The BBC reports that the city council of Edinburgh, Scotland, has been fined the equivalent of $23,000 in American currency due to a violation of asbestos regulations. 10 city employees were exposed to asbestos fibers and particulate matter during work at the Castlebrae Community High School.

While cutting a hole in the floor, the material was exposed. The city council failed to follow proper procedure and also failed to protect their workers. The workers did not don safety equipment until they were halfway done with the work, exposing them to what has been described by the BBC as a “significant amount” of the deadly dust.

Fiscal deputy Sally Clark said: "When they finished cutting the hole in the first door, they were concerned about the level of white dust and opened large roller doors to allow the dust to blow out into the car park. During this time there were around 10 employees present in the workshop, at least three of whom were very close to the work."

The work area was shut down shortly thereafter, and subsequent testing revealed that asbestos was present in high enough levels to require decontamination. Exposure to asbestos has been repeatedly shown to be linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer. The disease typically lies dormant for many decades before the first symptoms develop. Some patients live less than two years with the cancer after being diagnosed.

The fine was levied by Sheriff Isabella McColl. "The degree of risk regarding asbestos must be regarded as very grave indeed. It is well known to be carcinogenic and a risk for those in the building trade," she stated.

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