Government approves 'pioneering' bill to eradicate asbestos in Catalonia

President Salvador Illa approved on Tuesday a draft law aimed at eliminating asbestos across Catalonia.

The legislation is based on a proposal initially approved in May under then-president Pere Aragonès.

However, the earlier initiative did not pass due to the end of the previous parliamentary term.

The new law seeks to accelerate the removal of asbestos from buildings and facilities, establishing a unified framework for all administrations to collaborate effectively.

Asbestos exposure poses serious health risks, including respiratory difficulties and mesothelioma, a form of cancer that typically manifests years after initial contact. 

Once enacted, the legislation will impose fines of up to €100,000 on property owners who fail to comply with asbestos removal orders.

Additionally, it introduces a mandatory asbestos presence certificate for property transactions, including sales, purchases, and rentals. 

The plan also includes an infrastructure strategy detailing how to manage the removal of the estimated 2 to 3 million asbestos-containing materials still present in Catalonia. 

Although the production, sale, and use of asbestos were banned in Spain in 2022, existing materials have been allowed to remain in use until the end of their functional lifespan. 

In recent years, targeted efforts, such as public funding for asbestos removal in schools, have been undertaken.

However, there has been no comprehensive plan to address the issue across all sectors until now.

"Eradicating asbestos is not a minor issue," said territory minister Sílvia Paneque. "It is critical because asbestos is present in numerous homes, roofs, and equipment throughout Catalonia, posing a significant public health risk."

Most asbestos installations date back to the 1960s and 1980s, with many already surpassing or nearing the end of their lifespan.

Paneque stressed that the law is a "pioneer in Spain and Europe" because it addresses the issue in a comprehensive manner.