How is the owner of the affected company?
Owner Gerard Manshanden was with his daughter in Amsterdam when a fire broke out in his company. “I drove back and then I saw that there was nothing left of it. You can worry about that, but that makes no sense. My emotion is mainly in solidarity. I was immediately called by companies throughout the Netherlands that space and that space and offered help.
What is asbestos anyway?
Asbestos is a natural material that consists of very small fibers. It used to be used a lot because it was strong, durable, heat -resistant and cheap. It is therefore in building materials such as corrugated sheets, roofing and insulation. Since 1993, the use of asbestos has been prohibited because it is harmful to health.
How harmful is asbestos for your health?
No, according to Maarten Lemmens we do not have to panic immediately if an area is contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos is especially dangerous if separate asbestos fibers are inhaled. They can penetrate deep into the lungs, which can eventually cause cancer.
In principle, building materials that incorporate asbestos can do no harm. “But if it breaks it is a different story. That is why it is important that we clean it up safely.”
Is it expensive to remove asbestos?
A lot of manpower is needed to clean the contaminated area again. There is six weeks for the entire project. Lemmens estimates the costs on more than two tons. “It costs about eight euros per square meter.”