An evaluation of the likely future cancer risks from asbestos contamination in the Aviary’s Estate in West Leeds

Leeds has a long industrial heritage, including a number of factories that previously used asbestos in manufacturing processes. One consequence of these activities was pollution of the local environment. From earlier investigations it is known that there is residual loose asbestos contamination in homes in the Aviary’s housing estate in West Leeds, close to the site of a former asbestos factory. In 2001 we showed that there was no important risk to health from trace loose asbestos in homes in the wider area around the Aviary’s estate. In the present study we have used the same risk assessment methodology for residents of the Aviary’s estate and based on this information we have reviewed the existing asbestos management procedures for these homes. Without the management programme the estimated lifetime risk of an asbestos-related cancer occurring amongst the residents was 75 per million and with the programme in place it was 8 per million. Taking account of the uncertainties involved in our risk estimates, we have concluded that the Council must continue to proactively manage remediation of these homes to be certain the risks are properly controlled. However, we suggest it is possible for the procedures to be modified in a number of ways so that the work still complies with the present asbestos legislation and the risks to the workers or residents are not significantly increased. “”