'It's Time to Act': The Hidden Asbestos Crisis in UK Schools and Hospitals
Jamie Purdon, Asbestos Director at Starfish Environmental and Asbestos (SEAS) and Fellow of the Asbestos Management Institute, joins us in this edition of our In-Focus series.
Asbestos exposure is often considered a legacy issue—that belongs to the past. However, it remains a very present and pressing danger for thousands of public buildings across the UK, particularly schools and hospitals.
In this SEAS Insight Interview, we speak with Jamie Purdon, a leading voice in asbestos management and remediation, to explore the extent of the issue, the risks to vulnerable groups, and the urgent need for more proactive strategies. Jamie also shares how SEAS, as part of Starfish Construction Group, offers turnkey support to help property owners and public sector organisations remediate buildings sustainably, safely, and regulatory.
Q1. Jamie, let's start with the scale of the problem. Why is asbestos still such a concern in schools and hospitals in the UK?
Jamie: Despite being banned in 1999, asbestos is still present in the fabric of around 80% of UK schools and over 90% of NHS hospital trusts. These buildings were constructed during a time when asbestos was widely used, and the health implications we are aware of today weren't apparent. Much of it has never been removed. The result is a lingering threat in some of the very spaces where people should feel safest, classrooms and hospital wards.
The materials are ageing and in many cases, deteriorating, making them far more likely to release harmful fibres when disturbed through everyday maintenance, repair works, or simply due to wear and tear. The risk is no longer confined to traditional high-risk workers—it's teachers, nurses, support staff, and even children who are now most at risk.
Q2. What are the health implications for those unknowingly exposed to asbestos in these environments?
Jamie: The biggest concern is mesothelioma, a terminal cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. The UK tragically leads the world in mesothelioma-related deaths, with around 2,500 fatalities every year. And because the disease has a long latency period—typically 15 to 45 years—many people exposed today won't show symptoms for decades.
What's particularly alarming for me is the shift we're seeing. Cases used to come predominantly from construction or shipbuilding workers. Now, they're increasingly from sectors like education and healthcare. We're talking about teachers, hospital staff, and caretakers who were simply doing their jobs in buildings they trusted to be safe.
Q3. We're aware there have been calls for more proactive legislation—where does the UK stand on this, and what are your personal thoughts, Jamie?
Jamie: Unfortunately, we're lagging behind our European neighbours. A 2022 Parliamentary report called for the creation of a national asbestos register and a phased 40-year removal programme, with schools and hospitals taking top priority. However, the government rejected both proposals in favour of continued in-situ management strategies.
The issue is that this passive approach simply doesn't reflect the real conditions on the ground. A 2022 survey of over 700,000 asbestos samples found that 71% were damaged. That's a staggering statistic, and unmistakable evidence that 'safe if undisturbed' is not a sustainable strategy for public buildings where constant maintenance, high footfall, and natural degradation occur.
From my perspective, we need bold, decisive action—starting with a fully transparent national asbestos register, backed by independent auditing. We also need a funded national plan to safely and responsibly remove asbestos from our public estate. The longer we defer, the greater the risk, not just in human terms, but in the cost of reactive remediation when buildings inevitably deteriorate.
Other countries have recognised that proactive removal is the only long-term, sustainable solution. Why aren't we doing the same? We have the knowledge, technology, and skills in the industry. What we need now is leadership, investment, and a desire at the government level that reflects the seriousness of the risk.
Q4. Many property owners may feel unsure where to begin. What would you advise those responsible for buildings, owners, managers and duty-holders, known or suspected to contain asbestos?
Jamie: The first step is knowledge. It is crucial to commission an asbestos survey from a competent and accredited provider. Understanding what you're dealing with—the type of asbestos, location, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials is key to making informed decisions.
SEAS holds a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) licence and is a member of the Asbestos Management Institute (AMI), which enables us to provide Asbestos management services across investigations, material removal, and remediation.
We offer comprehensive asbestos investigation and surveying services, from management surveys to full-scale refurbishment and demolition assessments. But what's equally important is what comes next: a realistic and risk-based remediation plan.
Q5. You've mentioned SEAS' role—how does being part of Starfish Construction Group strengthen your offering?
Jamie: It's a significant advantage for our clients. SEAS isn't just here to identify and flag the risks—we're part of a group, with integrated divisions and sustainable construction solutions that can follow through with a full turnkey solution.
From asbestos survey and sampling to technical reporting, stakeholder liaison, roofing redesign, and full remediation works, we can deliver the entire package. This integrated approach makes all the difference, especially in buildings like schools and hospitals, where safety, speed, and minimal disruption are paramount.
It also allows us to align remediation works with broader goals like decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and sustainable building improvement, helping clients make long-term, future-proof decisions.
Q6. And for those who may not yet be convinced of the urgency, what would you say to them?
Jamie: I'd say: look at the human cost. Asbestos within buildings isn't just a facilities issue, it's a health crisis. I've spoken with nurses, teachers, and even parents blindsided by a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Their shock and devastation stem from the fact that they never even knew they were at risk.
We can't continue kicking the can down the road. Other countries are making progress with phased removal policies, and the UK must follow suit. Every year we delay is another year of risk, exposure, and preventable suffering.
Q7. Finally, what’s your message to building owners, estate managers, and consultants reading this article?
Jamie: Don't wait for the legislation to catch up. If you're responsible for an asset built before 2000, it may contain asbestos and be in poor condition.
Act now. Commission a survey. Understand your obligations. And partner with a specialist who can support you through the process. At SEAS, we’re here to help you protect your people, your buildings, and your legacy.
It’s time to stop managing asbestos. It’s time to remove it.
In Closing: Many thanks Jamie for taking the time to explain the importance of asbestos identification and outline what people need to consider and do.
Jamie: Thank You. I'm delighted to have the opportunity, and hopefully, some of the advice will help the UK's property owners, managers, and building consultants navigate the complexities of asbestos in buildings. Safety in construction is vital, and asbestos identification, removal, and remediation are vital for safeguarding people within certain property types, including our hospitals and schools.
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