Doctors warn construction industry of asbestos epidemic

Doctors have warned builders and plumbers that the UK and many other developed countries are on the verge of an asbestos disease epidemic.

The warning, contained in the latest British Medical Journal, will directly affect the construction industry as an estimated 500,000 commercial, industrial and private buildings in the UK are likley to contain the deadly mineral.

Although builders, plumbers and shipyard workers are most likely  to have been exposed to it, teachers and nurses are also believed to have been put at risk since asbestos was used in the construction of several schools and hospitals.

The material was also widely used as an insulator in buildings and industry until its health risks became known.

Restrictions on the use of asbestos were introduced in the UK in 1983.

Other European countries and Australia are also facing a similar rise in cases of the disease.