Despite being banned over two decades ago, asbestos continues to pose a major public health threat in the UK—claiming three times as many lives as road accidents each year, according to a new report.
A recent investigation has found an estimated 150 million asbestos-containing items still hidden in public buildings across the country. The findings, compiled by Asbestos Information CIC, have been visualised in an interactive, constituency-level map that highlights both asbestos presence and incidence rates of mesothelioma—an incurable cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. The map uses a clear, colour-coded system to help professionals and the public easily identify high-risk areas.
The continuing risk underscores the urgent need for stringent asbestos management, especially for property managers, landlords, duty holders, and health and safety professionals. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, they are legally obligated to locate, monitor, and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in non-domestic buildings. This includes maintaining an up-to-date asbestos register and a comprehensive management plan.
"Failing to comply can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines, legal action, and increased health risks for building occupants and workers," a spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warned. The HSE continues to stress the importance of proactive asbestos management and the accessibility of asbestos records
The Asbestos Risk Map, developed using over 7 million data entries from 381,000 asbestos surveys, is expected to become a vital tool for ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting public health.
Though materials like asbestos were once prized for their fire resistance and used extensively in floor tiles, ceiling panels, insulation, cladding, and spray coatings, the danger arises as these materials degrade. Once disturbed or damaged, they can release microscopic fibres into the air—fibres that, when inhaled, can be deadly.
To view the map, please click here.
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