Shoppers reassured they were not exposed to asbestos

York, North Yorkshire, UK – Former Woolworth shoppers and staff members were relieved today to learn they were not exposed while in the Coney Street building.

The City of York Council stated that although asbestos was confirmed to be in the building, the hazardous substance had not been disturbed and therefore, did not pose a health threat. The concerns were initially sparked last week when the press reported that workers were removing asbestos insulation boards from the closed down building, the soon-to-be new location for Boots.

York has been a hotbed for asbestos-related illnesses which were linked to the Carriageworks factory, with many former workers for the company having died as a result of exposure to cancerous asbestos fibers during their work. It was learned that the deadly dust was very visible in the factory, and workers had reportedly thrown asbestos “snowballs” at each, not knowing of the health risks associated with it.

Health and safety officer Steve Adamthwaite said exposure was not an issue at the Woolworth store because the company, in compliance with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations, had properly identified where asbestos was in the store and had made sure it was not disturbed.

A Boots spokesperson confirmed it was aware of the presence of asbestos but assured the public that the council’s stance was correct and the store posed no threat to anyone. The company is working to remove the tainted insulation materials from the store before its opening this summer.

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