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New Analysis Shows Cost Effectiveness Of Removing Asbestos From
School And Hospital Buildings

Mesothelioma UK is a charity working with various support groups around the country helping to fund research into a fatal condition that can take up 30 years to appear in the lungs of those who have been exposed to Asbestos fibre dust.

They have just commissioned a report into the benefits of removing all asbestos in the hundreds of schools and hospitals containing this deadly substance. Given the state of many schools in terms of the lack of maintenance and modernisation, Asbestos can be found anywhere including in notice boards used with pins. The release of minute fibre and its inhalation can eventually kill those who develope what used to be known as Asbestosis.

As per usual with so many issues affecting public safety and health, women are disproportionately negatively affected. Especially considering the demographics of employment in both schools and hospitals.

But what is not commonly appreciated, the wider public in visiting such premises where asbestos is present; are also put at risk of harm.

The report, which is available to read/download from the unionsafety E-Library, is entitled Clearing The Air:
The costs and benefits of removing asbestos from UK schools and hospitals.

In thee forward to the report, Sir Stephen Timms MP Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee writes:

'This report provides important new evidence to support the recommendations of the Work and Pensions Select Committee that a national plan should be drawn up to remove asbestos from British workplaces over the next 40 years, and a central register established of all asbestos in non-domestic buildings.

Asbestos exposure is still the UK’s single greatest cause of work-related deaths.

Thousands of people die from unnecessary exposure to asbestos every year. Death rates for female teachers and nurses are rising and are significantly higher than for the general population.'

In referring to the current regulations around asbestos, he criticises the stance being taken by enforcing authorities:

'The current regulations allow for asbestos that is in good condition, well-protected and unlikely to be disturbed, to be left in place in buildings.

However, a policy of waiting for materials to deteriorate before removing them is not sustainable in the long term.

Mesothelioma UK and the partner organisations supporting this report contend that a proactive programme of asbestos removal is required, and the Select Committee agrees.'

This stance in the report will be welcomed by researchers and asbestos victims support groups, as it is a point that they and trade unions have been fighting against for many years.

Sir Stephen Timms concludes his opening remarks by writing:

'Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer amongst former school and hospital workers, cost the UK economy almost £1.2 billion per year. The cost to the Exchequer of asbestos-related diseases amongst former school and hospital workers is over £260 million per year.

Removing asbestos from schools and hospitals over a 10 year period would, over 50 years, benefit the UK economy to the tune of around £11.6 billion and benefit the Exchequer by around £3.6 billion.

The Government and HSE should develop a strategic plan to achieve this. It should focus on removing the highest risk asbestos first, and on early removal from the highest risk settings, such as schools and hospitals. The plan should integrate with – and take full account of – plans to upgrade buildings to meet net zero targets, and with wider waste
management plans.'

The report can be downloaded from the unionsafety E-Library by searching within the 'Asbestos' category, which contains numerous documents about asbestos and the asbestos related disease Mesothelioma, including advice to Union Safety Reps; or by clicking on the image of the report cover above.

Source: Derek Maylor / Mesothelioma UK

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