On 21 October 2025, UKATA hosted a highly engaging webinar titled “Asbestos in the Twin Towers: Presence, Impact and Health Consequences”, delivered by UKATA Director, Chris Bishop. The session drew over almost 200 attendees, making it one of UKATA’s most popular webinars to date.
The webinar, hosted by UKATAs, Events and Marketing Co Ordinator, Kelly-Anne Smith, offered a thought-provoking and sobering exploration of asbestos in the World Trade Centre towers and the long-term health impact following 9/11. Chris Bishop guided attendees through the history of asbestos in the towers, highlighting how regulatory gaps allowed it to remain in place and how the collapse and prolonged fires created an unprecedented scale of exposure.
Beyond the statistics, Chris shared the very real human cost: the rise in respiratory illnesses, cancers, mesothelioma and psychological conditions that continue to affect survivors and first responders. The discussion also touched on the healthcare programmes and legislative support that have evolved to help those affected, underscoring the ongoing consequences of environmental and occupational hazards.
The session concluded with a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to put their questions directly to Chris and gain deeper insight into one of the most significant environmental and occupational health challenges of our time.
Chris Bishop is a Chartered Chemist and Chartered Quality Practitioner, who has worked with UKATA since its inception and has spoken at numerous events on the association’s behalf. He represents UKATA at the HSE-led Asbestos Network and its Duty to Manage and Training subgroups. UKATA is delighted to have Chris lead this webinar, bringing his unparalleled expertise to shed light on such a critical and thought-provoking topic that continues to impact lives today.
Kelly-Anne Smith commented: “Chris delivered a truly compelling and eye-opening session. His insight into the scale and impact of asbestos exposure was both informative and moving, making this one of the most engaging and memorable webinars we’ve hosted.”
Positive feedback from delegates included the following statement “This was a very informative and thought-provoking session I attended with Charlotte Wells RGN and Stuart Howison. The legacy of asbestos in the Twin Towers is ongoing and there is a need for transparency and honest data recording to fully appreciate the impact and to support those affected." which Helen Howison RN MSc, Expert Witness Nurse Consultant specialising in asbestos-related disease and late cancer diagnosis shared with the LinkedIn community.
The hard-hitting webinar resonated deeply with attendees across the health and safety sector and beyond. Its combination of historical context, expert insight and human stories made it one of UKATA’s most impactful sessions to date, prompting reflection on the lasting impact of asbestos exposure and reinforcing the importance of awareness and proactive safety measures.
The webinar forms part of UKATA’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness around asbestos risks worldwide and providing free, accessible education on critical issues facing the industry and beyond.
For those who missed the live session, the recording is available here.
Keep an eye on upcoming UKATA webinars for more insightful sessions on key industry topics.
For more information about future events or to access resources from previous webinars, please contact Kelly-Anne Smith at kelly-anne.smith@ukata.org.uk
UKATA, a leading association, is dedicated to enhancing the quality and standards of asbestos training with the aim to shield workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.
The association collaborates closely with its members to guarantee that they have access to the latest information, training resources, and industry updates. They provide a suite of support services to assist them in accomplishing their training objectives. Their membership encompasses a diverse array of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
UKATA is fervent about promoting safe and responsible working practices, committed to working with members and partners to realise a shared vision of protecting workers and the public from the hazards linked with asbestos exposure.
Published on Tuesday 28th October 2025