Asbestos was widely used as insulating material in building, mining, energy and water supply industries and as lagging on boilers and pipes. Although the most hazardous types of asbestos (blue and brown) have not been imported into the UK for many years, white asbestos was only banned in 1999 and all types of asbestos are still present in buildings and equipment pre-dating the bans.
Who is at most at risk of developing an Asbestos related illness?
Men who worked as carpenters, laggers, electricians, ship and dockyard workers are most at risk but families of exposed workers may also fall victim due to exposure to dust brought into the home on the work clothes of fathers, sons or husbands.
What damage can it cause?
The damage is done when the strong fibrous minerals that make up the asbestos are inhaled or ingested in the form of airborne dust or fibres. Not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos dust will suffer ill-health as a result but a small number do succumb to a range of illnesses, some of which may not cause any signs or symptoms for many years after the exposure.
