The press has reported, as we indeed suspected, that the Grenfell tower block, constructed in the 1970s, contained asbestos and, therefore, poses a risk to those affected by the disaster, those working on the building following the disaster, the emergency services and those living in the surrounding area.
The fire clearly caused extensive damage to the building and inevitably disturbed the asbestos present in the fabric of the building. This has caused exposure to the surrounding area as debris blew over neighbouring homes and streets.
Asbestos was present in artex ceilings of the individual flats and in panels inside airing cupboards. Whilst there was previously little risk from this asbestos, as it was contained and preserved, the damage caused to he building will not have caused asbestos fibres to be released into the atmosphere and inevitably inhaled by those in the vicinity.
The Grenfell Action Group website has stated “These same forgotten households are also subject to other hidden dangers that no-one, not a single official or media reporter – has made any public reference to asbestos.
“There was lots of this in Grenfell Tower, notably in the artex coated ceilings of every apartment, and there were small solid asbestos panels in all apartments too”.
Public Health England (PHE) has now issued a statement in relation to the risks.
Dr Deborah Turbitt, health protection director for PHE in London, said: “We know that bound asbestos, contained in building materials such as plaster or fibre board, was present in Grenfell Tower in ceilings and header panels inside airing cupboards. It is possible that very small amounts of asbestos fibres will have been dispersed within the smoke plume but would have formed only a small fraction of the smoke and particles released in the fire; all smoke is toxic and any asbestos would present a minimal additional risk to health. Asbestos related diseases are typically associated with a long term workplace exposure to high levels of airborne asbestos fibres. Safety officers working with teams currently on the site have tested the air within Grenfell Tower for dust and asbestos and have not detected any levels of concern. When work commences to clear the site there will be a system of engineering work that will prevent any asbestos being released from the site and a programme of regular environmental air monitoring conducted to ensure that both contractors and local residents are not put at any risk.”
However, she advised anyone experiencing ongoing breathing problems who were near the scene to seek medical help by calling the NHS on 111. She said: “People who were close to the scene last week and exposed to smoke from the fire may have experienced irritation to their air passages, skin and eyes. Also respiratory symptoms including coughing and wheezing, breathlessness, phlegm production and chest pain.”
Yet again the legacy of the vast use of asbestos in the country raises its head in worrying circumstances. This is something which will inevitably happen time and time again until all asbestos is removed from buildings which is likely to be decades away. If you have concerns about asbestos in your property please contact your local Council.
If you require assistance in pursuing an asbestos compensation claim for mesothelioma or other asbestos disease then please contact us today on our freephone number 0800 038 6767. Alternatively, head over to the ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.