UK Asbestos Crisis: Why It's Still a Deadly Threat in Public Buildings

Despite being banned in 1999, asbestos remains the leading cause of over 5,000 UK work-related deaths annually, primarily from mesothelioma. It’s still widely present in non-domestic buildings like schools, hospitals, and commercial sites. While the policy has been to leave it undisturbed if in good condition, it naturally degrades, releasing deadly fibres over time. With no national register to track its locations, the government is now exploring a national census and increased HSE inspections to gather better data and strategically plan its removal, aiming for an "asbestos-free Great Britain".

Key Takeaways:

• Asbestos remains the UK's leading cause of work-related deaths, responsible for over 5,000 fatalities annually, often decades after exposure from diseases like mesothelioma.
• It's widespread in many non-domestic buildings (e.g., schools, hospitals, Parliament). Asbestos poses a risk when it degrades or is disturbed, releasing deadly fibres.
• Currently, there is no national register of asbestos locations, which hinders comprehensive understanding and strategic removal efforts across the country.
• The government is exploring an asbestos census and increased Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspections to improve data collection and develop a long-term plan for asbestos removal, particularly from public sector buildings.

Definitions & Concepts:

• Mesothelioma: A fatal cancer specifically caused by asbestos exposure, with symptoms often appearing many decades after initial exposure.
• Duty Holder: A legal entity (e.g., building owner, employer) responsible for assessing and managing asbestos risks in non-domestic premises under UK regulations.

Source: Asbestos Removal: Non-domestic Buildings
Volume 769: debated on Wednesday 18 June 2025

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Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0....