Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely incorporated into building materials for its resistance to heat, sound-dampening properties, and structural strength. In commercial properties, it can be found in insulation panels, roofing, pipe wrapping, floor tiles, and fire-resistant coatings.

Prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers poses serious health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. The Netherlands banned most asbestos uses in 1993 and imposed a full ban in 2005. Property owners renovating or demolishing older buildings, particularly those constructed before 1990, must conduct asbestos surveys and engage certified removal contractors, a process adding significant costs and affecting property valuation and marketability.