Asbestos News

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is currently conducting an investigation into the presence of asbestos at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, Wales, according to BBC News. Hywel Dda Health Board officials say that 30 maintenance workers may have been exposed to asbestos between 2004 and 2009, reports the media outlet.

Although the asbestos has been removed, the board is attempting to find and offer screening tests to the former workers who may have been exposed to the hazardous material, according to the news source. The board has told the news agency that the asbestos was not present in the public areas of the hospital so patients and visitors are not at risk.

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI states that long-term exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

The HSE is also determining if the asbestos was appropriately dealt with once it was discovered, according to BBC News. A Hywel Dda Health Board spokesperson discussed the issue, stating that processes were put in place to ensure that the material was managed properly, reports the news agency. The spokesperson also told the news source that new measures have been enacted to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.