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A recent article in The Guardian has highlighted concerns over the continuing threat posed by asbestos in the UK’s public and commercial buildings. Despite being banned more than 25 years ago, asbestos remains one of the country’s most serious occupational and environmental health challenges.
The article tells the story of Helen Bone, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma at just 38 years old and died within three years. Her case illustrates a worrying trend: asbestos is no longer a problem confined to those who worked in heavy industry decades ago. Instead, it is increasingly affecting people exposed through everyday environments such as schools, hospitals, and offices.
Between 1870 and 1999, around six million tonnes of asbestos were imported into the UK. Much of this material remains in situ, hidden behind walls, beneath floors, and within insulation and ceiling panels. While asbestos was once prized for its strength and fire resistance, it is now known to be a deadly carcinogen.
Current UK law—the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012—allows asbestos to remain in place if it is undamaged and managed correctly. However, as buildings age, many asbestos-containing materials have begun to deteriorate. Recent surveys have shown that a high percentage of public buildings contain damaged or friable asbestos, increasing the risk of fibres being released into the air.
Experts now describe this as the “third wave” of asbestos exposure. The first affected industrial workers who mined or processed asbestos; the second included tradespeople who handled it during construction. The third wave is now those unintentionally exposed through the fabric of ageing buildings.
The Guardian’s article argues that the UK’s “manage in place” approach is no longer fit for purpose. Other nations, including Australia and South Korea, have already implemented national removal programmes with clear timeframes and government funding. These initiatives prioritise schools, hospitals, and other public buildings where exposure risks are highest.
In contrast, the UK continues to rely heavily on individual building owners and duty-holders to manage asbestos risks. Critics warn that this piecemeal system leaves thousands of people unnecessarily exposed and that without a centralised, properly funded strategy, the problem will persist for decades.
The article calls for a new national asbestos removal strategy, with phased targets and dedicated funding to ensure that all high-risk asbestos is safely removed from schools, hospitals, and public sector buildings. The author stresses that meaningful progress requires not only regulation, but also leadership, investment, and long-term commitment.
At Global Environmental, we share the belief that asbestos must be addressed proactively rather than reactively. Our team provides UKAS-accredited asbestos surveying and consultancy services throughout the UK, helping organisations comply with legislation while ensuring the safety of occupants, staff, and contractors.
We work with clients across both public and private sectors to develop cost-effective management and removal plans, always prioritising safety, regulatory compliance, and transparency. Our experience includes large-scale projects in hospitals and schools.
