Today’s front page of the Daily Mail delivers a stark reminder of the legacy that asbestos continues to leave behind — one that’s not confined to the past, but still very much a danger to those who serve and work in buildings across the UK.

The headline is harrowing: “Asbestos Kills More Troops Than Taliban”. The investigation highlights how exposure to asbestos in Ministry of Defence homes, barracks, submarines, and even vehicles has tragically resulted in more deaths than the two-decade-long war in Afghanistan. The statistics are shocking — with nine times more fatalities from asbestos-related diseases than from enemy action.

At Salvum Limited, we see this story not as news — but as confirmation of what we deal with every day: asbestos is Britain’s most silent, persistent killer.

❗ Why This Matters

Asbestos was widely used in UK construction and infrastructure right up until 1999. While its dangers are now well known, too many buildings — both military and civilian — still harbour this hidden threat. From schools and hospitals to office blocks and housing estates, exposure risk remains a real and present danger.

Our own work in asbestos surveying and analysis regularly uncovers high-risk materials in everyday settings. And with latency periods for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases stretching 20 to 50 years, we’re only just beginning to see the consequences of past exposure — particularly among service personnel, maintenance workers, and construction teams.

🔬 What We’re Doing at Salvum

At Salvum Limited, we’ve invested heavily in the most accurate and efficient asbestos detection and management tools available. This year alone, we’ve expanded our in-house laboratory and implemented cutting-edge software to handle analysis faster and more reliably.

We don’t just offer surveys — we help clients build long-term, safe-as-possible environments through:

• UKAS-accredited asbestos testing and air monitoring

• Asbestos management plans tailored to each property

• Emergency sampling for disturbed or damaged materials

• Bespoke software solutions to support compliance and record-keeping

We work with schools, local authorities, businesses, and property managers to ensure they understand their legal obligations — and help them go beyond minimum standards for safety.

💬 Our Message to the Public

The Daily Mail’s article should act as a wake-up call for every organisation with buildings predating the 2000s. If you’re responsible for a property, ask yourself:

“Have I had a recent asbestos survey? Are my records up to date? Is everyone on-site protected from exposure?”

If the answer is uncertain, it’s time to take action. Because doing nothing is not just a legal risk — it’s a life-or-death one.

🛡️ Protecting Lives Starts with Awareness

We applaud the Daily Mail for bringing this issue to the forefront of national attention. But we urge leaders — across government, property, and education — to follow headlines with action.

Asbestos might be a hidden killer, but with proper management, it needn’t be a fatal one.

For help, guidance or to book a survey, contact our expert team at www.salvum.co.uk or call us on 0800 046 3438.