This one-and-a-half-day conference will provide an international perspective on the regulatory, scientific and operational challenges surrounding asbestos management through expert feedback, European comparisons and unique case studies.
Discussions will notably look back on thirty years of French asbestos regulation and the current challenges facing prevention policies, with insights from Thomas Colin from the French Directorate General of Labour (DGT). The programme will also explore asbestos surveying practices across Europe, highlighting shared concerns, regulatory differences and evolving approaches between countries.
The transposition of the European directive will be examined through testimonies and field experience from European countries, offering perspectives on both the progress achieved and the obstacles still encountered in practice. Technical developments related to SEM and TEM methodologies will further complement the programme by addressing current analytical and operational issues for professionals in the sector.
The conference will also open an international perspective through a presentation by Linda Reinstein focusing on lessons learned from shortcomings in asbestos prevention, public policy and the management of the long-term health and environmental legacy of asbestos in the United States, including a case study on the demolition of the White House East Wing.
Finally, the issue of asbestos contamination within debris and conflict zones will be addressed through the example of Ukraine, with a presentation by Martin Bjerregaard illustrating the emerging environmental and public health challenges linked to the management of contaminated materials.
