The Inadequacy of the "Act Now on Asbestos" and "Asbestos and You" Campaigns: A Comprehensive Overview of Asbestos Management in the UK

Adam Fox • 14 July 2023

Awareness of the hidden killer is important, but it's time to act decisively

Part I: The Looming Crisis - The UK's Asbestos Legacy

The rise of industrialisation in the mid-20th century saw the widespread use of asbestos across various sectors in the UK. Its heat-resistant properties and tensile strength made it a popular choice for construction materials. However, it was only later that the hazardous nature of the substance was widely acknowledged. Today, asbestos stands as one of the leading occupational killers, with an estimated annual death toll of around 5,000 in the UK alone. Yet, the UK Government's strategies towards managing this dangerous substance remain remarkably inadequate.

Part II: A Failed Attempt - Evaluating the "Act Now on Asbestos" Campaign

The "Act Now on Asbestos" campaign was launched with the objective to raise awareness about the lethal implications of asbestos exposure. Targeting primarily schools, who are at high risk, the campaign intended to bring to the public's attention the amount of asbestos that remains in UK schools as well as to help bridge the knowledge gap regarding the dangers of asbestos.

Unfortunately, despite its well-meaning intentions, the campaign falls short of inciting any substantial shift in the UK Government's approach towards asbestos management. Its primary focus on awareness-raising, without an equivalent emphasis on the enforcement of existing regulations, resulted in a significant disconnect between awareness and action. The campaign fails to address the need for stronger, more rigorous policies that would enforce tighter control and management of asbestos, thus compromising its overall effectiveness.

Part III: Filling the Void - A Critical Analysis of the "Asbestos and You" Campaign

Launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the "Asbestos and You" campaign aimed to enhance the general public's understanding of the risks associated with asbestos exposure. However, much like the "Act Now on Asbestos" campaign, it centred on education and awareness, without pressing for any significant transformations in governmental policy.

The "Asbestos and You" campaign overlooked an important aspect - the pressing need for stringent regulations that enforce the elimination of asbestos from the environment. Without a strong regulatory framework in place, the efforts of the campaign remain largely ineffective, leaving the public continually exposed to the potentially lethal effects of asbestos.

Part IV: The Enforcement Void - Regulation 5 and Regulation 10

Regulations 5 and 10 under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 represent crucial elements of asbestos management in the UK. Regulation 10 requires employers to provide adequate information, instruction, and training regarding asbestos, while Regulation 5 obligates duty holders to undertake a comprehensive assessment to identify the presence of asbestos.

However, the lax enforcement of these regulations has resulted in an alarming level of non-compliance, particularly amongst self-employed tradespeople and small businesses. Ignoring their legal obligations, these entities frequently expose themselves, their families, their employees, and their customers to the deadly risks associated with asbestos.

The absence of stringent enforcement mechanisms means that any business owner attempting to adhere to these regulations risks their livelihood. Their law-abiding behaviour makes their services more expensive than their non-compliant competitors, who continue to flout the law without repercussions. This imbalance not only encourages a lack of compliance but also serves to perpetuate a culture of ignorance and risk-taking concerning asbestos management.

Part V: The Urgent Need for a Paradigm Shift

The existing climate necessitates a dramatic shift in the UK's approach to managing its asbestos legacy. Awareness of the dangers of asbestos, while important, is not enough. The government must implement and enforce stringent asbestos management strategies. These include firm regulations concerning asbestos identification, safe removal, disposal, and the protection of individuals involved in these processes.

Part VI: The Consulo Compliance Solution

In the face of these systemic challenges, Consulo Compliance emerges as a beacon of hope. As an industry leader in health and safety compliance solutions, Consulo Compliance offers a range of services aimed at effectively managing and mitigating the risks posed by asbestos.

Their team of specialists provides exhaustive asbestos surveys and risk assessments, ensuring a safe environment for all individuals involved. Their deep understanding of the regulatory environment and practicalities of asbestos management is employed to assist businesses in formulating and implementing comprehensive asbestos management plans. These plans include regular monitoring and maintenance programs, providing continuous protection against the dangers of asbestos.

Part VII: Bridging the Gap between Awareness and Action

Consulo Compliance seeks to address the failures of the "Act Now on Asbestos" and "Asbestos and You" campaigns. They not only aim to raise awareness but are dedicated to inciting tangible action. They support employers and property owners in identifying, managing, and eliminating the asbestos threat effectively and efficiently.

Navigating the complexities of asbestos regulations is no easy task, but Consulo Compliance simplifies this process, ensuring compliance and safeguarding people and businesses from the devastating consequences of asbestos exposure. Their work fosters an environment where compliance with regulations is not only encouraged but is also financially feasible, thereby levelling the playing field for all businesses, regardless of size.

Part VIII: Towards an Asbestos-Free Future

Asbestos is a hidden, silent killer. Its pervasive threat hangs over the heads of workers in the construction industry, the general public, and the families of those exposed. Consulo Compliance's vision is to eradicate this threat, to pave the way for a future where every home, school, and workplace is asbestos-free.

Conclusion: The Imperative for Radical Change

The "Act Now on Asbestos" and "Asbestos and You" campaigns, while commendable in their intention, fall short in invoking the much-needed radical change in the government's approach to managing the UK's asbestos legacy. Awareness campaigns must be supplemented with a comprehensive plan that transitions from awareness to definitive action.

It's high time for change. Consulo Compliance stands ready to guide duty holders, employers, and property owners in combating this lurking menace. Awareness of the hidden killer is important, but it's time to act decisively.

The journey to an asbestos-free UK begins with you. Whether you're an employer, a property owner, or a duty holder, take the first step towards creating a safer environment by reaching out to Consulo Compliance today. Join hands in the fight against the threat of asbestos, for the safety and well-being of all. We can and must ensure a future where compliance is not an exception but the norm.

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Asbestos and the Circular Economy: Why It's Time to Stop Burying the Problem

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?