General information

1. General information about asbestos

   Asbestos has particularly advantageous technical properties: it does not burn, it is resistant to caustic chemicals, and it makes a good insulator against heat, sound and electricity. In addition, woven asbestos fibres are more resistant to tensile stress than steel.

   In Switzerland, due to its characteristics and low price, asbestos found extensive application in many forms in buildings from the 1950s to the 1980s. However, after the hazards it presents became apparent, it has been subject to a general ban since 1990.

   The hazards are linked to the fact that asbestos fibres that enter our lungs cannot easily be eliminated by the body. Some of these fibres remain permanently and can cause hardening of the lungs and cancer.

   Asbestos-related diseases generally become apparent only 10 to 40 years after exposure. It is therefore very important to pay particular attention to spaces occupied by children and young people.

2. Products containing asbestos

   So far, there have been approximately 3,500 types of products containing asbestos identified.

   It is therefore not possible to limit the investigation to only certain, well-known brands of panels, insulation of heating pipes and certain floor coverings.

   We can find asbestos in many other parts of buildings. These different elements containing asbestos can present health hazards varying in degree depending on their state of deterioration, but also during maintenance activities or other work.