Asbestos was once a widely used material, valued for its durability and heat resistance.
However, as its harmful effects on health became clear, many countries, including the UK, began to regulate and eventually ban its use.
But when was asbestos banned?
Understanding when and why asbestos was banned is important, especially for those working in construction, real estate, or any field where older buildings might be involved.
This article explores the history of asbestos, the reasons behind its ban, and the current regulations in place.
Table of Contents
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are composed of thin, needle-like fibres.
Asbestos fibres are resistant to heat, fire, chemicals, and electricity, making asbestos an attractive material for many industries.
It was commonly used in construction, insulation, automotive parts, and even textiles.
Asbestos can be found in products like roofing shingles, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, cement products, and brake pads.
There are six different types of asbestos: chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite.
Among these, chrysotile asbestos was the most commonly used due to its flexibility and resistance to heat.
Despite its useful properties, asbestos is dangerous when its fibres are inhaled.
These tiny fibres can become airborne and, when breathed in, can lodge themselves in the lungs, leading to serious health problems over time.
Why was Asbestos Banned?
Asbestos was banned due to its severe health risks.
Prolonged asbestos exposure can lead to serious and often fatal diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
These conditions can develop decades after exposure, making asbestos-related diseases particularly insidious.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres.
The fibres irritate and scar lung tissue, leading to difficulty breathing and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.
This condition is progressive and irreversible, significantly impacting the quality of life.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
It is usually caused by asbestos exposure.
The prognosis for mesothelioma is generally poor, with most patients living only a few months to a few years after diagnosis.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure is similar to other forms of lung cancer, but with a direct connection to inhaling asbestos fibres.
This type of cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, making it difficult to treat effectively.
Learning About Asbestos Dangers
The dangers of asbestos were first recognized in the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until the latter half of the century that widespread public awareness and scientific evidence led to calls for banning asbestos.
Studies conducted in the 1960s and 1970s revealed the strong link between asbestos exposure and fatal diseases, leading to a growing consensus that the material was too dangerous to be used safely.
When was Asbestos Banned in the UK?
In the UK, the journey toward banning asbestos began in the 1980s, as awareness of its dangers increased.
The government implemented a series of regulations aimed at limiting asbestos use and protecting workers from exposure.
The Beginning of the Ban on Asbestos
1985 marked the first significant step when the UK banned the import, supply, and use of two types of asbestos: blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite).
These types were considered the most hazardous, and their ban was a critical move in reducing asbestos-related diseases.
Regulations
1992 saw further restrictions, with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations being introduced.
These regulations placed more stringent controls on asbestos in the workplace, requiring employers to take steps to protect workers from exposure.
It also mandated that any work involving asbestos had to be carried out by licensed asbestos contractors, such as us here at KD Asbestos.
The Full Ban on Asbestos
1999 was a crucial year in the UK’s battle against asbestos.
The government implemented a full ban on the use of all types of asbestos, including white asbestos (chrysotile), which had previously been permitted in certain products.
This ban applied to the manufacture, supply, and use of asbestos-containing materials, effectively eliminating the material from new construction and industrial use.
What are the Current Asbestos Regulations?
Today, the UK has strict regulations in place to manage asbestos and protect people from exposure.
The main legislation governing asbestos is the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
This regulation consolidates and updates previous laws and is the key framework for asbestos management in the UK.
Duty to Manage
One of the core aspects of the Control of Asbestos Regulations is the duty to manage asbestos.
This duty is placed on those responsible for the maintenance of non-domestic buildings, such as owners or tenants.
They must identify and assess the presence of asbestos in their buildings and take appropriate action to manage the risks.
This includes conducting regular surveys, keeping an up-to-date asbestos register, and ensuring that asbestos-containing materials are properly maintained or removed if necessary.
Training and Licensing
The regulations also require that anyone working with asbestos or in environments where asbestos might be present receives proper training.
This is crucial to ensure that workers understand the risks and know how to handle asbestos safely.
In addition, certain types of work with asbestos, such as removal or large-scale maintenance, must be carried out by licensed contractors who have the necessary expertise and equipment to do the job safely.
Asbestos Removal
When asbestos is found and must be removed, it must be done following strict safety procedures.
Licensed contractors must use specialised equipment to minimise the release of asbestos fibres and must dispose of the material in designated hazardous waste facilities.
The process is carefully regulated to protect both workers and the environment.
Health Surveillance
Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos, even at low levels, are entitled to regular health surveillance.
This includes medical examinations to detect any early signs of asbestos-related diseases.
Early detection can improve treatment outcomes and provide vital data for understanding the long-term effects of asbestos exposure.
Is Asbestos Banned in Other Countries?
Asbestos is banned or heavily regulated in many countries around the world, though the extent of the bans varies.
The international community has recognized the severe health risks associated with asbestos, leading to widespread efforts to limit its use.
European Union
The European Union has been at the forefront of asbestos regulation.
All forms of asbestos were banned in the EU by 2005, following the earlier bans on the more dangerous types in individual member states.
The EU’s regulations are among the strictest, with comprehensive measures for asbestos removal, disposal, and worker protection.
United States
In the United States, asbestos is not fully banned, but its use is heavily regulated.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented restrictions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
While some asbestos-containing products are still in use, the EPA’s rules significantly limit new uses of asbestos and require proper handling and disposal of the material.
The U.S. has also seen numerous legal actions and settlements related to asbestos exposure, particularly involving companies that manufactured or used asbestos-containing products.
Canada
Canada, once a major producer of asbestos, implemented a nationwide ban on asbestos in 2018.
This ban prohibits the import, sale, and use of asbestos and asbestos-containing products.
The decision marked a significant shift in Canada’s stance, reflecting growing awareness of asbestos-related health risks.
Australia
Australia has had a comprehensive asbestos ban in place since 2003.
The ban covers all forms of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.
Australia also has strict regulations for managing asbestos in older buildings and ensuring safe removal and disposal.
Developing Countries
In contrast, asbestos is still in use in many developing countries.
The material’s low cost and durability make it appealing for construction and manufacturing, despite the known health risks.
Countries like India, China, and Russia continue to mine, use, and export asbestos.
Efforts to ban asbestos globally have faced challenges, particularly from countries with strong asbestos industries.
However, international organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), continue to advocate for a worldwide ban on asbestos.
Conclusion
Hopefully this article has answered your question of ‘when was asbestos banned?’
Asbestos, once valued for its versatility and durability, has been largely banned worldwide due to its severe health risks.
In the UK, the journey from widespread use to a full ban took several decades, driven by growing awareness of the dangers asbestos poses.
Today, the UK has robust regulations in place to manage asbestos, ensuring that it is handled safely and that those exposed to it are protected.
While many countries have followed suit with similar bans and regulations, asbestos remains in use in some parts of the world.
The global effort to eliminate asbestos continues, as the long-term health impacts of exposure are clear and devastating.
Understanding the history of asbestos, the reasons behind its ban, and the current regulations is essential for anyone involved in industries where asbestos might still be present.
Continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols are key to protecting future generations from the dangers of asbestos.
For any asbestos-based queries, then please do contact us here at KD Asbestos.