The Sunday Times

Act Now on Asbestos

2024

The Sunday Times launched their campaign ‘Act Now on Asbestos’, calling for the phased removal of asbestos, starting with schools and hospitals. The Sunday Times reported that more than six million tonnes may still be present in as many as 1.5 million buildings (Airtight on Asbestos) and a survey from the Department for Education in 2019 revealed that 81 per cent of schools in England still contain it, with the figure being 60 per cent in Wales and Scotland.

The Sunday Times reported: “Government policy is to leave asbestos where it is unless it is disturbed and damaged, releasing fibres. But with many prefab structures built in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s now falling into disrepair, this is no longer acceptable. And, as Michael Lees, the widower of a teacher who died of mesothelioma aged just 51, pointed out, even if school buildings are in good condition, the policy does not take behaviour into account.”

As part of their campaign, the news brand is calling for accurate assessments of how much asbestos there is and where followed by a proactive timetable for removal.

The campaign told the stories of teachers and pupils who have died from asbestos exposure and examined the science behind RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) which has led to the closure of three schools since the campaign’s launch.

The campaign also exposed how the Marks and SPencer’s main store in Marble Arch was blighted with asbestos leading to the deaths of staff members.

The campaign has also received support from various former cabinet ministers and senior politicians.