Tom White

In this discussion, Tom White dives into the catastrophic legacy of asbestos, leveraging his expertise as the author of Bad Dust: A History of the Asbestos Disaster. He shares personal insights about his family's connection to the material and reveals the surprising persistence of asbestos in many buildings today. White highlights the historical exploitation of South African mines under apartheid, the industry's impact on public health, and the limitations of current UK policies. He also emphasizes the urgent need for renewed advocacy to address ongoing risks.

In this engaging discussion, Tom White, an author known for his work on social and environmental history, dives deep into the tragic legacy of asbestos. He explores its dangerous properties and the devastating health effects, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, linking these to historical mining practices in apartheid South Africa. White highlights Britain's widespread use of asbestos in postwar construction and outlines the struggles of activists fighting against industry giants. He emphasizes the urgent need for a phased removal plan to safeguard public health.