Asbestos on the Frontlines: The Hidden Enemy in Military Vehicles and Conflict Zones

Craig Ablett • 9 November 2023

Amid the cacophony of war and the valour of military service, a silent assailant persists in the ranks of the British Armed Forces: Asbestos.

This carcinogenic material, once prized for its durability and heat resistance, has surreptitiously endangered our veterans, lingering in military vehicles and equipment, with heightened risks manifesting in foreign conflict zones where regulation is lax.


Whilst Asbestos in military buildings in the UK has been managed. now for some years, asbestos exposure is an often overlooked threat that adds to the already severe risk of combat on the frontline and can remain a threat long after the conflict is over.


Asbestos in Military Vehicles: A Legacy of Risk


For much of the 20th century, asbestos was extensively used in military vehicles. From tanks and jeeps to aircraft and naval ships, its presence was ubiquitous in brake pads, gaskets, insulation, and engine components. Though its use has been drastically reduced, some older vehicles may still contain asbestos, potentially putting personnel at risk during maintenance, repair, or during the decommissioning of these vehicles.


When these vehicles are deployed in conflict zones, the risk escalates. Environmental regulations that restrict asbestos use in the UK do not apply overseas, especially in areas where governance is disrupted by war. Military personnel could inadvertently be exposed to asbestos when handling local equipment or salvaging parts from damaged vehicles. This exposure is concerning because the latency period for asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, can range from 10 to 50 years, meaning symptoms may not present until long after service.


Navigating the Asbestos Minefield in Conflict Zones


In conflict zones, the chaos of war compounds the asbestos threat. Buildings demolished by warfare may release asbestos into the air, and military operations in such environments necessitate rapid construction and repair, often with materials at hand, which may unknowingly contain asbestos. The British military's operational tempo in such conditions makes it difficult to enforce the stringent controls on asbestos that are standard in peacetime facilities.


The lack of regulation in these areas means that British forces may encounter asbestos without the usual protocols that would protect them at home. The responsibility falls on military leaders to ensure that their personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to mitigate these risks, which includes proper training on asbestos awareness and access to adequate protective equipment.


Support for Veterans: Recognising and Responding to Asbestos Exposure


Acknowledging the dangers our service members face from asbestos is just the first step; providing comprehensive support is the next. Veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have several avenues for assistance within the UK.


Medical support is pivotal. The National Health Service (NHS) offers screenings and treatments for asbestos-related conditions. Additionally, specialised clinics and centres provide focused care for those suffering from occupational illnesses, ensuring veterans receive the best possible treatment.


For emotional and psychological support, various veterans' organisations offer counselling and support groups, creating platforms where veterans can share experiences and coping strategies.


Legal Recourse and Compensation: Seeking Justice for Exposure


Veterans affected by asbestos also have legal recourses. The UK government and armed forces recognize the duty of care owed to those who served. As a result, compensation schemes and legal avenues are in place to support those who develop health issues due to service-related asbestos exposure. These include:


  • The War Pensions Scheme for veterans who served before April 2005.
  • The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme for those who served after April 2005.


Additionally, there are charitable organisations that advocate for veterans, providing guidance on claiming compensation and navigating the legal system. (See the resources section at the bottom of this article).


Awareness and Prevention: Safeguarding the Future


Preventing future asbestos exposure is crucial. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has stringent protocols for asbestos management, including the safe handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). However, the real challenge lies in extending these protocols to active conflict zones and ensuring adherence amid instability.


Training and awareness programs are essential. They equip service members with the knowledge to identify asbestos risks and take appropriate actions to protect themselves and their comrades. These programs must be dynamic and responsive to the unique challenges of deployment in regions where asbestos regulation is non-existent.


The Way Forward: A Call to Action


The fight against asbestos in the military is far from over. As we pivot towards modern materials and safer practices, we must not forget those who have already been affected. This call to action goes out to military leaders, policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups to unite in the following efforts:


  • Rigorous inspection and replacement of asbestos-containing parts in military vehicles and equipment.
  • Heightened training and awareness campaigns for troops, especially those deployed to conflict zones.
  • Enhanced cooperation with international allies to address the challenges of asbestos in war-torn regions.
  • Expanded support networks and resources for veterans dealing with asbestos-related health issues.


In Conclusion: Duty of Care to Our Military Heroes


The legacy of asbestos use in military vehicles and operations is a complex issue that continues to affect veterans' health. As we confront this challenge, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our military personnel are not only prepared for the immediate threats of war but also protected from the hidden dangers such as asbestos exposure.


Our veterans have served with honour, and in return, we must safeguard their well-being with equal commitment. Through comprehensive support systems, legal measures, and ongoing prevention and education, we can confront the asbestos menace and strive to provide a safer environment for our service members, both during and long after their valiant service to our nation.


