.
Fortunately, the Greek government is taking steps to address the problem. The government has recently increased funding for asbestos awareness campaigns and has implemented tougher regulations to enforce the ban.
In conclusion, while asbestos is still used in certain circumstances in Greece, the government is taking steps to reduce its use and to ensure that public health is protected.