The Guardian has revealed that health and safety consultants say Parliament could be temporarily closed down if officials decide to remove asbestos from the building.

Last year a report commissioned by the Parliamentary Works Service Directorate identified more than 200 sites throughout the Palace of Westminster that are contaminated by asbestos.

Now the health and safety consultants have suggested that service shafts and piping ducts that are contaminated with asbestos can easily be disturbed by engineers or “strong currents of air”.

The consultants suggested removal of all asbestos as an option, but this has been rejected by parliamentary officials. A House of Commons spokesman said: “The best way to manage asbestos is to leave it undisturbed.”

The report reminds us that mesothelioma is no longer a blue collar worker’s disease. We are seeing more professionals, such as doctors, nurses, teachers and architects, being affected by asbestos-related diseases. The widespread use of asbestos in buildings has put people from all walks of life in danger.