Every year, from 1–7 April, the world comes together to mark Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) — an important initiative highlighting the dangers of asbestos and the devastating impact it continues to have on people’s lives. Now in its 21st year, this global movement aims to raise awareness, drive change, and encourage preventive action to reduce the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
At Acadame, we are proud to stand alongside organisations like UKATA, supporting their message and reinforcing the importance of awareness, training, and compliance to protect workers and the public.
Why is Asbestos Still a Threat?
Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it remains a significant risk today. It’s estimated that over 1.5 million buildings in the UK — including homes, schools, and workplaces — still contain asbestos materials. When disturbed, asbestos fibres become airborne and can be inhaled, leading to serious and often fatal diseases.
According to the latest HSE statistics, asbestos exposure is responsible for over 5,000 deaths every year in the UK. The diseases linked to asbestos exposure include:
- Mesothelioma – a terminal cancer affecting the lining of the lungs.
- Asbestosis – scarring of the lungs causing severe breathing difficulties.
- Lung cancer – linked to long-term exposure to asbestos.
- Pleural thickening – leading to lung impairment and discomfort.
These figures are a stark reminder that the danger of asbestos is far from over.
What is Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW)?
GAAW25 is not only about acknowledging the past—it’s about shaping the future. This year’s campaign focuses on:
- Advocating for a global ban on asbestos mining, manufacturing, and use.
- Promoting prevention and improving compliance with laws and regulations.
- Strengthening partnerships to protect public health.
- Encouraging education to empower people to make safer choices.
As part of the campaign, UKATA continues to highlight the legal duty for anyone who may encounter asbestos in their work to be properly trained and informed.
How Can Employers and Workers Protect Themselves?
Under UK law, anyone who is likely to encounter asbestos during their work must receive suitable information, instruction, and training. This is essential to reduce the risk of exposure and ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations.
At Acadame, we are committed to supporting that mission. We offer accessible, accredited training to help you meet your legal duties and protect lives, including:
Asbestos Awareness Training – Classroom & eLearning Options
Our UKATA-approved Asbestos Awareness courses give workers the knowledge to:
Identify materials that may contain asbestos Understand the risks of exposure Know what to do if they encounter asbestos on-site
We offer this training both in the classroom for an engaging, tutor-led experience and via our eLearning platform, making it easier than ever to complete the course at your own pace.
Whether you’re an employer, contractor, or self-employed worker, ensuring you and your team are trained is not just best practice—it’s a legal requirement.
Knowledge is Protection
Global Asbestos Awareness Week is a timely reminder that awareness and training save lives. Too many people have already paid the price of past exposure, but with the right knowledge, the next generation of workers doesn’t have to.
Asbestos may be a hidden danger, but with the correct information, instruction, and training, it can be safely managed, and exposure can be prevented.
