Tens of thousands of lives are at risk from asbestos lurking in schools, hospitals, and social housing, in what could be the next major scandal to hit the nation. Recent revelations by experts shed light on a disturbing tale of government concealment, leaving the public exposed to deadly fibres.

One poignant story is that of Helen Bone, a 42-year-old mother of three young daughters, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma three years ago. Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer caused exclusively by asbestos exposure, has traditionally been associated with occupations like construction, mining, and shipbuilding. However, a new trend is emerging, with healthcare professionals, teachers, and even school children falling victim to the disease.

As a nurse, Helen spent her career in hospitals where asbestos was prevalent, raising concerns about the risks faced by healthcare workers. Additionally, her time as a schoolgirl likely exposed her to asbestos present in educational facilities, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.

The tragic reality is that individuals like Helen are becoming increasingly common, with mesothelioma patients facing a grim life expectancy of four to 18 months post-diagnosis. Despite her personal ordeal, Helen’s focus is on urging the government to take decisive action to eliminate asbestos and prevent future tragedies.

With asbestos-related illnesses claiming the lives of 20,000 people annually in the UK, it stands as the leading cause of occupational fatalities in the country. Shockingly, over 5.5 million buildings across the UK still harbor this hazardous substance, posing a significant public health risk.

As Action Mesothelioma Day approaches on July 5, advocates like Helen and experts are calling for urgent attention to this pressing issue. While the upcoming General Election will bring a host of challenges for the new government, the eradication of asbestos must not be overlooked. The silent and deadly nature of asbestos demands immediate action to safeguard public health and prevent further tragedies.

As the nation grapples with this looming crisis, the call for asbestos removal to be a top priority on the public health agenda grows louder. The need to address this pervasive threat is paramount to protect the lives of countless individuals at risk of asbestos-related diseases.