UKATA Resources / Health & Safety
Asbestos Health Statistics
Understanding the continuing impact of asbestos exposure in Great Britain, using the latest figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
HSE statistics published July 2026 · Latest mortality data: 2024The ongoing impact of asbestos
Asbestos remains a major cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain. Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis and other serious conditions. Because these diseases can take decades to develop, the effects of historical exposure are still being felt today.
Approximate annual total from asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
Deaths recorded in Great Britain, compared with 2,255 in 2023.
Excludes deaths where mesothelioma was also mentioned on the death certificate.
Figures relate to Great Britain. The approximate annual asbestos-related total is an estimate, not a count of unique deaths from the individual measures above; figures should not be added together.
Mesothelioma deaths: the latest picture
There were 2,146 mesothelioma deaths in 2024, down from 2,255 in 2023. The 2024 total was also below the average of 2,508 deaths per year recorded between 2011 and 2020.
- 1,771 men died from mesothelioma in 2024, compared with 1,833 in 2023.
- 375 women died from mesothelioma in 2024, compared with 422 in 2023.
- More than 70% of deaths among both men and women now occur in people aged over 75.
- Men who previously worked in construction remain among those most at risk because of historical occupational exposure.
Mesothelioma deaths by year
Great Britain · HSE figures
A reduction of 109 deaths (approximately 4.8%) between 2023 and 2024. The bars show the relative totals for these two years only.
Why asbestos-related deaths continue
Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases often develop many years after exposure. The widespread use of asbestos in shipbuilding, construction and other industries during the twentieth century continues to influence mortality statistics.
HSE projections suggest that deaths among men will decline during the 2020s, while a clear decline among women may not emerge until later in the decade.
In 2024, 1,680 new mesothelioma cases were assessed for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB), compared with 1,605 in 2023. These benefit assessment figures are distinct from mortality figures.
Understanding the data
Annual figures can be affected by changes in reporting, certification and assessment activity. HSE notes that the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected disease-related mortality and IIDB assessments in 2020 and 2021.
The statistics describe historical and continuing health impacts. They do not measure the risk associated with an individual building or a specific exposure event.
Official reports and further reading
Explore the source reports and detailed breakdowns published by HSE. These documents provide further information on trends, occupations, geographical areas and workplace health statistics.
Primary source: HSE Statistics. UKATA's summary reflects the 2026 figures contained in the supplied page source. Check HSE for subsequent releases.
Learn more about asbestos
Explore asbestos information, frequently asked questions and guidance on recognising the risks.