Roofs, pipes, tanks… there are many structures of a house that, above all, during the 70s were made in Spain based on corrugated iron. Or rather asbestos, which is the real name of the material with which they were manufactured and which is sought to be completely eradicated due to its danger. And it is that this mineral is toxic and is categorized as one of the great causes of cancer in Europe.
Until 2016, Uralita was one of the most important Spanish multinationals in terms of construction. However, in that year he changed his name for reasons of a new life… although he did not manage to erase the black footprint that his name implies today.
Since for many years this company was one of the major employers of asbestos, as is the case with other products, its fame led to a popular name that is now being sought to be banned forever. All due to the toxicity of its exposure, which is estimated to claim 130,000 deaths by 2050, the year by which it is estimated that it should be completely eradicated.
The discovery of asbestos in the Madrid Metro or the Zaldibar landfill are some of the most controversial cases about this material
In illegal dumping, in asbestos cement (which is the roof known as uralite) or in countless structures, the importation and prohibition of asbestos has been latent in Spain since 2002, although to make it disappear from society. Controversial, in addition, have been the cases of the discovery of this mineral in the o Barcelona, in the town of Santa María de Benquerencia (Toledo) or in the (Vizcaya).
“The Comprehensive Asbestos Law would serve to normalize and channel solutions in different areas, avoiding, as until now, insufficient and fragmented responses”
For this reason, Facua together with more than 50 institutions and organizations. The text calls for a “modern and timely” regulation, which serves to “normalize and channel solutions in the different areas, avoiding, as until now, insufficient and fragmented responses”.
With resolutions of the European Parliament in favor of its withdrawal or with studies that explain the multitude of cancers and deaths derived from asbestos, it has come to be classified as “a pandemic”. In this way, the Government is requested to carry out the Comprehensive Asbestos Law, to help patients to be recognized as such with the rights that it entails while the serious problem that their exposure entails is fully addressed.
What do I do if I have uralite in my house?
And that is why it has been working since 2002 on its elimination from all homes or structures. More specifically on corrugated iron roofs, which is where its use was most widespread, Facua criticizes that most of these preparations have already exceeded their useful life of 30 to 50 years.
For this reason, there are many diagnosed cases of landslides, which is where the asbestos fibers are most exposed, further aggravating their toxicity. This is why any removal of this material must be done in the hands of a specialized company.
The removal must always be done by a specialized company to guarantee safety at all times
Collected by the removal conditions of a corrugated iron facade, the process can take up to four months since it must have an elaborate risk and action plan. Conditions for which it is discouraged that an individual carry out this work and, in case of danger of detachment, contact a company that has the permits for it.
All in order to eradicate asbestos forever and finish burying the black legend of the uralita. The roof that accompanied an entire society, especially rural, but that has taken many lives due to its toxic cancer-generating characteristics.
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