Future deaths are avoidable, but only with good solid, reliable information regarding the whereabouts of the fatal fibres

John Monks TUC

The TUC wants employers and building owners to survey their premises and make the information accessible to the public by including it on a new web-based register that aims to list every property in the UK containing asbestos.

TUC general secretary John Monks said currently there are no regulations requiring owners to keep asbestos records for their properties

"Every time a builder begins work on the renovation or conversion of a house, flat, shop or office there is no way of knowing if the building is safe and asbestos-free," he said.

"Future deaths are avoidable, but only with good solid, reliable information regarding the whereabouts of the fatal fibres."

'Fatal fibres'

Asbestos diseases are caused by inhaling asbestos dust.

The main diseases it can cause are:

• asbestosis - the scarring of lung tissue
• lung cancer
• mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the chest and lungs)
• pleural diseases, which include fluid on the lungs

Those infected are mainly builders, plumbers and shipyard workers, but teachers, children and nurses are believed to have been put at risk since asbestos was used in the construction of several schools and hospitals.

Families of those who work with asbestos can also be infected if asbestos particles are brought into the home on clothes. It can take up to 40 years for symptoms to show.