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Every week on average, 20 tradesmen die from exposure to asbestos in the UK.
Asbestos was extensively used as a building materials in the UK from the 1950's through to the mid-1980's.
It was used for a variety of purposes and was ideal for fireproofing and insulation.
Any structure built before 2000 can contain asbestos.
Asbestos materials in good condition are safe unless asbestos fibres become airborne, which happens when materials are damaged.
When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they cause serious diseases which are responsible for around 4,500 deaths a year.
Asbestos-related diseases do not produce signs or symptoms immediately, so protection is essential to prevent contracting an asbestos-related disease in the future.
Smokers exposed to asbestos fibres are at much greater risk of developing lung cancer.
What are asbestos fibres?
Protect yourself and your work mates with HSE's free Beware Asbestos web app.
Access the HSE guidance pages to find out more.