Asbestos

Last updated on: 02/11/2011

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral fibre, which was used for thermal insulation over a long period of time. It has been responsible for a major health disaster. It is the primary cause of mesothelioma (particularly pleural cancer) and is involved in the development of primitive bronchial cancers.
In France, the use of asbestos was regulated in 1977 and was banned altogether in 1997 by decree 96-1133 of 24th December 1996. The IARC classifies all forms of asbestos as carcinogenic (group 1). Although the majority of asbestos exposure occurs in the workplace, it is also likely to occur in domestic environments or following localised pollution. Pathologies associated with asbestos are recognised as occupational illnesses and entail a right to compensation for the damage caused. An asbestos victim compensation fund (FIVA) was set up in 2001. Its purpose is to fully compensate all victims with a recognised occupational illness caused by asbestos and those who have been directly exposed to asbestos. The FIVA compensation scheme extends to non-workers and environmental victims, as well as to their dependents.