El asbestos, despite laws and health warnings, continues to be a source of concern in several Latin American countries. Although its use is restricted due to the serious health risks it poses, reality shows that its presence in schools, public buildings, transportation systems and water networks continue to cause alarm among workers, students and authorities.
In recent months, various news items have focused on the persistence of asbestos in critical infrastructure and the problems arising from its slow replacement. Cases of illness, legal episodes and new investments for their elimination have made headlines, highlighting the urgency of more effective solutions.
Asbestos in public transport: a continuing threat
In the City of Buenos Aires, the metro network continues to be affected by the presence of asbestos in its carriages. Line D has been specifically pointed out by workers in the sector, who report that this material has not yet been removed from all trains, putting the health of both employees and passengers at risk. Some employees have suffered serious and chronic illnesses, which has generated strong union pressure to accelerate the removal of the material and improve safety conditions.
Workers have warned that, as long as the affected trains are not renewed, safety cannot be guaranteed of those who use this essential service daily. This claim coincides with a series of labor issues and complaints about the management of repairs and the impact of the economic crisis on the service.
Schools and hospitals: the slow progress of asbestos elimination
The public schools and other educational facilities continue to be the scene of involuntary exposure to asbestos in countries such as Colombia and Chile. Many establishments have roofs and internal structures made with this mineral, forcing the authorities to undertake replacement and repair works.
In the case of ValparaÃso, Chile, educational conservation projects These measures have included the removal of asbestos from schools such as the Diego Portales School and the Syrian Arab School, where dozens of students have had to temporarily leave the classrooms while roofs and other contaminated components are being renovated.
In Colombia, the situation is especially serious. Despite the existence of a law that prohibits the use and marketing of asbestosIt is estimated that nearly half of Bucaramanga's public schools still contain asbestos in their roofs, posing a constant danger to thousands of students and staff.
Drinking water and urban networks: renovations for public health
El asbestos It is not limited to visible structures: It is also found in pipes and water lines dating back decades. In cities like Apizaco (Mexico), authorities have launched plans to replace asbestos plumbing networks, allocating municipal and federal funds to replace obsolete pipes that pose risks of both contamination and frequent leaks.
These actions allow optimize the pressure and quality of drinking water, significantly improving access to the service and local public health. Municipal officials have reaffirmed their commitment to extend this type of work to more neighborhoods and communities in the coming years.
Asbestosis and the legal implications for workers
Long-term exposure to asbestos has left its mark on workers in various sectors, especially in the navy and industry. In the Chilean province of Marga Marga, for example, a growing number of public and defense employees have been diagnosed with asbestosis, a chronic lung disease that severely limits quality of life.
Some of these victims have encountered difficulties in having their cases recognized as occupational diseases, which deprives them of social and health benefits. However, pressure from groups and parliamentarians has prompted new inspections and reviews by defense and public health institutions.
Furthermore, in Colombia, courts have ordered long-standing companies like Eternit to compensate those affected by illnesses related to handling and exposure to asbestos, setting a precedent in the region for recognition and compensation for victims.
Pending issues in public policy and future challenges
Institutions like the World Health Organization warn that more than 200.000 deaths are linked to asbestos exposure worldwide. Although legislation such as Law 1968 in Colombia has promoted a total ban, the deadlines for formulation and implementation of substitution policies have been breached, prompting calls for attention from the courts and civil society.
It is essential to accelerate the investments for total elimination of installed asbestos and ensure reparations for those affected. Pressure is mounting on responsible governments and companies, driven by social organizations, the media, and those directly affected.
Progress in asbestos removal continues to be slow due to the lack of regulatory compliance, insufficient resources, and persistent exposure. Although significant progress has been made, there is still work to be done to completely eradicate the risks posed by this material and protect the health of millions of people in different aspects of their daily lives.
