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.