It’s still killing people, and the government has yet to act: Britain’s hidden asbestos epidemic | Tom White

The GuardianMonday, October 20, 2025 at 9:00:41 AM
It’s still killing people, and the government has yet to act: Britain’s hidden asbestos epidemic | Tom White
Despite the ban on asbestos in 1999, Britain is facing a hidden epidemic as deteriorating materials continue to pose a deadly risk. Thousands are losing their lives each year to asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, a cancer that has devastating effects and is often diagnosed in younger individuals, as seen in the case of Helen Bone, who was only 38 when diagnosed. This ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for government action to address the lingering dangers of asbestos in buildings and protect public health.
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