Asbestos in a home: recognising the risk and leaving it alone

Asbestos was widely used in construction for its insulating properties and durability. In Belgium, its use was almost entirely banned in 1998, and the last exceptions were removed in 2001. Materials already installed did not disappear as a result.

Where can it be found?

In a building constructed before 2001, asbestos may be found in particular:

• in fibre-cement roofs, cladding and slates;
• in chimney flues and some downpipes;
• in pipe and boiler insulation, and in some seals;
• in old vinyl floor coverings and their adhesive;
• in decorative renders, suspended ceilings or window putty.

Only a laboratory analysis can confirm it.

Why it must not be touched

An asbestos material in good condition and undamaged presents little risk. The danger comes from fibres released when it is drilled, broken, sanded or torn off. Once inhaled, they can cause serious diseases, sometimes decades later.

In a cluttered home, the risk is real: a heavy object that has damaged a panel, vinyl flooring coming loose, damaged pipe insulation.

Who may remove it?

Asbestos removal is governed by occupational health and safety rules and by regional rules. Depending on the type and condition of the material, it must be entrusted to an approved company. The Federal Public Service Employment publishes the list of approved companies. In Flanders, an asbestos certificate has been mandatory since 23 November 2022 to sell a building constructed before 2001; in Wallonia and Brussels, the rules are changing. Check with your region before any work.

What we do, and what we do not do

Cleaneos does not carry out asbestos removal. If we spot a suspect material during a clearance, we stop work in that area, tell you, and refer you to an approved professional. We then resume the clearance and cleaning once the area has been dealt with.