The Hidden Danger: Asbestos in Public Buildings and Its Deadly Consequences
Many hospitals, schools, and other public buildings in the UK are worryingly old and dilapidated, posing significant health risks to those who inhabit them. According to campaigners, the current policy of allowing asbestos to remain in these buildings should be abandoned due to the severe health hazards it poses.
The Silent Killer: Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a protective membrane that covers the lungs, abdomen, and heart. This deadly condition is caused by inhaling tiny asbestos fibers. Unfortunately, mesothelioma has no cure, and treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy can only slow its progression. Once diagnosed, most patients pass away within 18 months.
Asbestos Use and Banning
Asbestos was widely used in the UK until 1999 for insulation and fire retardancy. It was found in various items, including ceiling tiles, toasters, corrugated roofing, and even ironing boards. Due to the extensive use of asbestos, the UK currently has the highest mesothelioma mortality rate globally, with the number of new diagnoses continuously rising.
Asbestos was widely used in the UK in public and domestic buildings as a form of insulation and a fire retardant for decades before finally being banned in 1999
The Threat Looming
The exposure to asbestos fibers can take between 20 to 60 years to manifest symptoms such as abdominal and chest pain, coughing, and breathlessness. The fear is that many individuals are unknowingly living with the disease. The Mail has joined campaigners in advocating for the removal of all remaining asbestos from public buildings, including more than 21,000 schools, and the establishment of a national online database listing every non-domestic building that contains asbestos.
Real Stories: Victims of Mesothelioma
Through real-life stories, the human cost of asbestos exposure becomes starkly evident:
From School Bunsen Burners?
Mark Smith, 36:
Transport manager living in Bradford with partner Hayley and children aged nine and seven:
Despite diagnosis in August, Mark was initially told he had a treatable condition. However, a second opinion revealed peritoneal mesothelioma, likely contracted from exposure to asbestos at school. Mark is currently undergoing immunotherapy while trying to protect his children from the emotional impact.
Mark Smith, 36, has started a two-year course of immunotherapy which he hopes will delay his cancer growing
Contracted as a 16-Year-Old Receptionist
Michelle Spencer, 63:
Retired teacher living in Rochdale with husband Nigel:
Michelle believes she was exposed to asbestos in 1976 while working as a receptionist at a carpet mill. Diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2021, she received compensation and is looking to make the most of her remaining time with her husband and grandchildren.
Michelle Spencer, 63, believes she came into contact with asbestos in 1976, when she was 16 and worked as a receptionist at a local carpet mill
Accountant in a Tower Block with Asbestos
Alan Smith, 80:
Former managing director of Anglian Water living in Melton Mowbray with wife Deb:
Alan may have been exposed to asbestos in a tower block in Ipswich or during meetings at the Wisbech and District Water Board. Diagnosed with mesothelioma, Alan remains determined to stay active and positive.
Alan Smith, 80, says so far his cancer is stable and he is fit enough to walk up to five miles a day
Once Lived in a Very Old Building
Karen Cansanay, 44:
Full-time mother living in Cheltenham with husband Alvin:
Karen’s diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma came as a shock following gallstone surgery. She is working to make memories with her four children before the expected short lifespan she was given.
Karen Cansanay, 44, can’t pinpoint how she came in contact with asbestos although she says she did once live in a very old building
As Student Had Job Cleaning Schools
Susanna Illingworth, 38:
Compliance officer living in Oxford:
Susanna discovered her mesothelioma diagnosis during fertility treatment, likely due to exposure during her cleaning job at schools. She is working to trace her asbestos exposure and is advocating for awareness.
Susanna Illingworth, 38, is working with solicitors who are trying to trace where she came in contact with asbestos
As Apprentice, Saw It Glistening in Sun
Steve Elford, 73:
Retired electrical engineer living in Wisbech:
Diagnosed with mesothelioma in May, Steve was unaware of asbestos dangers while working as an apprentice in a foundry. He poignant advocacy underscores the need for broader awareness and action.
Steve Elford, 73, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in May and first worked with asbestos in a foundry which he joined as a 16-year-old apprentice
