Firm fined over asbestos disposal

A firm has been fined in relation to breaches of environmental regulations, it has emerged.

According to reports, the holdings firm has been fined a total of £22,000 in relation to two instances where asbestos was not correctly disposed of.

The asbestos was incorrectly dumped over a period between 2005 and 2006, in land situated along the outer perimeter of Hartlepool.

"It's a matter of scientific fact that there are severe health risks posed by exposure to asbestos and breaking or crushing it can increase the number of fibres released, so there are strict controls that tell us how it's to be handled," said Trevor Cooper, a representative from the Environment Agency.

The firm was also required to pay costs totalling £4,522.50.

Asbestos is known to be behind a number of different medical conditions, including asbestos-related lung cancer, diffuse pleural thickening and mesothelioma.