We, at City Newcastle, cover the health and well-being issues that affect people across the UK every day.
Asbestos may seem like a past issue, but it still poses a serious risk in Britain. It is the leading cause of workplace deaths. Even though it was banned over twenty years ago, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that around 5,000 people die each year due to asbestos exposure.
The danger is in the delay. Diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis can take many years to develop. This means that people exposed to these dangers long ago are still dying today.
Now, as 2025 marks over 25 years since the ban, UKATA warns that the threat is far from over; making it clear why asbestos still demands attention in work sites across the UK.
Asbestos remains a risk for today’s and tomorrow’s workforce. Younger workers, such as trainees, builders, and teachers, may still come across asbestos in older buildings without realising it. This ongoing exposure makes it a continuing danger.
The Scale of the Problem
Asbestos was commonly used in UK schools, factories, and offices because it is strong and heat-resistant. However, breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases.
Each year, thousands of people die from conditions such as:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
A recent study found that there were 2,218 deaths from mesothelioma in Great Britain, showcasing the long-lasting effects of asbestos exposure even years after the ban. This disease not only impacts former industrial workers; teachers, nurses, and tradespeople are also at risk.
The Lasting Threat of Asbestos
The dangers of asbestos remain even after laws changed. Many buildings built before 2000 still contain asbestos. Diseases related to asbestos can take 15 to 60 years to show up, so people exposed to it decades ago are still being diagnosed today.
Simple DIY or repair projects can disturb asbestos. When this happens, tiny fibres can be released into the air. These fibres can be inhaled, creating a hidden hazard in both homes and workplaces.
Workplaces Most at Risk Today
Although asbestos is banned, it still exists in schools, hospitals, and traditional office buildings. These places are dangerous for maintenance staff, construction workers, and teachers. They may be exposed to asbestos if it gets disturbed during renovations.
According to Government Business, about 300,000 non-residential buildings in the UK will contain asbestos by 2026, including many schools, hospitals, and even government buildings. This highlights a serious problem, as many workplaces still rely on traditional buildings that used a lot of asbestos before it was banned in 1999.
Several young people starting in the trades think that asbestos is no longer a problem. However, they can still be exposed to it during renovation work and on job sites.
“Although asbestos was banned in the UK more than two decades ago, the risks are far from over,” says a spokesperson from Advance Asbestos Removal. We regularly find asbestos in homes and workplaces built before 2000. The danger is that it often goes unnoticed until renovations or damage disturb the material; that’s when fibres can be released and pose serious health risks.
This warning highlights the need to be aware and to carry out professional evaluations before beginning any work on older properties.
What UKATA is Urging in 2025
The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) highlights the risks of being careless with asbestos. The organisation aims to raise awareness and provide training about asbestos safety. It backs Health and Safety Executive (HSE) efforts to help all workers, from beginners to experienced contractors, learn how to discover asbestos and handle it safely. This work is part of a national goal to make asbestos safety an essential part of workplace health standards.
Protecting Yourself and Your Community
Everyone has a role in reducing asbestos risks.. Here are some crucial steps to follow:
- Check the age of a building before starting any renovation or repair work.
- Get an asbestos inspection if the building was built before 2000.
- Hire licensed professionals for asbestos removal, as trying to do it yourself can be dangerous.
- If you’ve been in places where asbestos was present, talk to your doctor about health checkups.
Taking these precautions protect workers, their families, neighbours, and communities from harmful asbestos exposure.
The Human Impact of Asbestos
Every statistic represents a personal story. Families impacted by mesothelioma or other illnesses related to asbestos endure years of treatment, emotional stress, and financial difficulties. These diseases are mostly aggressive and can be fatal, with people with mesothelioma typically surviving about 12 months after diagnosis.
The impact goes beyond industrial workers. Teachers, nurses, and homeowners have also been exposed to asbestos. This shows that asbestos safety is a national health issue, not just a problem in the workplace.
Conclusion
Asbestos has been banned for more than 25 years, but it is still the leading cause of work-related deaths in Britain. UKATA reminds us that safety starts with awareness.
If you are a homeowner planning renovations or someone working in an older building, it’s crucial to take asbestos seriously.
Get expert help, follow safety rules, and protect those around you. By understanding today’s risks, we can avoid future tragedies.
