Mesothelioma caused by asbestos in UK schools and hospitals: an ongoing risk to public health

The British Safety Council’s  Safety Management magazine published an article titled : “Mesothelioma caused by asbestos in UK schools and hospitals: an ongoing risk to public health”. It’s available here, and below is a brief summary of the conclusions.

Asbestos may feel like a danger from the past, but it remains a very real public health risk today. Alarmingly, people are still being exposed in places and professions not traditionally linked with asbestos — from public buildings to everyday workplaces. Schools, hospitals, and other community spaces are not exempt.

The problem is worsened by outdated data. Current ONS figures are not sufficient to guide decisions on asbestos management and risk. By relying on inadequate information, we are failing to protect the public and leaving thousands at unnecessary risk.

For those diagnosed with mesothelioma the impact is far-reaching. When exposure occurs in environments not usually associated with asbestos, patients often face delays in diagnosis, greater information and support needs, and serious barriers to seeking compensation. These barriers can even prevent access to potentially life-extending treatments outside the NHS.

Mesothelioma is both preventable and incurable. We know the dangers of asbestos — so why are school children, teachers, NHS staff, and other public sector workers still being put in harm’s way? It is time to challenge outdated assumptions, raise awareness, and take urgent action to eliminate this silent threat once and for all. An essential part of this is, or course, through and effective asbestos surveys in all buildings that are at risk of containing asbestos.