Leuven – The Leuven district has conducted a comprehensive mapping of 79,533 roofs, revealing that approximately 17.8% are likely to contain asbestos. Spearheaded by Interleuven, this AI-based survey aims to facilitate removal efforts, striving towards an asbestos-free Flanders by 2040 with support from OVAM, reports 24brussels.
As per VRT News, Leuven is the first district in Flanders to finalize a detailed inventory of all roofs suspected of containing asbestos. Asbestos has been used in over 3,500 building applications, encompassing commonly used roofing materials such as corrugated sheets and slats.
Authorities caution that over time, exposure to weathering from sun, rain, and wind can break down asbestos materials, liberating harmful fibers into the atmosphere. Inhaling these fibers can significantly endanger health, resulting in conditions like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
What risks does asbestos in 1 in 5 Leuven roofs pose to public health?
A recent study has identified that 17.8% of roofs in the Leuven district are suspected to contain asbestos, covering a total area of 11.29 square kilometers. Since the initiation of the survey, 3,072 asbestos roofs have already been removed.
While the detailed asbestos map remains confidential for privacy reasons, local authorities have unrestricted access to the information. Owners of buildings with suspected asbestos roofs have been notified via letters outlining their situation and the necessary steps to ensure safety.
A follow-up survey is scheduled for 2026 to assess progress, utilizing updated aerial images to monitor asbestos roof removal. Information from the survey will be relayed to OVAM, the Flemish Public Waste Agency, as part of the Asbestos Abatement Action Plan. These initiatives are part of a broader objective aimed at achieving an asbestos-free Flanders by 2040.
Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials due to its durability and heat resistance, though Belgium banned its use in 2001. Numerous older buildings still contain asbestos, particularly in roofing and insulation. In 2023, Interleuven initiated an extensive investigation across 30 municipalities in the Leuven district.
By merging detailed aerial imagery from 2022 with artificial intelligence analysis, the project successfully identified buildings with roofs or roof sections that are likely to contain asbestos. The AI scrutinized textures and patterns in the images to highlight potential materials, producing a precise and comprehensive inventory. This data empowers local authorities to prioritize removal actions, heighten public awareness, and mitigate exposure risks.
