Asbestos

CAS Number

1332-21-4

Properties

  • mineral fibres resistant to heat and weak acids (silicates, which occur in specific rock formations in Switzerland)

Main sources

  • eternit, insulation, electrical equipment, sealants, brake linings, fire protection:
    incorrect use and removal of asbestos-containing building and other materials
  • from 1904 to 1990: in various structural engineering products (most often from 1950 to 1970)

Thresholds for the reporting requirement of facilities in accordance with Annex 2 PRTRO

(Ordinance on the Register relating to Pollutant Release and the Transfer of Waste and of Pollutants in Waste Water)

  • Air               1 kg/year
  • Water          1 kg/year
  • Soil              1 kg/year

Impacts

  • carcinogenic (e.g. asbestosis)

Measures

  • banned in Switzerland since 1990 (some applications since 1995)
  • banned since 2005 in the EU

Further information

Contact
Last modification 04.07.2018

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