Many of us will know of a colleague who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we remember them today.
We also remember our colleagues who have lost their lives due to asbestos-related diseases, despite having never having worked with asbestos.
As you are probably aware, asbestos is a known carcinogen. Inhaling small amounts of fibres can cause inflammation, scarring of the lungs and cancers, such as mesothelioma. Asbestos was considered a wonder material and was widely used in the construction and infrastructure of UK buildings especially between 1950s and 1980s, until a total ban on the use and import of all asbestos was introduced in 1999.
Unfortunately, this means that asbestos is still present in many homes, hospitals, schools and workplaces and can pose a significant health risk if it is in poor condition or is damaged – asbestos is certainly not a risk of the past. Inhaling even very small amounts of asbestos can cause fibres to become trapped in the body and it can take anything from 10 to 50 years to show up after initial exposure.
In 2024, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported over 5000 asbestos-related deaths in Great Britain, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. The HSE also reports that between 2011 and 2020, 78 nurses and midwives and 29 nursing auxiliaries/assistants died from mesothelioma.
So why are nursing staff affected, after all they don’t work with asbestos?
Due to its heat-resistant properties, we know that asbestos was extensively used in the construction and fabric of public sector buildings throughout the last century. For example, lagging pipes, insulating walls, ceiling tiles and floor linings. Therefore, any public building built or refurbished before 2000 is likely to contain asbestos.
However, like all construction materials, asbestos will degrade over time, and if not properly maintained may release asbestos fibres into the atmosphere. Where asbestos has been damaged or nursing staff have worked in an area where remedial work has been undertaken unsafely, there is a risk of exposure.
So today on International Workers Memorial Day, please help spread the word about the risk of asbestos to our members and for all our nursing colleagues who have lost their lives, you are not forgotten and today we will take time to remember you all.
Note
There is specific guidance on asbestos for members. RCN reps can access an asbestos briefing and toolkit and an asbestos webinar recording in the Health and Safety A-Z via the Reps' hub.
You can also contact the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team at HSWTeam@rcn.org.uk for advice.
Find out more:
RCN position statement on asbestos in health and social care buildings
RCN Asbestos Advice guides
