Is Asbestos still a problem in 2025?
With all the talk of modern materials and eco-renovations, you might assume asbestos is a thing of the past. But here’s the truth: asbestos is still a significant public health concern in the UK in 2025.
The Reality
According to HSE data, over 1.5 million buildings in the UK still contain asbestos. This includes:
Homes
Schools
Hospitals
Office blocks
Public buildings
While asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999, it was used extensively in construction for over 40 years. That legacy hasn’t gone away.
What the Experts Say
In March 2024, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health released a report urging the government to:
Create a national asbestos register
Invest in proactive removal
Mandate routine asbestos surveys in all public buildings
The TUC and Unite the Union have also backed these calls, citing ongoing risks to workers and the public.
Why It Matters
Asbestos-related diseases still kill 5,000 people in the UK annually—more than road traffic accidents. And many victims are unaware they were ever exposed.People at risk include:
Electricians
Joiners
Plumbers
DIY renovators
Tenants living in older social housing
Myth: “If It’s Been There for Years, It’s Safe”
False. Asbestos becomes dangerous when disturbed, and time only makes old materials more brittle. Whether you're installing a kitchen, replacing guttering, or rewiring your loft—you could be disturbing it without knowing.
What Should You Do?
If you own, rent, or work in a building built before 2000:
Arrange an asbestos inspection
Never drill, sand, or cut suspicious materials
Use a licensed asbestos removal company for any removals
At Safe Asbestos Removal, we’ve helped hundreds of UK homeowners, councils, and businesses safely manage their asbestos risks.
Let’s Talk About Your Building
Still unsure whether asbestos is a risk in your space? We’re happy to answer your questions or arrange a survey. Call our friendly team today or send us a message online. Let’s make your space safe for the future