Asbestos Victims in Belgium: Latest Statistics and Underestimations

The Asbestos Fund (AFA) recognized 219 victims of asbestos-related cancers in 2024, according to official data. These individuals suffered from mesothelioma or pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Since 2007, the Fund has recognized 4,833 victims, averaging 197 recognized cases per year over the last two decades.

How many asbestos victims are recognized in Belgium?

The AFA recognized 253 victims in 2023, followed by 219 in 2024. These figures represent people diagnosed with cancers caused by asbestos, specifically pulmonary adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma.

Between its inception in 2007 and 2024, the Fund has validated a total of 4,833 victims. The 20-year average for recognized victims stands at 197 per year.

Did You Know? Asbestos was utilized for years within the building sector specifically for its fire-resistant properties before its carcinogenic nature was revealed.

Who is most affected by asbestos exposure?

Data from 2023 shows a divide between professional and environmental exposure. Of the 253 victims recognized that year, 177 were exposed through their jobs. This group includes metallurgists, welders, plumbers, and other sector workers.

The remaining 76 victims in 2023 were classified as “environmental” victims. These individuals did not work in the industry but lived near asbestos processing plants or lived with someone employed in the sector.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the distinction between professional and environmental exposure highlights the secondary risks asbestos poses to families and local communities, extending the health crisis beyond the workplace.

Why are some victim counts disputed?

Marc Molitor, spokesperson for the Belgian Association of Asbestos Victims (Abeva), states that the official number of victims is underestimated. Abeva estimates that Belgium actually sees 850 asbestos victims per year, while the AFA covers roughly 250.

Belgium – Asbestos Empties Berlaymont Building

Molitor attributes this gap to the complexity of lung cancer, which he describes as “multifactorial.” He notes that determining the primary cause of lung cancer is difficult, meaning some victims may not be recognized or scientifically validated yet.

What may happen to recognition rates?

Future recognition numbers could fluctuate based on how lung cancer cases are categorized. If more diseases are scientifically validated as asbestos-related, the number of recognized victims may increase.

The gap between Abeva’s estimates and AFA’s data suggests that a possible next step could involve a shift in how multifactorial cancers are processed for compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are environmental asbestos victims?
These are individuals who were not employed in the asbestos sector but were exposed by living near processing facilities or living with a worker from the industry.

Which specific cancers are linked to the AFA’s recognized victims?
The Fund recognizes victims suffering from mesothelioma or pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Why does Abeva believe the victim count is too low?
According to Marc Molitor, lung cancer is multifactorial, making it hard to identify asbestos as the primary cause, which leads to many victims remaining uncounted.

How should public health agencies better track environmental exposure to hazardous materials?