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We are delighted to share insights from the 10th Annual European Asbestos Forum (EAF) Conference, held in Brussels last week. The event brought together global experts, industry leaders, and health advocates to tackle one of the world’s most pressing yet avoidable issues - asbestos-related deaths. Delegates attended from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Columbia, USA and Canada.
The European Asbestos Forum, founded and run by Dr. Yvonne Waterman, aims to encourage knowledge-sharing and international collaboration to reduce the hundreds of thousands of asbestos-related deaths that occur annually worldwide. It is a unique and vital platform that brings together experts in every aspect of asbestos, from medical and technical knowledge to training, regulation, and frontline crisis management.
Roger Willey’s Impactful Presentations
Our CEO, Professor Roger Willey, was one of the standout speakers of this year’s conference, delivering two powerful and thought-provoking sessions.
First topic was “Gaza: The Latest Disaster”. Roger highlighted the devastating scale of asbestos contamination in Gaza, where over 2 million people live in one of the world’s most densely populated areas, surrounded by rubble from destroyed buildings. Many of the buildings were constructed using asbestos materials and the UN estimate that there is some 800,000 tonnes of asbestos-contaminated rubble. are estimated to pose severe health risks. The airborne asbestos levels are dangerously high and will pose a severe health risk, especially affecting vulnerable populations such as children. Roger compared the Gaza situation with that of the Twin Towers disaster in New York where more people have died from occupational disease (such as asbestos) than were killed in the explosions. He predicted that the total deaths in Gaza would be far higher than in New York. Roger underscored the urgent need for international collaboration to address this humanitarian crisis, calling for involvement from global bodies like UNEP, the World Bank, and the EU to create actionable solutions. His presentation brought home the sobering reality of how avoidable diseases, like asbestos-related cancers, continue to affect innocent lives on an unprecedented scale.
Roger also presented alongside Cristian Ramirez from Chile, sharing how they successfully established the first UKATA-approved asbestos training centre in South America. This groundbreaking effort included setting up an Accredited Test House in Chile to identify asbestos fibres and measure airborne fibre concentrations (equivalent to UKAS accreditation in the UK) – the first such Test House in Chile and believed to be the first in South America.
Roger emphasised the challenges of working 8,500 miles apart in environments with no formal regulations or guidance, demonstrating the importance of international partnerships in improving safety standards worldwide.
The Conference Highlights
High-level attendees, including industry experts, applauded the event’s ethos of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Graham Gould, Chairman at the Thermal Recycling LTD described it as:
“A powerful forum that brings together medical, technical, and regulatory expertise to tackle asbestos exposure. However much you think you know, you’ll learn something new. This year’s standout speakers, including Roger Willey, reminded us that we are all part of a fight to prevent avoidable deaths caused by a cruel disease.”
Speakers and participants left the conference with a renewed focus on producing practical, actionable solutions to push the hands of regulators worldwide.
Honoured to Be Part of a Global Effort
ACS is honoured to have presented at such an incredibly important event that addressed tackling asbestos-related challenges on a global scale. Events like the European Asbestos Forum serve as a reminder of the vital work still needed to reduce asbestos exposure and protect lives.
We remain committed to what we are most passionate about - saving lives through health, safety and wellbeing and we remain committed to working tirelessly to create safer spaces and protect people across the globe.
Leading the Way in Health, Safety, and Asbestos Solutions
With over 46 years of experience in health and safety, ACS continues to play a leading role in asbestos consultancy, education, and safety training. Set up in 1978 as one of the first commercial asbestos consultancies in the UK, we remain committed to addressing asbestos risks through expert guidance, training, and international collaboration.
Our CEO, Professor Roger Willey, a globally recognised expert with over 46 years of experience, embodies our ethos. His work across Europe, Canada, the USA, Africa, Japan, and South America has established ACS’s reputation as a leader in asbestos and health & safety solutions.
At ACS, we believe in collective action to protect lives and build a safer world. Whether you require asbestos consultancy, training, or health and safety expertise, we are here to help.
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support your health, safety, and wellbeing needs at 0141 427 5171 or at info@acsrisk.com.
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