Resources for affected Veterans and their families:


  • Asbestos Veterans: This organisation specifically supports veterans who have been affected by asbestos. They offer advice on welfare and compensation claims.
  • British Lung Foundation: They provide comprehensive information on asbestos-related diseases and can also help with support groups.
  • Royal British Legion: The Legion provides support for service personnel and veterans across the UK, including those affected by asbestos exposure.
  • Asbestos Support Groups: There are regional groups that offer assistance to those affected by asbestos in their area, including military veterans.
  • Veterans UK: This is the official government portal providing support and advice on the range of services and assistance available to veterans, including health and welfare.
  • Asbestos Disease Awareness Organisation: While it's a US-based organisation, they provide resources and support that may be helpful to UK personnel as well.
  • Macmillan Cancer Support: Macmillan provides support not only for cancer but for those with asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma as well.
  • Mesothelioma UK: A national resource dedicated to supporting people with mesothelioma, including veterans. They offer information on treatment options and legal advice.
by Adam Fox 9 April 2025
Asbestos and the Circular Economy: Why It's Time to Stop Burying the Problem Twenty-five years after asbestos was banned in the UK, we’re still digging a hole—literally and metaphorically. Every day, across the country, asbestos waste is double-bagged, labelled, loaded into skips, and driven to landfill, where it will sit indefinitely, taking up valuable space, creating ongoing liability, and adding to our already bloated environmental burden. And yet, 2025 presents a different path. A smarter one. One that replaces disposal with repurposing, and turns a dangerous waste product into a useful, circular resource. The technology exists. So the question we should be asking isn’t “Can we recycle asbestos?” It’s “Why the hell aren’t we doing it already?” Landfill is Failing Us—But We’re Still Relying On It Let’s start with the basics. There are still over 1.5 million buildings in the UK that contain asbestos, most of them now approaching the end of their useful life. As these structures age or undergo refurbishment, the volume of asbestos waste is only going to increase. Right now, we handle that waste the same way we did decades ago: • Identify it • Remove it (usually under fully controlled conditions) • Seal it in heavy-duty plastic • Drive it to landfill • Bury it • Forget about it Except we don’t forget, do we? Because landfill space is running out. Disposal costs are going up. And the environmental cost? We’re only just starting to count it. There’s a Better Way—and It Already Works Here’s what most duty holders don’t realise: We no longer have to bury asbestos. Thanks to recent advances in thermal treatment technology, we now have a method that can safely denature asbestos, breaking down its fibrous structure and rendering it harmless. Companies like Thermal Recycling in the UK are already proving this is not science fiction. They’re using high temperatures to transform asbestos cement products—like corrugated roofing sheets—into an inert ceramic material that’s completely safe. But here's the best bit: That material isn’t just neutral. It’s useful. It can be crushed and graded into aggregate, which can be used in road construction, paving, and concrete mixes. Instead of creating a waste burden for the next generation, we’re creating a valuable, low-carbon building material. Why Aggregate Matters in the Carbon Equation The production of virgin aggregates—through mining and quarrying—is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. It contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions and destroys natural landscapes. So by replacing some of that demand with recycled aggregate from denatured asbestos, we: • Cut carbon emissions • Reduce dependence on extraction • Shrink the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects • Extend the life of quarries and reduce waste tonnage That’s not just a win for waste management. That’s a win for the entire construction supply chain. And yet most people in the industry don’t even know it’s possible. Why Are We Still Burying What Could Be Reused? As someone who’s worked in asbestos compliance for over 20 years—and now helps business leaders manage risk more intelligently—I’ve seen the same patterns play out time and time again: • “We’ll just do what we’ve always done.” • “This project’s tight on budget—landfill’s cheaper, right?” • “We’re just following the usual route—it’s less risky.” Let’s be honest. That mindset is outdated, short-sighted, and lazy. Cost may always be a factor, but the belief that landfill is “cheaper” needs to be challenged. Once you factor in: • Long-term environmental costs • Reputational risk • Rising disposal fees • And the public pressure for sustainable practices Thermal recycling is already starting to make sense. Especially when the output is something usable, not something buried. Licensed Contractors: You Don’t Get a Free Pass Either This isn’t just about clients or duty holders. Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARC’s) have a moral obligation here too. And I say that not from a place of opinion—but from first-hand experience, day in and day out for over two decades. Too often, LARCs put profits over progress. They default to landfill because it’s faster, easier to price up, and keeps their margins clean. They know the alternatives exist—but they don’t explore them, let alone offer them to their clients. When you hold a licence from the HSE, you’re not just a business—you’re a guardian of public health. That comes with responsibility. Choosing the most sustainable, forward-thinking disposal route should be part of that. Especially when the technology is available, proven, and legal. It’s time for the industry to stop hiding behind what’s convenient and start leading from the front. A Moral Obligation for Everyone Involved Whether you’re a: • Local authority managing public buildings • Developer under pressure to go green • Commercial landlord looking to reduce liability • Or a licensed contractor with influence over disposal routes —you have a responsibility to look beyond the cheapest or fastest option. If there’s a proven, safe, and more sustainable way to manage asbestos, you have a duty to understand it before choosing to ignore it. Because let’s be honest: “We didn’t know” isn’t going to wash when the public starts asking why we’re still filling landfill sites with a problem we already have the technology to eliminate. So What Can You Do Differently? No one’s asking you to overhaul your entire waste strategy overnight. But you can—and should—start asking better questions: • “Is landfill our only option here?” • “Could this waste stream be recycled instead of buried?” • “What suppliers, contractors, or experts do we know who can help us explore this?” You don’t have to be a global pioneer. But if you’re in a position of responsibility, you should at least be aware that the old way isn’t the only way anymore. Final Thought: The Future Is Circular—Whether You Join In or Not Asbestos will be with us for decades to come. That’s a fact. But how we handle it—and whether we choose to keep repeating the past or do something smarter—is up to us. Thermal recycling and other denaturing technologies offer a rare opportunity to do something that actually moves the industry forward. Not just ticking the compliance box. Not just burying the problem. But solving it—and turning it into something useful in the process. If you’re involved in asbestos management in even the slightest way, ask yourself this: Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
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