A report into asbestos has recently suggested that “extensive asbestos remediation work is still needed to thousands of buildings across the UK”.
The report jointly produced by the Asbestos Testing and Consultancy (ATaC) Association and the National Organisation of Asbestos Consultants (NORAC) indicated that that asbestos is still present in more than 100,000 buildings and could “present a potential risk to public health”.
According to the research and report findings, there were 710,000 pieces of asbestos in 100,660 buildings in the UK, 71 per cent of which had “some level of damage”. In addition to this, more than 120,000 items of damaged asbestos would need a specialist contractor to replace them.
The data and findings were provided by inspectors involved with clients who were “compliance-conscious and aware of the regulatory requirements”.
The report clearly suggests that the UK’s approach to managing asbestos is failing and much of the material in poor conditions has had to be reinspected.
The research and development of the report came following an enquiry by the Work and Pensions Committee this year which found that there is little information on the ”prevalence of damaged asbestos in the UK”.
The Work and Pensions Committee demanded the government publicise a” plan to remove asbestos from all public buildings within a 40-year timeframe, as well the creation of a national database of asbestos”. Committee members have commented on the latest report and state that “a large amount of data is readily available and hope ministers will rethink their opposition to a database”.
In the 1970s, the impact of asbestos on public health was widely acknowledged. Since then, asbestos removal has been and continues to be a major issue in the UK.
The ban on the use and sale of asbestos in the UK became effective in 1999 however around 5,500 people die each year from exposure to asbestos.
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are suffering with any breathing problems and/or notice a worsening of your medical condition or know anyone who has, then you might be eligible to make a claim for compensation. We urge those affected and experiencing complaints to seek immediate advice from a doctor followed by advice from a legal professional.
Further reading
Mesothelioma/Asbestos claims – Oakwood Solicitors
Useful Links
Harmful substances (hse.gov.uk)
UK asbestos management ‘failing’ | Construction News
https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/
Read the full report here:
ATaC Asbestos Survey Nov 2022 by arca – Issuu
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Asimah Ali is currently a Solicitor in the Industrial Disease Department.
Asimah started working at Oakwood Solicitors in October 2016, shortly after completing the Legal Practice Course in July 20…
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