
![]() |
Brian Sims
Editor |
Schools and hospitals still at risk from asbestos
02 December 2019
Six million tonnes of asbestos are still present in 1.5 million buildings in the UK, according to a new report.
The report, Don't Breathe In, claims that its presence in public places such as schools and hospitals is deemed to pose the biggest threat to society.
The government is now being urged to reform its policies and introduce a 'phased removal' in order to save people from asbestos-related deaths.
Although the use of asbestos was banned 20 years ago, anything built or refurbished before 1999 may still contain it.
Overall, more than 5,500 workers died from asbestos-related diseases last year, figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show.
The report said: "The reality is that children in schools could be exposed from an early age. We do not know how many have subsequently died in the UK from exposure to asbestos as a pupil in schools.
"Asbestos is still with us, hazardously deteriorating each year, out of sight and out of mind."
They call for a 'strong response' from the government.
- FBU wins right to injury compensation claims
- Fire and Security Matters Awards 2022 finalists revealed
- Fake PayPal emails lead to over £1 million in losses
- National Security Inspectorate launches upgraded website for industry practitioners
- Money laundering on the rise
- Tyne and Wear crew size vote delayed
- Cable pathways regulatory landscape unravelled in bespoke Legrand guide
- Security solutions provider Sodexo signs COVID-19 Business Pledge
- BESA tightens security in wake of online testing fraud
- NPCC Chair: Policing must be a critical part of Royal Commission
- No related articles listed