Asbestos and other hazardous substances
Around 3000 people a year in Great Britain die
from diseases caused by past exposure to asbestos and the figure is
expected to rise to nearer 10,000 by 2010.
People who work with asbestos are at risk, particularly those
who are involved in the refurbishment, repair or maintenance of
buildings like plumbers and carpenters. Research undertaken in 1995
by Professor Peto and HSE epidemiologists showed that 25% of those
3000 people who die each year from asbestos-related diseases worked
in the building industry at some point in their working lives.
The Health and Safety Executive website give details about the
hazards and effects of asbestos and explain the role of HSE in
applying measures to control the risks from asbestos.
Small quantities of asbestos if bagged carefully will be
collected by the Council to be disposed of for free. Any building
work carried out by a reputable builder should include disposal of
asbestos through a trade waste company.
Removal of hazardous waste
If you have asbestos that you wish get rid of from your
home please contact the waste management team for advice on
disposal? Information can be found on the hazardous waste
wepage
Detailed Documented Information on Asbestos
