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We, the members of Helvilux asbl and HELVILUX Media call on the relevant ministries of Luxembourg to provide full transparency on asbestos in housing, with a particular focus on public sector constructions. Despite asbestos being banned in Luxembourg in 2001, many buildings both private and public still contain this hazardous material. Currently, there is no publicly available data detailing the scale of asbestos presence, leaving residents, workers, and families unaware of potential health risks.

Asbestos: A Silent and Long-Term Health Threat

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral once widely used in insulation, cement panels, roofing materials, pipes, fireproofing, and industrial construction.

When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibers into the air. These fibers can:

• Be inhaled into the lungs
• Attach to skin and clothing
• Spread into homes through secondary exposure
• Remain in the body for decades 

Diseases linked to asbestos include:

• Mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer)
• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis

Symptoms often appear 10 to 40 years after exposure, making asbestos a ticking time bomb. Survival rates for mesothelioma are extremely low.

Even minimal or indirect exposure can have devastating consequences.

Recent Cases Highlight the Problem:

A Family Home in Moselle Valley – In December 2024, He purchased a €1 million home, only to discover that the exterior cement-fibre panels contained asbestos, despite repeated assurances from the sellers and real estate agents that the material was asbestos-free. Legal action and professional testing were required before the family could safely occupy their home. Thanks to the dedicated work of Lawyer Saliha Dekhar, as well as reporting by the Luxembourg Times​, Luxembourger Wort, the family obtained a settlement covering asbestos removal and associated costs.

Another case were Belvaux Poste Primary School at Sanem Municipality :

Asbestos was discovered in the school basement, prompting immediate closure and the temporary relocation of pupils. Authorities acted quickly to contain the risk, conduct further testing, and communicate with parents. Coverage by RTL and other media outlets ensured the public was informed and raised awareness of the hidden dangers in public buildings.
These cases demonstrate that asbestos continues to be a pressing public health issue in Luxembourg, affecting both private homes and public institutions. The media, lawyers, and vigilant citizens played a crucial role in ensuring victims received help and in reigniting national debate about asbestos safety.

Belval / Former ARBED (ArcelorMittal) Industrial Site – Sanem :

Two historic brick chimneys from the former ARBED steelworks in Belval are now set to be dismantled.

Authorities cited:

• Severe structural deterioration
• Safety risks
• Estimated restoration costs exceeding €6 million
• Additional asbestos removal requirements
• The press release confirmed that preservation costs include asbestos removal and demolition of contaminated ventilation ducts.

Maintenance costs would have reached approximately €1 million every 3–5 years.

Belval has transformed from heavy industry into a modern urban district with housing, restaurants, and community spaces. Yet the dismantling of these chimneys highlights an uncomfortable reality:

Luxembourg’s industrial past particularly linked to steel production left behind infrastructure where asbestos was widely used.

As redevelopment continues across former industrial sites, questions arise:

• How much asbestos remains embedded in former industrial zones?
• What monitoring systems are in place?
• Are residents and workers fully informed?
• Urban redevelopment must not mean silent exposure.

Our Demands :

Helvilux asbl calls on the Luxembourg government to:

1 . Publish detailed national statistics on buildings containing asbestos, especially:

• Public schools
• Government buildings
• Social housing
• Healthcare facilities

2. Create a publicly accessible national asbestos risk map.

3. Implement a structured inspection and remediation strategy for public sector constructions.
4. Launch a nationwide public awareness campaign explaining:

• The risks of asbestos
• How to identify potential exposure
• What steps citizens can take

5. Strengthen oversight of asbestos removal companies, ensuring:

Mandatory certification and licensing
Regular safety inspections
Transparent compliance reporting
Strict enforcement and penalties for violations

6. Establish support mechanisms for affected families and high-risk groups.

Transparency is not optional when public health is at stake. 

Why This Matters Now
Luxembourg rightly invests in road safety and workplace protection. Asbestos risk deserves the same level of urgency.

The danger does not disappear simply because the material was banned 25 years ago. As long as asbestos remains embedded in buildings, the risk persists, especially during renovation waves and infrastructure upgrades.

Waiting silently for more diagnoses decades from now is not responsible governance.

About Helvilux asbl:

Helvilux asbl is an non profit organisation committed to protecting local culture, integration and improving the health and safety of populations in Luxembourg and Switzerland. We raise awareness, support affected families, and advocate for safer living environments. We rely on donations to continue our work. If you support our mission and want to contribute, please click here.

Sign this petition to demand transparency and action. Together, we can protect lives and ensure Luxembourg is safer for everyone.