The Hidden Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is responsible for over 5,000 deaths each year in the UK, making it one of the country's greatest workplace killers.
Asbestos: A Silent Killer
Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye and can remain airborne for days. When inhaled, they can cause serious health problems that may not appear until decades later.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral once widely used in building materials and products due to its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. It was commonly used in UK buildings from the 1950s until the late 1990s.
When materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged, they release tiny fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled and become trapped in the lungs, leading to serious health problems over time.
Types of Asbestos Found in UK Buildings
Chrysotile
"White asbestos" - Most commonly used in roofing, ceilings, walls, and floors
Amosite
"Brown asbestos" - Often found in pipe insulation and ceiling tiles
Crocidolite
"Blue asbestos" - The most dangerous type, used in spray-on coatings and pipe insulation
Asbestos-Related Health Conditions
Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to several serious and often fatal diseases. Symptoms typically don't appear until 20-30 years after exposure.
Mesothelioma
A cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and is always fatal.
2,500+ cases diagnosed annually in the UK
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure looks the same as lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes. Risk is greatly increased if you smoke and are exposed to asbestos.
Similar number of cases as mesothelioma
Asbestosis
A serious scarring condition of the lung that normally occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos over many years. This causes shortness of breath and can be fatal.
Approximately 900 deaths per year in the UK
Pleural Thickening
The lining of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells. If this gets worse, the lung itself can be squeezed, causing shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.
Affects thousands of people in the UK
Asbestos in the UK: The Facts
The UK has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma deaths in the world, largely due to the extensive use of asbestos in the past.
Asbestos-related deaths each year in the UK
Years for symptoms to develop after exposure
Year when asbestos was banned in the UK
Of UK buildings may still contain asbestos
Who is at risk?
While historically, tradespeople like builders, electricians, and plumbers have been most at risk, anyone occupying or working on buildings built before 2000 could potentially be exposed, including:
- Homeowners during DIY renovations
- School staff and students in older buildings
- Office workers in unrenovated buildings
- Demolition and construction workers
- Electricians and plumbers
- Heating and ventilation engineers
- Painters and decorators
- Roofing contractors
How Asbestos Exposure Happens
Asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed, which releases microscopic fibers into the air. These activities can release asbestos fibers:
Drilling or cutting through asbestos materials
DIY projects that involve drilling into walls, ceilings, or floors that might contain asbestos can release dangerous fibers.
Removing or replacing asbestos materials
Attempting to remove old ceiling tiles, floor tiles, or insulation without proper precautions can be extremely hazardous.
Damage to asbestos-containing materials
Water damage, aging, or physical impact can cause asbestos materials to deteriorate and release fibers.
Sanding or scraping surfaces
Sanding down textured coatings or scraping old paint that contains asbestos can release large amounts of fibers.
Important Warning
You cannot see or smell asbestos fibers. They are microscopic and can remain airborne for days. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibers. Even brief or minor exposures can cause serious diseases decades later.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos
DO: Leave it to the professionals
If you suspect a material contains asbestos, the safest approach is to leave it undisturbed and contact a licensed professional for assessment and advice.
DON'T: Disturb suspected materials
- Don't drill, cut, or sand any material you suspect may contain asbestos
- Don't sweep, vacuum, or dust debris that may contain asbestos
- Don't remove asbestos materials yourself
- Don't move materials that are damaged and may contain asbestos
When to Get Professional Help
You should contact a licensed asbestos professional if:
- You're planning renovations in a home built before 2000
- You notice damaged materials that might contain asbestos
- You're buying or selling an older property
- You're concerned about potential asbestos in your workplace