Asbestos

Asbestos has been widely used in the UK for many years due to its fire resistant properties and versatility. However, over time it has become clear that exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. In this blog, we will discuss the history of asbestos use in the UK, its dangers and the measures taken to manage the risks associated with it.

History of Asbestos Use in the UK
Asbestos was first used in the UK in the late 19th century and its use increased significantly in the following decades. It was used in a wide range of products, from insulation and roofing materials to brake pads and textiles. The peak of asbestos use in the UK was in the 1970s, with around 5 million tonnes of asbestos imported between 1950 and 1985.

The Dangers of Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious and often fatal diseases. When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and, over time, damage the lung tissue. This can lead to a range of diseases including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs. It is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Lung cancer is also linked to asbestos exposure, and smokers exposed to asbestos have an increased risk of developing the disease. Asbestosis is a long-term lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos fibres over a long period of time. It can cause shortness of breath, chest pain and a persistent cough.

Managing the Risks of Asbestos
Because of the dangers of exposure to asbestos, there are strict regulations in place in the UK to manage the risks associated with asbestos. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require's duty holders to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials in their buildings and ensure that they are safely removed by licensed contractors.
The Regulations also require that anyone who may be exposed to asbestos fibres is given appropriate information, instruction, and training. This includes workers who may disturb asbestos-containing materials during their work, such as builders, plumbers, and electricians.
It is important to note that asbestos-containing materials are only dangerous if they are disturbed or damaged, releasing asbestos fibres into the air. It is therefore essential that anyone working on or around asbestos-containing materials takes appropriate precautions to avoid disturbing the material and releasing fibres into the air.

Conclusion
?Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause serious health problems and it is important that the risks associated with it are properly managed. Although the use of asbestos in the UK has declined significantly in recent decades, it can still be found in many older buildings and products. It is therefore important that duty holders take appropriate steps to identify and manage materials containing asbestos, and that workers who may be exposed to asbestos fibres receive appropriate information, instruction, and training. By working together to manage the risks associated with asbestos, we can protect the health and safety of everyone who may come into contact with it.