The chances of encountering asbestos in the workplace are much higher than one may think. In fact, over 50% of British buildings – and 75% of schools built earlier than 1999 – are thought to hold asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). While tradespeople have higher rates of exposure and diagnosis rates than members of the public, it’s […]
A summary of the 2012 update to the regulations
From the mid-19th century until 1999, Britain produced and used more asbestos-based materials than any other nation. Asbestos insulation, floor tiles, cement and even automobile parts were common and low-cost, purchased by the average citizen who was oblivious to medical evidence that linked the silicate mineral to untreatable lung diseases and cancers. While asbestos materials […]
The word ‘asbestos’ hasn’t always had such negative connotations. Asbestos fibres were used in a staggering amount of construction materials including asbestos insulation, floor tiles and even fabric for its soundproofing and fireproofing qualities. Though the negative and deadly consequences of this silicate mineral were suspected for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until the start […]