Asbestos, banned 25 years ago, still claims thousands of lives each year in the UK.
- Despite being prohibited, asbestos remains the leading workplace-related killer.
- Construction workers, particularly those previously exposed, are the most affected group.
- Efforts to safely manage asbestos have been insufficient, leading to ongoing health risks.
- Calls for comprehensive removal strategies highlight ongoing concerns about asbestos exposure.
Asbestos has been prohibited for a quarter of a century, yet it continues to cause thousands of deaths annually in the UK. Notably, it remains the primary workplace-related hazard, with construction workers among the most severely impacted. Exposure to asbestos fibres can result in diseases that manifest decades later, making early detection challenging and treatment often too late.
Construction workers from past decades are enduring the brunt of the asbestos legacy. For instance, Liam Bradley, diagnosed with mesothelioma after unknowingly handling asbestos-laden panels, reflects a widespread issue among former workers. Similarly, Les Gear, an ex-heating engineer, recounts his initial disbelief and subsequent diagnosis, showing a disheartening pattern common throughout the industry.
The delayed onset of symptoms, often surfacing 35 years post-exposure, leaves many victims with limited options beyond palliative care. Mesothelioma, a particularly aggressive cancer linked to asbestos, usually offers a prognosis of mere months once diagnosed. Personal stories, such as Bradley’s emotional struggle and Gear’s new reality post-retirement, underscore the personal toll this crisis exacts.
The widespread historical use of asbestos was largely due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility. Professor Julian Peto elucidates how extensively it was incorporated into building materials, with hazards underestimated until the late 20th century. Despite regulatory measures, the legacy lingers, with improper handling and ignorance of its dangers still prevalent.
Systemic failures in confirming and managing asbestos risks at construction sites exacerbate the problem. Bradley reports egregious incidents of unsafe asbestos disposal and unawareness about essential asbestos registers, pointing to a critical shortfall in health and safety protocols.
Efforts to mitigate asbestos dangers have been inconsistent, sparking debate on whether to pursue a complete removal strategy. The potential risks of removal are weighed against the longevity of exposure threats, with experts divided over the most prudent course of action. While a strategy for total removal has been considered necessary by some, others, including Professor Peto, caution against the risks such removal efforts may pose to workers and building users alike.
Current regulations mandate removing asbestos where its condition is poor, yet the lingering material in well-maintained buildings poses an insidious threat. The lag between exposure and terminal illness remains a source of confusion in understanding current risks, necessitating continued vigilance in monitoring and regulation.
As asbestos continues to loom as a health hazard, its management demands urgent, unified action to protect current and future generations.
