ETX-10829_Etex-AR2017_WEB_2018_DEF2 (2)

4.3
Social report
Carefully managing our asbestos past
Etex Annual Report 2017
Social report
Carefully managing our asbestos past
Carefully managing
our asbestos past
Asbestos is part of our past and
we continue to manage our
history with the material carefully.
Our group-wide policy makes this
commitment concrete.
Asbestos: key facts
Since its discovery, this naturally occurring,
industrially relevant mineral was used,
and is still used, around the globe by
various sectors.
It was only after asbestos was firmly
embedded in many industrial processes
and products that the health implications
of inhaling asbestos fibres became clear.
Unfortunately, it has taken the world
decades to fully understand the risks
associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos occurs in nature
a set of minerals
that occur naturally
as bundles of fibres
that can be separated into threads
Asbestos has numerous
industrially relevant properties
Heat and fire resistant Resistant to chemicals Non-conductive
Asbestos through the years
Prior to a complete ban in 2002, some of
our companies used asbestos as a raw
material in production.
Preventive measures
Starting in the 1970s, Etex companies took
measures to reduce asbestos concentration
levels in their factories. These include:
• masks and other protective gear
• dust extraction equipment
• a shift from dry to wet production
• automating production processes
• exploring alternative materials
• banning blue, brown and
later white asbestos.
These measures were aligned with the
legislation and scientific knowledge
available at the time and were considered
effective ways to prevent health risks.
However, scientific and medical knowledge
further evolved, indicating later that
this was not sufficient and that some
risks persisted. The fact that asbestosrelated
diseases take an average of 45
years from the start of the exposure to
develop diseases has certainly slowed
down or influenced the progression of
scientific understanding.
Stringent regulations
Health provisions
Since asbestos-related illnesses have
a long latency period, Etex companies
may still receive claims related to former
asbestos exposure. Our companies provide
for the settlement costs for past and
future claims as part of our commitment
to compensation.
Several variables affect how compensation
is calculated, and these may change
over time. We therefore regularly review
our approach to accommodate any new
information that may become available.
Group-wide policy
We cannot undo the past and we regret
any victim of asbestos exposure.
To put adequate support systems in
place, we established a mandatory policy
in place that enables our companies to
manage their pasts vigilantly. The policy
is supported by four pillars: compensate
victims, manage landfills, prevent exposure
and support research.
It is our sincerest hope that treatment
for asbestos-related illnesses will benefit
from medical and scientific research in
the future.
€ 6,000,000
donated to the Foundation Against
Cancer between 2012 and 2020.
Compensate victims
Etex companies have to ensure that
those who become seriously ill due to
the use of asbestos in their factories
receive a fair financial compensation.
Prevent exposure
Etex companies regularly monitor
1 policy, 4 principles for the presence of airborne fibres
and safely manage all buildings.
Mechanical strength Rot-proof Affordable
Asbestos has been used in various industries and applications since the late 1800s
Insulation
industry
Automotive
industry
Textile
industry
Plastics
industry
Food
industry
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the use of
asbestos was more strictly regulated and
in 2005, the European Union completely
prohibited its use.
The global picture
Despite the European ban, asbestos
continues to be used elsewhere in the
world. In some cases, it is used by
companies bearing the Eternit brand name
that are by no means part of Etex.
Compensate victims
Etex companies have to ensure that
those who become seriously ill due to
the use of asbestos in their factories
receive a fair financial compensation.
Manage landfills
To avoid possible exposure,
landfill sites owned by Etex
companies are managed
skilfully and responsibly.
Shipbuilding
Construction
and building
Power
plants
Home
appliances
Railroad
vehicles
This is because Eternit is also the name of
the technology used to make asbestosreinforced
cement. In the early 1900s, the
technology patent was sold to individual
companies, several of which adopted and
have retained the name.
Prevent exposure
Etex companies regularly monitor
for the presence of airborne fibres
and safely manage all buildings.
Support research
Etex backs medical and
scientific research into
asbestos-related illnesses.
82 83
Manage landfills