UK Parliament, Riddled With Asbestos, Faces Restoration Delays

Lawmakers say that Britain’s Palace of Westminster is at risk of demolition because the iconic and historic structure needs several costly repairs, including asbestos removal. Nearly 120 workers and other people inside the palace were potentially exposed to asbestos during a 2022 renovation in the speaker’s residential space. In addition to asbestos and its cancer risks, the building is rife with leaks and is crumbling in areas. Some are worried the entire structure, in which both houses of Parliament meet, is at risk in the event of a catastrophic incident. A report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee reveals that dangerous asbestos can be found in at least 2,500 locations in the building. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, laryngeal cancer and other diseases. According to the House of Commons committee, the building contains such a large amount of asbestos it would take an estimated 300 people working for two and a half years to remove it entirely. The whole building is also under constant threat of fire. There have been 44 fire incidents in Parliament since 2016. Fires can also spread toxic asbestos fibers into the air, endangering firefighters, people near the blaze and others exposed to particles carried in the wind. Parliament Plagued by Restoration Delays Members of Parliament say the building is at an increased risk of destruction after restoration projects were long delayed. Efforts to make rep...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma Source Type: news