Asbestos found in nearly 200 of Cornwall’s public buildingsfrom schools to office spaces

Asbestos has been found in at least 199 public buildings across Cornwall. Data released today (February 20) found that properties across Cornwall - from schools to office spaces and community centres - contain the potentially cancer-causing material.

While some of the asbestos may not be deemed harmful, once it is disturbed or in a state of disrepair it can quickly become very dangerous. Adrian Budgen, an asbestos-disease lawyer, says it’s “a huge concern” as many public buildings are old and maintenance budgets are sometimes stretched.

Data supplied by Cornwall Council identified the county to have a total of 199 public buildings containing asbestos, making it the local authority with the ninth highest number of the 20 questioned. In addition, 203 asbestos surveys had been carried out in the past five years, however there were no asbestos removals reported. The buildings affected were not named.

Irwin Mitchell, which carried out the research, is calling for more to be done to eradicate the substance. Legal experts at the company believe that if the data provided is repeated around the country, it’s estimated that across the 387 local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales combined, there are around 87,000 public buildings containing asbestos.

Many of those exposed to asbestos are later diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs, or asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, as a consequence of their exposure. This condition can cause progressive shortness of breath, and in severe cases can also be fatal.

Adrian Budgen, an asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Most people associate asbestos with historical exposure in factories or construction work, but these latest figures highlight the extensive risk still posed by the deadly substance across the UK in everyday buildings used by the public.

“Sadly, we come across families and individuals affected by asbestos most often after coming into contact with it in their workplace, and to have it confirmed that it’s not yet been eradicated from a large number of public buildings is incredibly concerning.

“One of the main problem areas is revealed to be schools, which are obviously densely populated with pupils, teachers and other school workers for long hours at a time. It’s extremely worrying that so many still contain asbestos, essentially putting children at risk every day.

“Whilst some of the asbestos may not yet be deemed harmful, once it’s disturbed or in a state of disrepair it can quickly become very dangerous, and with many of our public buildings being old and maintenance budgets being stretched, it’s a huge concern.”

Cornwall Council’s website explains that properties built before the year 2000 may contain materials made from asbestos. It says asbestos will be found in most homes and can usually remain safely, while breathing in asbestos dust can be harmful.

Further advice on asbestos within residential properties can be found below: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/ environment/environmental-protection/ asbestos/ https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/23330260.230-public-buildings-bradford-contain-asbestos/

The figures, which include more than 4,500 public buildings, have been provided by 20 local authorities as part of new research undertaken by the legal experts Irwin Mitchell who support clients affected by exposure to the hazardous substance.

Many of those are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs, or asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, as a consequence of their exposure.

Data supplied by Bradford Council identified it as the local authority with the seventh-highest number of public buildings containing asbestos, with a total of 238.

Irwin Mitchell has supported several clients from the Bradford area whose exposure occurred in public buildings.

These include Pauline Harrison who worked at a school in Bradford and sadly died from mesothelioma two years ago due to coming into contact with asbestos during her employment.

In November 2019, Pauline’s lawyers made a claim against Bradford Council.

Although Pauline died, aged 67, in November 2020 before the court case could be resolved. However, her loved ones continued with the case in her memory. It settled in October 2021.

“She fought bravely right to the end while undertaking her quest for answers,” said Pauline’s son Mark.

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Pauline Harrison’s family and friends for their sad loss.

“We understand the concern about asbestos in buildings and we take the issue extremely seriously.”

In April 2022, MPs recommended a 40-year deadline be set for the removal of asbestos from the estimated 300,000 public and commercial buildings that still contain asbestos. However, the report from the Work and Pensions Committee was rejected by the government.

Following the announcement, Irwin Mitchell contacted 20 local authorities in the UK to gain insight into the true picture of asbestos in public buildings.