Over 1.5 million structures in the UK continue to contain asbestos, a substance that was outlawed a quarter of a century ago.

In the UK, asbestos, a once widely used material in construction, continues to pose significant health risks. High Speed Training, a leading provider of asbestos awareness training, has revealed concerning attitudes towards this dangerous substance among tradespeople.

Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, emphasizes the importance of proper asbestos handling. Homes built before the 1980s may contain asbestos insulation around heating pipes and ducts, asbestos-containing vinyl tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, and textured ceilings, often called "popcorn" ceilings. Asbestos cement sheets were commonly used for roof tiles and guttering in these homes as well.

Exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to deadly diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. In fact, asbestos is the leading cause of work-related deaths in the UK, with an estimated 5,000 deaths annually from asbestos-related diseases.

A study conducted by High Speed Training revealed that 35% of tradespeople believe asbestos isn't dangerous, and 46% feel their training was insufficient. Worryingly, over a quarter (26%) of tradespeople who knowingly came into contact with asbestos admitted failing to follow proper removal procedures.

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) and UKNAR, a non-profit organization, are advocating for a centralised national asbestos register in the UK. This register would be accessible for workers, contractors, and homeowners, simplifying access to asbestos data. It would enable homeowners, contractors, and tenants to quickly check the presence of asbestos in their property via digital tools like QR codes.

S Sixty-nine percent of workers believe homeowners should also be better informed of the dangers of asbestos. The national asbestos register would provide this information, helping homeowners manage asbestos safely in their homes.

Nearly half (49%) of tradespeople view asbestos as a problem of the past, but 74% of workers agree that more awareness is needed about the dangers of asbestos for tradespeople's families. Asbestos poses serious health risks when disturbed, especially during home renovations. It's crucial for homeowners to be aware and take precautions to limit their exposure to this harmful substance.

Asbestos removal regulations are in place to limit the risk of exposure to harmful fibres and should be followed by a trained professional. A centralised national asbestos register would facilitate access to asbestos-related information for homeowners, construction workers, and tenants, ensuring everyone is informed and can take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Over 1.5 million structures in the UK continue to contain asbestos, a substance that was outlawed a quarter of a century ago.