When Was Asbestos Banned in the UK

Asbestos was fully banned in the UK at the end of 1999, with the official cut-off date often cited as 2000. From late November 1999, it became illegal to buy, sell, import, or export any materials containing asbestos. Many other European countries implemented similar bans around this time, positioning Europe ahead of regions like Canada and the USA in terms of asbestos regulation.

Asbestos began to be used in the UK in the late 1800s, and its use surged after the Second World War. Initially, the importation and use of blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos were banned in 1985. The comprehensive ban, which came into effect in 1999, also included white asbestos (chrysotile), which had continued to be used in some applications until the late 1990s.

Despite the UK’s ban, asbestos remains legal and is still mined in countries like Russia, India, and China. These materials are then used globally in various products, known as asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Why Was Asbestos Banned?

The decision to ban asbestos in the UK took a long time, despite early recognition of its health risks. Asbestos was extensively used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing due to its strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat and chemicals, as well as its low cost.

Exposure to asbestos fibres, which can occur through direct work or indirectly from others' activities, has been linked to serious health issues. Asbestos-related diseases were first noted in the early 1900s, with asbestosis identified in the 1920s. Early scientific research established a connection between asbestos exposure and health problems, but the warnings were not acted upon promptly by the UK government.

By the 1960s and 1970s, the UK was importing about 170,000 tonnes of asbestos annually. As cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases rose sharply across the UK, the government began to realise the need for stricter controls. The first ban in 1985 targeted blue and brown asbestos, but it took until 1999 for a complete ban, including white asbestos, to be implemented.

This delay meant it took nearly a century to ban a material known to cause severe health issues. Asbestos remains the leading cause of occupational deaths globally, with the UK having one of the highest rates of asbestos-related disease. Trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and joinery, as well as occupations like office work, teaching, and cleaning, are particularly at risk.

Is My Property or Building Likely to Contain Asbestos?

If you are considering a survey for a commercial (non-domestic) property built before 2000, it is generally advisable to have one conducted. For properties constructed around the year 2000, the start date of the build is crucial as some were begun before the ban and completed afterward.

Even after the ban, there have been instances where products containing asbestos were used due to being manufactured before the ban, stored, and then applied post-ban. Additionally, older machinery or plants might contain asbestos despite being installed in new buildings.

Occasionally, asbestos-containing products are unknowingly imported, particularly if they were produced outside the EU/UK. It is essential to ensure that no asbestos-containing parts are being replaced or repaired, especially in older machinery or equipment.

What Are the UK Regulations Concerning Asbestos?

Although asbestos is banned in the UK, there remains a legal duty to manage any existing asbestos-containing materials. The current regulations are outlined in The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

For non-domestic premises, Regulation 4 requires the management of asbestos, ensuring it is kept in a safe condition and that workers are informed of its presence. Self-employed individuals and employers must also protect themselves and others from asbestos exposure, as stipulated in Regulations 5 and 6.

If your organisation maintains or repairs older equipment, vehicles, or machinery, ensure that no asbestos-containing components are being used. Exemptions for asbestos in certain products, such as vintage trains or museum pieces, are covered under the REACH Regulations, where exemption certificates may be obtained.