Asbestos

Addressing the technical challenges of the determination of the potential presence of asbestos in industrial minerals

Asbestos, a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals, remains a complex challenge for industry, laboratories, and regulators due to inconsistent definitions, varying analytical methods, and the lack of harmonised standards for bulk materials. While the EU has taken significant steps to protect workers from airborne asbestos exposure, no common framework exists for measuring or setting limits in products containing naturally occurring minerals. To address this gap, IMA-Europe, together with global experts, has developed a robust, stepwise methodology to help identify and quantify asbestos in bulk industrial minerals. This harmonised approach aims to provide clarity, reliability, and consistency, offering a practical reference for industry, laboratories, and authorities alike.

List of relevant documents:

• Introduction to IMA-Europe Methodology of the Determination of Asbestos in Industrial Mineral Products

• IMA-Europe Fact Sheet-Determination of Asbestos in Mineral Products

• IMA-Europe Determination of Asbestos in Industrial Minerals

• IMA-Europe Guideline for Asbestos Mitigation in Mining and Quarrying