Asbestos was regularly used in the shipbuilding industry as an efficient and inexpensive way to fireproof and insulate engine rooms, boilers, and many other areas onboard. Its carcinogenic properties, however, which were not widely known at the time, continue to cause illness and death today amongst those who served in the navy, as well as […]
Monthly Archives: May 2016
Removing asbestos from Worcestershire schools
Whether or not asbestos should be removed from our schools has long been the subject of heated debate. The government, backed up by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), believe that asbestos-containing materials are safe to be left in place as long as they remain intact and are not disturbed. Labour party councillors in Worcestershire, […]
Do Chinese lanterns pose an asbestos danger?
Chinese Lanterns have received mixed reviews in recent times. They first became popular several years ago, and are now a common sight at New Year and birthday celebrations around the UK. Seen by some as more of a fire hazard than a way to celebrate, several countries including Austria and Germany, now have restrictions and […]
Tonnes of asbestos found on site earmarked for housing
Seven hundred tonnes of asbestos have been buried on the site of a former power station, on land that has now been earmarked for housing. The situation at Yelland Quay in Devon, has caused consternation among local residents who recently gathered to protest. As well as housing, development plans include a marine energy park and […]
The risk of asbestos exposure to disaster volunteers
In the aftermath of 9/11, firefighters and volunteers focused on rescuing victims and clearing up after the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil. At the time, understandably nobody considered that asbestos could claim victims a decade or so later, but the amount of dust and debris that rained down that day was overwhelming. Not only […]
Are we seeing the peak in mesothelioma death rates?
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive form of cancer that affects the membranes of the lungs and chest wall. Often diagnosed at an advanced stage it generally has a very poor prognosis, leaving sufferers with difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and a cough. Doctors have previously warned that death rates from mesothelioma will not […]
Police Scotland served with HSE Improvement Notice
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited a number of Police Scotland premises in Glasgow earlier this year, and as a result, an improvement notice was issued in relation to asbestos. Effective management of asbestos in older buildings is crucial to protect the health and welfare of those working there. Detailed surveys and risk assessments […]