Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2026

Global Asbestos Awareness Week runs from 1 to 7 April, shining a spotlight on the ongoing risks of asbestos and the importance of safety. Although asbestos was banned in the UK over 25 years ago, it still contributes to around 5,000 deaths each year, with related illnesses often taking decades to appear.

Asbestos can be present in any building constructed or refurbished before 2000 and may be hidden in materials such as pipe lagging, insulation panels, cement roofing, or sprayed coatings on steel structures. These materials become hazardous if damaged or disturbed, for example during maintenance, renovations, or remediation work.

Tradespeople are most likely to encounter asbestos in the course of their work, while those responsible for non-domestic buildings including offices, schools, factories, and public spaces have a legal duty to manage asbestos risks.

Global Asbestos Awareness Week is a reminder unite globally, to stay vigilant, recognise where asbestos may be found, and take the necessary precautions to prevent exposure.