1. Asbestos

Asbestos is one of the most dangerous building materials ever produced.

Thousands of people fall ill and die every year because of exposure to asbestos.

Until relatively recently, asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were widely used across the construction industry in schools, hospitals, factories, shops, offices and housing built up to and including 1999, when its use was outlawed.

The north-west of England was the centre of asbestos production in the UK, and it was routinely used in buildings across Europe. Asbestos is naturally occurring and is mined like coal or diamonds.

It is dangerous when it is disturbed, e.g. by builders or maintenance operatives carrying out routine work.

And it is easily disturbed because its use was so widespread – in roof and floor...

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How to deal with asbestos.

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