The recent discovery of asbestos near to Elstree Studios, where Eastenders and Holby City is filmed, caused concern for the cast’s health and safety earlier this week. Reports in the press claimed they may have been exposed to asbestos fibres and dust, but this was quickly denied by the BBC. Fibre optic cables were being […]
Monthly Archives: October 2016
Crocidolite – what is it and why is it so dangerous?
Crocidolite is a fibrous form of the mineral Riebeckite, and one of the six main types of asbestos. All six minerals that make up asbestos are characterised by fibrous crystals, which is the fundamental issue in relation to all associated health problems. Also known as blue asbestos, crocidolite was mined in South Africa, Australia and […]
Asbestos, Donald Trump, and the Mafia conspiracy
According to Donald Trump, asbestos has had a “bad rap” and the Twin Towers wouldn’t have collapsed if they had contained more of the substance. This belief is worrying on many levels, not least because this person may soon be leader of the free world. The dangers of asbestos are indisputable and warnings are backed […]
Clydebank named asbestos capital 20 years ago
In 1996, Clydebank was given the title of Britain’s ‘asbestos capital’ due to the area’s prolific shipbuilding industry and heavy industrial past. In the same year, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures showed the mortality rate in the area was 11 times higher than the national average. Clydebank also suffered the most deaths from mesothelioma […]
UK firm develops asbestos warning device
The dangers of breathing in airborne asbestos fibres have been well-documented, but a new device which warns of the presence of asbestos in the air is set to mitigate some of these risks when it becomes commercially available. Alert Technology Ltd of Paignton, South Devon, has developed a portable machine that assesses whether or not […]
Gardens contaminated by white asbestos
Residents in a village near Leicester have appealed to the local council to take action over asbestos contamination in their gardens. The contamination incident happened when the roofs of several lock-up garages nearby were jet-washed in April this year. A nearby railway embankment was also affected, but Network Rail acted quickly to remove the asbestos […]
WW2 artefact causes asbestos concern for BBC
A World War Two gas mask shown on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow contained lethal asbestos in its filter, according to news reports this week. Health and safety groups said the BBC should have included a warning on the programme, to highlight the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos Heritage campaigner, Sarah Walters, expressed her dismay at the […]
Is fracking the new asbestos?
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has approved plans to frack for shale gas at a site in Lancashire. The proposals were originally rejected by Lancashire County Council, and the government’s decision has caused anger and dismay amongst anti-fracking campaigners in the area. Concerns for the health of those living close to fracking sites, as well as […]
Asbestos awareness training for DIY enthusiasts
If you’re a lover of DIY you may not be aware, but there’s a potential risk to your health and safety if you work on a property that was built before 2000. The prolific use of asbestos in the construction industry means that deadly fibres and dust could be released if an asbestos-containing material (ACM) […]