Prévention des risques liés à l'amiante

Asbestos has been widely used in numerous industrial fields, both for its very good technical properties and its low cost. It has been banned in France since January 1997 but materials containing asbestos have not been removed everywhere and asbestos fibres inhalation is still current. Three categories of activities responsible for asbestos exposure have been identified: manufacturing asbestos or materials containing asbestos, removal or enclosure of materials containing asbestos, and all other activities likely to induce asbestos exposure. For each of these situations, a clear and precise regulation, specific preventive rules, and medical follow-up have been established. Compensation arrangements have been set up to indemnify victims of damage.