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Asbestos July 2026: Mesothelioma day, campaigns toolkit, updates and guidance.
Action Mesothelioma Day: raising awareness of asbestos and mesothelioma
Action Mesothelioma Day takes place on 3 July and is held annually to raise awareness about mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the body's organs — most commonly the lungs, though it can also affect the lining of the abdomen. It is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can include:
- chest pain or shortness of breath
- a persistent cough, difficulty swallowing or a hoarse voice
- fatigue, a high temperature or heavy night sweats
- unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- curved nails over rounded fingertips (clubbing)
These symptoms can take many years to develop after initial exposure. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these, encourage them to speak to their GP.
Watch Martin’s story to hear first-hand the impact of mesothelioma. He also shares why tradespeople should think about asbestos risks before starting work.
How you can help
Support and promote HSE’s campaigns to raise awareness in your organisation and local communities. Find out more about the resources available for:
- Asbestos & You - practical advice and information, including a quick guide for tradespeople.
- Asbestos: Your Duty - information for building owners, landlords, and those responsible for maintenance and repair.
Managing a building that contains asbestos
It is a legal requirement to manage asbestos in non-domestic buildings, including workplaces and public premises.
Dutyholders, such as owners, landlords or those responsible for maintenance, must:
- find out where it is
- assess the condition and risk
- make an asbestos management plan
HSE's website has guidance on the legal duty to manage asbestos for building owners, landlords, and those responsible for maintenance and repair.
Staying safe during maintenance and repair work
Tradespeople are at risk of disturbing asbestos during building, maintenance and repair work. The presence and condition of asbestos should be assessed before work starts.
Find out more about what asbestos looks like, where you might find it and what to do when you come across it in the Asbestos & You quick guide for trades. For step-by-step guidance, see the asbestos essentials task sheets.
Asbestos news and updates
Joint statement on asbestos in consumer products.
Due to increasing awareness and public concern about potential asbestos contamination in sand-containing consumer products, Office for Product Safety and Standards, UK Health Security Agency and Health and Safety Executive have published a joint statement.
Asbestos in wind turbines
After being notified of the presence of asbestos-containing materials within components in wind turbine towers, HSE moved quickly to establish the size of the problem in the UK. We found that the risk is very low and there have been no reports of any exposure. We continue to work with the industry to ensure it delivers safe and prompt removal of affected components.
For more information on asbestos including frequently asked questions and licensed work, visit the HSE website.
Latest annual statistics published
The latest report on Mesothelioma in Great Britain has been published this week alongside HSE’s latest annual work-related fatalities. There were 2,146 mesothelioma deaths in 2024 through past exposure to asbestos.
Read the full press release to find out more.
Managing asbestos in buildings
This training course can be delivered at HSE's Science and Research Centre in Buxton or in-house. It’s delivered by HSE experts and introduces the responsibilities of dutyholders, asbestos legislation and guidance.
It will help you understand your obligations and teach you the standards needed to properly manage asbestos risks.
See upcoming dates, find out more and book your place: Asbestos management in buildings