The Impact of the Asbestos Lobby on Belgian Regulation

Asbestos, a collective term for a group of six naturally occurring minerals, was long praised for its versatility and low cost. The material gained widespread popularity for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, and during the 20th century, it was heavily used in various sectors, ranging from construction to shipping. However, as the health risks of asbestos became increasingly evident, questions emerged as to why a ban took so long to implement—especially in Belgium. Behind the scenes, the asbestos lobby played a crucial role in delaying legislation and regulation. This article explores how the asbestos lobby influenced politics and why the ban was so long overdue.

Belgium played a key role in Europe’s asbestos industry, primarily through Eternit, a Belgian company that was an early pioneer in asbestos cement production. Eternit and similar companies like SVK in Sint-Niklaas were central to the distribution and promotion of asbestos-containing materials, and they benefited from the support of major industrial and political players. The asbestos industry provided jobs and economic benefits, leading to deep entanglement between the sector and political decision-makers.

During this period, companies in the asbestos sector saw growing health concerns as a direct threat to their survival. Although it was known that asbestos could cause serious diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, the asbestos lobby worked hard to downplay the risks and protect their financial interests. They funded scientific research that minimized the risks and cast doubt on independent studies that revealed the dangers.

The asbestos industry pursued a two-pronged lobbying strategy:

Funding favorable scientific research: By investing in studies that portrayed asbestos in a positive light, the industry could argue that the risks were exaggerated or inconclusive.

Casting doubt on independent findings: Studies that linked asbestos to cancer were often publicly dismissed or labeled as "non-representative." The industry used its resources to publish counter-research suggesting that only intense exposure posed a risk, even though the real danger extended far beyond that.

These tactics created confusion and delays in political decision-making. Overwhelmed by contradictory data, lawmakers found it difficult to take decisive action.

The asbestos industry also had strong ties to policymakers and was actively supported by various industrial and political organizations. The sector influenced legislation in several ways:

Lobbying political parties and trade unions: Asbestos was considered vital for job creation, especially in regions where the industry was dominant. Political and labor groups often supported its continued use.

The "safe use" campaign: As independent health studies gained traction, the industry launched a campaign claiming that asbestos could be used safely with proper precautions like ventilation and protective gear. This narrative was actively promoted to policymakers and delayed a total ban, allowing the industry to continue operating with minimal interference.

By the 1970s and 1980s, international awareness of the health risks of asbestos had grown. Countries like the United States, Sweden, and others in Europe began restricting or banning certain forms of asbestos. Belgium, however, faced mounting pressure to act while its asbestos lobby still held considerable sway.

As a result, the Belgian government took only half-hearted measures at first, such as requiring safety precautions when handling asbestos. But a full ban was postponed, putting countless workers and residents at prolonged risk.

It wasn’t until 1998 that Belgium officially banned asbestos, decades after the dangers were well-documented. The ban applied to the production, use, and sale of asbestos-containing materials. By then, thousands of people had already been affected by long-term exposure—often with fatal consequences. The delay in regulation had a direct and devastating impact on public health, resulting in a wave of asbestos-related diseases that continues to claim lives due to their long latency periods.

Eternit remained under legal and public scrutiny even after the ban. The company was accused of hiding the dangers of asbestos for decades from its workers and customers. The Jonckheere family, several of whose members became ill due to exposure to Eternit’s products, launched a landmark lawsuit against the company. In 2011, they won the case, and Eternit was ordered to pay damages for negligence and willful disregard of the risks. This lawsuit was a major turning point and brought the industry's past conduct into the spotlight.

More recently, in December 2023, the Jonckheere family won a second legal battle. Eternit was found guilty of intentional wrongdoing for knowingly producing deadly asbestos and causing pleural cancer in Eric Jonckheere.

The asbestos ban in Belgium was significantly delayed due to the influence of a powerful and determined asbestos lobby. Political and economic interests were prioritized over public health, resulting in thousands of victims and lasting societal harm.

Today, the challenge of removing all remaining asbestos from our living environment continues. Flanders has set a goal of becoming ‘asbestos-safe’ by 2040. However, the sheer amount of asbestos embedded in buildings and underground infrastructure makes a completely asbestos-free Flanders practically impossible.

The story of the asbestos lobby serves as a sobering reminder of how industrial interests can override public well-being—and why transparent, evidence-based policymaking is essential.

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