Family of West Lothian woman who died from asbestos exposure call for inquiry

The family of a woman who died from exposure to asbestos in her council house have told STV News they want a public inquiry.

Christobel Grant’s family won a landmark legal case against West Lothian Council after she repeatedly reported the presence of the lethal substance in her house in Linlithgow.

Over the course of 40 years, asbestos was falling from shelves in Christobel Grant’s pantry onto pots, pans and circulating in the air around her home.

Lawyers have warned that it is only a matter of time before more tenants pursue legal action because of asbestos-related health complications.

Christobel’s daughter Isobel told STV News: “We miss her hugely. My children, her grandchildren who she absolutely doted on, are doing things without their granny that they should have been able to share with her.”

Christobel was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, which took her life.

Isobel said: “We were angry, we knew straight away where the exposure was likely to have taken place. My mum was a proud and loyal council tenant and didn’t want to take them to task and was concerned at the reaction from the council. It wasn’t our priority at the time she was ill.”

This is the first known case in Scotland where someone has died from asbestos in their home.

It was widely used in building works in the 1980s before being banned in the 2000s because of its harmful effects.

Lawyers are warning the Grant family’s landmark legal case is just the tip of the iceberg.

Laura Blane from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Unfortunately, much of the damage will already have been done. We may well now see over the coming decades tenants, like Mrs Grant, being affected by domestic exposure.

“There is still the potential that they will not be successful in their claims because they weren’t aware and they didn’t raise the issue with the council and the council probably have a fairly likely defence to say, ‘Well, how were we to know?’.”

Certify Lets Ltd deal with and identify asbestos in properties across the country.

It surveys and removes the material, which can be present on walls, roofs and around pipes in homes.

Arnold Onea, an asbestos surveyor at Certify Lets Ltd, said: “I have seen loads of asbestos, especially in council estates and housing association properties.

“It can be found in 60-70% of almost all flats. If it’s low risk, it still needs to be treated as a hazardous material and dealt with by a competent professional.”

Christobels’ family want the Scottish Government to launch a public inquiry into the level of asbestos in homes.

The Scottish Government said all Health and Safety Executive guidance is followed when planning and carrying out asbestos removal.

Until then, the Grant family campaign is just beginning but they want to save others from the same fate as their beloved mum and granny.

Housing minister Paul McLennan said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Christobel Grant.

“We recognise the hazard of asbestos and the risks to health it poses. However asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed which is why it is important it remains in-situ while it is in ‘good’ condition, and that all Health and Safety Executive guidance is followed when planning and carrying out any removal. This is the situation for managing asbestos across the UK.”

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We have agreed a settlement with the family of Christobel Grant, and would like to express our sincere condolences for their loss.

“Asbestos is common in many homes built prior to 2000, and is not dangerous unless it is damaged or disturbed.

“Any council tenant who thinks there may be asbestos in their home and is concerned about its condition should contact us as soon as possible, so we can arrange an inspection.”