When was use of asbestos banned in uk

Asbestos fibres can make their way into water after eroding from natural sources like asbestos cement. Breathing in asbestos in high concentrations, especially for prolonged periods of time will adversely affect the lungs. People suffering from the condition known as asbestosis have trouble breathing normally, and this leads to the enlargement of the heart. Asbestosis does not develop within a short period of time since the time when the initial exposure to asbestos occurred, so it can take decades to develop.

People who were exposed to low concentrations of asbestos are still prone to certain health problems. This led to many people being exposed to it, particularly those who used to work in industries such as shipbuilding, construction, roofing, painting and decorating, demolition, plastering, plumbing and heating.

Other occupations which also faced a risk of exposure, but to a lesser extent included electricians, joiners, carpenters and boilermakers. Unfortunately, those who worked in the shipbuilding industry before the s were exposed to high concentrations of asbestos, as many ships used to be loaded with asbestos parts and asbestos insulation products. Moreover, the risk of asbestos fibres getting airborne was very high whenever ships were repaired, maintained or retro-fitted.

Many old buildings and residences which were erected before the year came with a high probability of asbestos presence. It was also present in homes and schools as well as commercial buildings and warehouses in the UK. Despite the fact that there had been scientific findings dating back decades, which suggested that it was potentially responsible for serious respiratory conditions, it was still used. This was just a month before the European Union banned chrysotile. Chrysotile-containing products installed prior to November 24, can remain in place until they reach the end of their service life.

The sale of second-hand asbestos cement products and building materials covered with asbestos-containing coatings is forbidden. Two pages of time-limited derogations apply to specialist items such as "diaphragms in electrolytic cells in existing electrolysis plants for chloralkali manufacture," and "split face seals of at least millimetres in diameter used to prevent leakage of water from hydro-electric power generation turbines Laid under the Consumer Protection Act, the Road Vehicles Brake Linings Safety Regulations prohibited "the supply, exposure for supply or fitting to a motor vehicle or trailer of brake linings containing asbestos" as of October 1, While the chrysotile prohibitions were expected, their arrival during the dog days of the Summer parliamentary recess was surprising.

Perhaps Ministers believed vacationing representatives of the asbestos industry and producer governments would remain unaware of the new legislation. The low-key announcement was understandable in light of the industry's increasingly desperate attempts to counter growing anti-asbestos sentiment. Diplomatic threats and sabre-rattling had delayed UK legislation for two years. When Labour first came to power, Prime Minister Blair expressed his determination to "deal effectively with the problems of asbestos.

On that basis, many people tend to use the cut-off date of From November in the UK it was illegal to buy, sell, import or export any materials containing asbestos. Many parts of Europe also banned asbestos around this time, and Europe has been ahead of the game when it comes to banning asbestos, particularly when compared to countries like Canada and the USA.

In the UK, Blue Crocidolite and Brown Amosite asbestos importation and use were originally banned earlier in and the final ban came as described above in Despite being banned here in the UK, globally, asbestos is still used and still legal in the majority of countries around the globe.

The mineral is still actively mined in Russia, India and China and then sent around the world to be added to other products. Despite what we now know about the dangers of asbestos to our health, it took many years for it to be finally banned here in the UK.

Asbestos was widely used as a common building material in ship building and the construction of houses, commercial and public buildings such as factories, hospitals, schools, chemical and power plants. Asbestos was used extensively due to its strength, flexibility, sound proofing, heat resistance and resistance to chemical attack.

It was also cheap to mine and easy to add to other products in manufacturing. When we talk about asbestos exposure we are usually referring to the inhalation of the fibres. Prior results do not predict a similar outcome. For more information, visit our sponsors page. Your web browser is no longer supported by Microsoft. Update your browser for more security, speed and compatibility.

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Order Yours Now. Find a Doctor Dr. David Sugarbaker Dr. Paul Sugarbaker Dr. Get Help Now. Asbestos Cancer Lung Cancer. Read More. Get a Free Mesothelioma Guide Receive a page mesothelioma guide overnight. Learn about your diagnosis, top doctors and how to pay for treatment. Get Your Free Guide. Other occupations facing a high risk of exposure include: Carpenters Joiners Plumbers Boilermakers Electricians. Quick Fact:. Get Mesothelioma Treatment in the United States: If you or someone you love lives in the United Kingdom and is diagnosed with mesothelioma, a no-cost treatment program is available in the United States.

Email us to learn more. Companies Covered Up the Dangers of Asbestos. Court documents provide irrefutable proof the asbestos industry kept workers and the public in the dark about the hazards of asbestos. In , the UK government banned the use and import of chrysotile asbestos. Spraying of asbestos materials as a surface coating Use of low-density insulating or soundproofing materials made from asbestos Importation of asbestos-containing products Use of asbestos cement Use of boards, panels or tiles covered in asbestos paint or plasters.

These products may have included: Ovens Hair dryers Irons and ironing board covers Toasters Stove-top pads Brake pads and linings Clutch facings. Tell us what you think Did this article help you? How did this article help you? This article answered all of my questions. It was helpful, but I still have questions.

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