Is it required by law to remove corrugated asbestos cement and asbestos from a property?

The Presence of asbestos-containing corrugated asbestos cement sheets in older buildings remains one of the main concerns regarding public health and safety in Spain. Although it was widely used in construction for decades, it is now banned because it is extremely dangerous.
In this article, we examine whether it is mandatory to remove it, what current regulations say, and how it should be safely disposed of, as well as the alternatives currently available in the construction industry.

What is corrugated asbestos cement, and where is it typically found?

The asbestos cement is the brand name under which the fiber-cement panels which, in many cases, contain asbestos. This material was widely used in homes, industrial buildings, and rural structures because of its strength, low cost, and durability.
The most common places where it can still be found are:

• Asbestos-cement roofs on older homes or industrial buildings
• Asbestos-cement roofing on rural buildings or warehouses
• Asbestos-cement downspouts in water drainage systems
• Asbestos-cement sheets in walls or lightweight roofs
• Asbestos-cement pipes in water or sewer systems
• Hooks for securing corrugated asbestos cement sheets to roof structures

Over time, these materials can deteriorate, releasing hazardous fibers if they contain asbestos.

Difference between asbestos, uralite, asbesto, and fiber cement

There is quite a bit of confusion between these terms, but they do not mean exactly the same thing.

• Asbestos: a highly carcinogenic fibrous mineral.
• Uralita: Trade name for products made of fiber-cement, some of which contain asbestos.
• Fiber-cement: a mixture of cement and fibers (which may or may not contain asbestos, depending on when it was manufactured).

The relationship between them is key to understanding the actual risk:

• “Uralita and asbestos are the same thing” → Not always
• “Asbestos and amianto” → They're made of the same material
• “Asbestos in corrugated asbestos cement” →️ It may be present if it's old
• “Fiber-cement and asbestos” →️ It depends on the year of manufacture

In short, not all corrugated asbestos cement is hazardous, but that manufactured in Spain before 2002 usually contains asbestos.

Is the removal of corrugated asbestos cement and asbestos mandatory?

In Spain, the law does not generally require the removal of all existing asbestos-cement roofing, but it does establish the the obligation to remove it when it poses a health risk or is damaged.
The main associated risks are:

• Release of carcinogenic fibers
• Serious Respiratory Diseases
• Environmental Pollution
• Occupational Hazards Associated with Improper Handling

Diseases associated with asbestos include asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, which explains the current strict regulations.

Current Legislation on Asbestos and Corrugated Asbestos Cement

The Spanish and European regulations It strictly regulates the use and removal of asbestos.
In Spain Highlights include:

• Royal Decree 108/1991, on the Prevention and Reduction of Asbestos
• Royal Decree 396/2006, which regulates work involving a risk of exposure to asbestos
• National Plan for the Removal of Asbestos from Public and Private Buildings

Also at the European:

• European Union Directives on Asbestos Protection and the Phase-Out of Asbestos in Buildings

Reference regulatory link:

• https://www.boe.es
• https://eur-lex.europa.eu

Procedure for the Removal of Asbestos and Asbestocement

The removal of asbestos-containing corrugated asbestos cement cannot be carried out by private individuals. It must be performed by specialized companies registered with the RERA (Register of Companies at Risk of Asbestos).
The standard process includes:

1. Evaluation of the material by specialized technicians
2. Developing a Work Plan
3. Authorization from the competent labor authority
4. Controlled withdrawal with safety measures in place
5. Transport to an authorized landfill
6. Certificate of Safe Disposal

This procedure ensures that no fibers are released into the environment.

Alternatives to corrugated asbestos cement and asbestos

Currently, there are safer and more efficient materials which have replaced asbestos-cement.
Among the most commonly used alternatives are:

• Asbestos-free fiber-cement panels
• Lightweight Metal Roofing
• Insulated sandwich panels
• High-strength engineering plastics

The modern fiber cement It retains similar properties without the risks associated with asbestos.

Other Frequently Asked Questions