A TENANT is worried about his health after white asbestos was found in his flat following an inspection.

Jason Shearon who lives in a Nexus Housing flat in Shrub Hill, Worcester, said he is concerned because of asbestos flaking down from the ceiling of his bathroom and believes not enough is being done to tackle the problem.

But WM Housing Group, which manages the property, says the asbestos is sealed, there is no risk to Mr Shearon while this is the case and that repairs will be carried out next week.

Mr Shearon, 44, became concerned after a surveyor from DMW Environmental Safety found asbestos in the ground floor bathroom during a survey on May 8.

The report was issued on May 14 and since then Mr Shearon says Nexus Housing - part of the WM Housing Group - has so far done nothing to address the problem, which the report author says requires ‘remedial action’.

White asbestos was also found in five other locations in the flat but the report says these areas must be 'managed' rather than needing action.

The recommendation for the bathroom following the survey is that action is taken by a HSE licensed asbestos contractor.

Methods for reducing exposure to asbestos can include controlled wetting. The report points out that asbestos ‘does not necessarily create an unacceptable risk’.

Mr Shearon, who has lived at the property 14 years, said he became aware of the problem in the bathroom after reporting a leak from a neighbouring property more than a month ago which prompted the inspection.

He said: “There is a risk. I have had a bad chest since this started. It’s all right them saying there’s no risk, but there clearly is because it’s white asbestos.

"The last thing I want is any lung problems. I don't think they're taking it seriously."

"I have worked in the construction industry. Asbestos has a risk if it is disturbed. Twenty years down the line I want to be able to see my grandkids grow up.

“You can see bits of it flaking down. It’s getting airborne. They (Nexus Housing) seem to be dragging their heels over this. Why are they getting in an approved contractor is there’s no risk?

"They could at least put a UniBond seal on it. They should at least come and deal with the threat. Even the Health and Safety Executive say there’s a threat.”

He said nobody had been in touch with him since he received a copy of the report.

But a spokesperson for WM Housing Group said: "There are traces of asbestos in the coating on Mr Shearon’s ceiling.

"The asbestos is sealed and there is no risk to Mr Shearon whilst this is the case.

"We will be carrying out the repairs on Tuesday, and we are sorry it has taken us longer than normal to complete this."

A statement on the HSE website says: “White asbestos (chrysotile) is a major health hazard.

“All asbestos can cause cancer and the vast bulk of scientific evidence in the UK and abroad regards the risk from white asbestos as proven.

“There is evidence that the risks from this substance are less than more potent carcinogens such as blue and brown asbestos.”

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 came into force on April 6, 2012.

If existing asbestos containing materials are in good condition and are not likely to be damaged they may be left in place. Their condition must be monitored and managed to ensure they are not disturbed.