It would be an understatement to say it has been a long time coming, but it has finally happened – sort of. The United States hasn’t gone as far as imposing a complete ban on the importation and use of all types of asbestos, which is what the UK did back in 1999. It has, however, announced a ban on the only form of asbestos that is currently used or imported into the US.
A construction company has been hit with a fine of £90,000, as a consequence of its actions when carrying out a renovation project that caused people to be exposed to asbestos in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Find out more about this case.
Here we report on the deeply saddening case of Barbara Morris, a former sales assistant who was the focus of an article by The Sunday Times in August.
Discover how a man has avoided incarceration after being convicted in relation to the fly-tipping of 61 tonnes of waste in Middlesbrough, in an incident described as “one of the worst” the Teesside town has ever seen.
Asbestos, a silent killer, continues to claim lives in UK hospitals. Despite the ban in 1999, its long latency period and presence in pre-2000 buildings pose risks. Recent tragedies, like nurse Guru Ghoorah’s death from mesothelioma, highlight the danger. Urgent action is needed to remove asbestos and protect staff and patients. Learn more about the state of asbestos in hospitals.
In January, veteran journalist and television presenter Dame Esther Rantzen was diagnosed with a type of stage four lung cancer, unrelated to smoking.
The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Asbestos and You campaign educates and warns tradespeople in Great Britain about the dangers of asbestos, many of which aren’t common knowledge. Find out what it is about and how it can help you stay safe.
