A leisure center in Aberafan in the United Kingdom has been badly damaged by fire. In addition, the fire released carcinogenic asbestos material, making the site doubly dangerous. The center, called Afan Lido, was most badly damaged in the pool area, and parents have been told to keep their children far away from the center to minimize exposure to any airborne asbestos in the immediate vicinity. Previously encapsulated asbestos was exposed during the December fire, which took place in a small Welsh community. The fire is believed to be accidental, and took over 100 firefighters to extinguish.

Neath Port Talboth’s chief executive Steve Phillips said, "All the pool features, ceiling and fixtures have been destroyed. Previously sealed asbestos has been exposed in the pool area and the fire debris appears contaminated. Further structural assessments will take place after Christmas, when the council will have further technical information available, in order to consider the future options for the Afan Lido structure."

Asbestos exposure can lead to the development of mesothelioma. The disease typically lies dormant for up to fifty years before an individual begins to suffer from mesothelioma symptoms, and the majority of patients lose their battle with this cancer in less than two years following diagnosis. The cancer affects thousands of new patients every year all around the world.

Phillips added: "The level of damage indicates that the whole complex will be out of commission and unavailable for access for the foreseeable future and the council will be making further statements after Christmas about future options. We cannot emphasis strongly enough that parents should ensure their children stay away from this dangerous site for their own safety."

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