Met Police Confirms 30,000 Officers May Have Been Exposed To Asbestos

Specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have called for support to be put in place for the 30,000 police officers who have been told by the Metropolitan Police that they may have been exposed to asbestos at one of its training facilities.

The police force confirmed that it had discovered the hazardous material in buildings that housed firearms training courses between 1980 and 2007.

Chief Superintendent Mike Gallagher said: "Clearly this is not just an issue affecting the Met, with asbestos present in many industrial and residential properties built prior to 2000. However, we are committed to providing a high duty of care to our officers - past and present.

"As such, we are offering a full support package which provides detailed information, advice, guidance, links and contacts.”

Ian Bailey, a London based expert asbestos lawyer, who is also investigating the presence of asbestos in schools and other public buildings, said: 

Expert Opinion

"Asbestos is an extremely dangerous substance and we have first-hand experience of the serious, and sometimes fatal, consequences those exposed to the material, in unprotected conditions, can face.

“Symptoms of asbestos disease can take many years to develop and it is alarming that so many Metropolitan Police officers may have been exposed to the hazardous substance while training to use firearms between 1980 and 2007.

“Asbestos exposure is most commonly associated with heavy industry, but we are seeing a rise in the number of people developing asbestos-related conditions after working in public buildings, such as schools, hospitals and other government facilities.

“We welcome the decision by the Metropolitan Police to contact officers who may have been exposed to asbestos and it is vital that everything possible is done to support those who may have come into contact with asbestos and who may be anxious about developing a linked disease in the future." Ian Bailey - Partner

The Met Police has confirmed it is making detailed inquiries to identify everyone who may have been exposed to the material and will make contact with current and former officers in the coming weeks.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.