Eternit
Eternit was the world's largest manufacturer of asbestos-cement roofing, pipes, and facade products.
Description
Eternit is arguably the most recognized asbestos brand in history. The company traces its origins to 1903 when Ludwig Hatschek patented the asbestos-cement manufacturing process in Austria and the name "Eternit" (from the Latin aeternus, meaning eternal) was adopted. The technology spread rapidly, and Eternit licensees and subsidiaries were established across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
The Schmidheiny family of Switzerland became the dominant shareholders, building a global empire of asbestos-cement manufacturing. Under Stephan Schmidheiny's leadership in the 1970s and 1980s, the company continued operations even as the health dangers of asbestos became widely documented. Products included corrugated roofing sheets, flat facade panels, water and sewage pipes, rainwater goods, and water storage tanks. The primary asbestos fiber used was chrysotile (white asbestos), though some products also contained crocidolite or amosite.
The health consequences were devastating. Thousands of factory workers, their families, and nearby residents developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. The Casale Monferrato plant in Italy became a symbol of corporate negligence after an epidemiological study revealed extraordinarily high mesothelioma rates in the surrounding community.
In 2012, an Italian court convicted Stephan Schmidheiny, sentencing him to 18 years in prison. After procedural complications, a new trial resulted in a definitive conviction in 2023 for the deaths of nearly 400 people. This landmark case established corporate criminal liability for asbestos-related deaths.
Today, Eternit-branded companies in Europe have transitioned to asbestos-free fiber cement products. However, millions of tonnes of Eternit asbestos-cement products remain installed in buildings worldwide, particularly in developing countries where removal programs are limited.
Countries where commonly found
Commercial brands
How to identify
Eternit products are typically stamped or embossed with the "ETERNIT" name, often accompanied by a production date code and plant identifier. Corrugated sheets bear the name on the underside or along the edge. Pipes carry circumferential markings including the Eternit brand, diameter, and pressure class. Flat panels may have the logo printed on the back face. The material itself is a dense, grey, cement-like board or pipe with a smooth or lightly textured surface. Products manufactured before the mid-1990s in Europe (and later in Latin America) should be presumed to contain asbestos unless laboratory tested.
Health risk & friability
This material has a risk level of 2 out of 5.
It is classified as non-friable, meaning the asbestos fibers are tightly bound within the material matrix. When in good condition and left undisturbed, the risk of fiber release is low. However, cutting, drilling, sanding or breaking the material can release dangerous fibers.
What to do if you find this material
If you suspect Eternit asbestos-cement products in your building, do not drill, cut, sand, or break the material, as this releases hazardous fibers. Eternit products in good condition and left undisturbed generally pose a low risk. However, if the material is weathered, cracked, or damaged, or if renovation or demolition is planned, you should engage a licensed asbestos surveyor to take samples for laboratory analysis. If asbestos is confirmed, removal must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor following local regulations. In many European countries, disposal of asbestos-cement waste requires transport to a licensed hazardous waste facility. Contact your local environmental authority for region-specific guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Does Eternit still contain asbestos?
Is my Eternit roof dangerous?
Was Eternit convicted for asbestos deaths?
How do I dispose of Eternit asbestos products?
Related materials
Other asbestos-containing materials you might encounter.
Asbestos Cement Corrugated Sheet
Corrugated roofing and cladding sheets made with chrysotile asbestos fibres bound in Portland cement.
Asbestos Cement Pipe
Pressure and drainage pipes made from asbestos-reinforced cement, widely used for water mains and sewers.
Asbestos Cement Flat Sheet
Flat pressed sheets of asbestos-reinforced cement used for cladding, soffits, and interior partitions.
Asbestos Cement Water Tank
Cold water storage tanks made from asbestos cement, typically found in loft spaces of older homes.
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