Asbestos News

UK authorities are warning residents to be careful following a spate of instances of illegal dumping of asbestos.

According to the Cambridge News and Crier, there have been a number of incidents involving illegal dumping - called "fly-tipping" by the British - in recent weeks near Great Gransden, Waresley and Abbotsley, putting people in those areas at risk.

Asbestos that is not disposed of properly presents serious health threats to those nearby as no assurance has been made that the deadly mineral fibers are not airborne. The inhalation of these fibers has been proven for decades to cause malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Police community support officer Alan Newman said that it appears as if all of the incidents go back to one company, and that its removal is being paid by the public.

"This waste is not only a public hazard but its removal has a cost to public finances as a specialist contractor has to remove and safely dispose of the asbestos before Huntingdonshire District Council can remove the remainder," he told the news source. "St. Neots neighborhood policing team is working with the force’s Rural Community Action Team and district council enforcement officers to combat this crime."