Asbestos health alert as vandals ignore demolition signs

Humberside Police have renewed appeals to people to stay away from the old Heron Frozen Foods site on Walcott Street in Hull which is being demolished.

Officers are concerned that vandals are persistently ignoring signs to keep out and exposing themselves to potential hazards to carry out attacks.

They have also asked people to keep their eyes open and report anyone they see sneaking into any building site, because the same dangers exist in other areas of half-demolished structures.

But the warnings were directed mainly at those entering the old Heron site – left vacant for redevelopment are the company decided to move its head quarters to a new purpose-built warehouse more than year ago.

A spokesman said: "The site itself is on an electric substation and asbestos is present. Various damage has been caused to the site.

"Although the site has clear signs warning people of the danger and the presence of asbestos, police have received various reports claiming the site has been entered on several occasions, gaining access to the substation."

Police say that not only are the yobs putting their health at risk but they also face arrest and ending up with criminal records by entering the forbidden areas.

Pc Richard Beeforth from Humberside Police said: "I would advise anyone not to enter a demolition site without authorisation for any reason, not only are you liable of arrest for criminal offences, you are putting yourself at risk of hazard."

Asbestos was widely used in a large number of products and applications for its insulating and strengthening properties before being banned a number of years ago.

Officers have also underlined the dangers of asbestos fibres causing serious health problems including increase risks of lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis – which could occur as long as 20 or 30 years after exposure.

A spokesman said: "Asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems. If inhaled, these tiny fibres can impair normal lung functions, and increase the risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis. It could take anywhere from 20 to 30 years after the first exposure for symptoms to occur.

"Where airborne asbestos dust is breathed in, some of the very fine fibres can get through the body's natural defences against dust and penetrate into the deeper airspaces of the lungs, where they may lead eventually to disease, including asbestosis, lung cancer and a cancer of the lung lining called mesothelioma."

Anyone who witnesses a person entering an unauthorised demolition site is asked to contact Humberside Police on 0845 60 60 222.