L’amiante

Commissariat général au développement durableMay 7, 2026

L’amiante, minéral fibreux d’origine naturelle, a été largement utilisé sous de multiples formes et dans de nombreux domaines au cours des dernières décennies, en raison de ses propriétés physiques spécifiques et de son faible coût d’extraction. La mise en évidence de risques graves pour la santé liés à l’inhalation de fibres d’amiante a conduit les pouvoirs publics à interdire son usage dès 1997. L’amiante reste toutefois encore présent aujourd’hui, ce qui justifie la mise en place de plans de prévention du risque amiante et de dispositifs règlementaires visant à limiter l’exposition des travailleurs et de la population générale. Le Gouvernement français a publié le 6 mai 2026 le second plan d’actions interministériel pour améliorer la prévention des risques liés à l’amiante, qui sera mis en œuvre sur cinq ans (2026-2030). Le communiqué est à consulter sur le site internet du ministère et le plan est téléchargeable en suivant ce lien : plan d’actions interministériel pour améliorer la prévention des risques liés à l’amiante Fichier PDF - 800.8 ko .

Asbestos, a fibrous mineral of natural origin, was widely used in multiple forms and across numerous sectors over recent decades due to its specific physical properties and low extraction cost. The identification of serious health risks linked to inhalation of asbestos fibers prompted public authorities to ban its use as early as 1997. Asbestos remains present today, however, which justifies the implementation of asbestos risk prevention plans and regulatory measures aimed at limiting exposure of workers and the general public. The French Government published on May 6, 2026 the second inter-ministerial action plan to improve prevention of asbestos-related risks, which will be implemented over five years (2026-2030). The press release can be found on the ministry's website and the plan is downloadable via this link: inter-ministerial action plan to improve prevention of asbestos-related risks PDF File - 800.8 ko .

2 chapters

Asbestos Presence in France
Ban and persistence
Although asbestos use has been completely prohibited* since 1997 in France, a significant number of asbestos-containing products are still present. It is therefore possible to encounter and handle materials and products containing asbestos in structures (road surfacing, buried pipes, power generation plants, railway transport equipment, aircraft, ships...) and buildings (residential buildings, offices, facilities) predating that date.
Natural occurrence
Asbestos also exists naturally in France around rock outcrops, including those in Upper Corsica and New Caledonia.
Note
*Asbestos ban
Learn More
Regulatory framework
• French regulations on asbestos are contained in several regulatory frameworks addressing different objectives but presenting interactions. • To protect workers and the public, regulations have undergone significant changes since 2011. This ambitious and justified regulation nonetheless encounters implementation difficulties of a technical and financial nature. Given the challenges of energy renovation of the building stock and the imperative to protect workers and the public, it was decided in 2015 to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination on asbestos issues through the establishment of an asbestos risk prevention plan aligned with existing plans.
Portal objective
This section on asbestos, which is part of an inter-ministerial communication initiative for the general public and professionals, aims to consolidate information on asbestos produced primarily by the ministries responsible for health, labor, construction, and environment, in pursuit of better clarity and accessibility. This is a gateway to general information; more detailed information is available on ministerial websites.

Further reading

Related articles