Assume Nothing – Killer Dust
Radio 4 Podcast
Assume Nothing: Killer Dust is an investigative series, recently broadcast on BBC Radio 4, that explores the dark history of asbestos, focusing on corporate cover-ups and the devastating impact of asbestos exposure on public health. The series is led by journalist Ophelia Byrne, who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind asbestos production in the UK, and particularly the extensive cover-ups by the two largest asbestos companies.
The investigation begins with a mysterious newspaper headline from 1967 about a secret factory in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland, owned by Turner & Newall (T&N) once the world’s biggest asbestos manufacturer. This headline hints at the secrecy and potential dangers associated with the factory’s covert operations.
As Byrne digs deeper, she uncovers a vast trove of documents, including one million pieces of evidence released during a transatlantic trial. These documents reveal the extent of the knowledge that T&N had about the risks of asbestos. The series highlights how the asbestos industry suppressed critical information about the hazards of asbestos, concealed damaging correspondence and board minutes, and even engaged in corporate espionage to protect their interests.
The series also explores the global impact of asbestos, from mines still in operation today to its lingering presence in buildings worldwide. It honours the individuals who fought tirelessly to expose the truth, often at great personal cost. Their efforts brought to light the reckless endangerment of public health in the pursuit of profit.
Each episode is around 15 minutes long and here is a brief summary:
Episode 1: A hush-hush factory opening
Ophelia Byrne begins her investigation with a cryptic newspaper headline from 1967 about a secret factory in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland. The factory, owned by Turner & Newall, was involved in asbestos production. This episode sets the stage for the series, introducing the secrecy surrounding the potential dangers associated with asbestos.
Episode 2: Burying evidence
Byrne uncovers a vast trove of documents released during a transatlantic trial. These documents reveal the extent of the guilty knowledge that asbestos companies had about the health risks of asbestos. The episode highlights how two major manufacturers suppressed critical information and engaged in corporate espionage to protect their interests.
Episode 3: The “Evil Day”
This episode explores the global impact of asbestos, from mines still in operation today to its lingering presence in millions of buildings worldwide. Byrne travels to various locations, uncovering the widespread use of asbestos and its devastating effects on public health.
Episode 4: Panic
Byrne profiles several brave individuals who fought tirelessly to expose the truth about asbestos, often at great personal cost. Their efforts brought to light the reckless endangerment of public health in the pursuit of profit. This episode honours their courage and persistence and highlights the case of Alice Jefferson.
Episode 5: The Bodies Pile Up
June Hancock’s story is a poignant and significant part of the Assume Nothing: Killer Dust series on BBC Radio 4. Her mother, Maie Gelder, is featured prominently in episode 5. Maie very sadly died of mesothelioma in 1982.
June Hancock grew up in Armley, Leeds, close to the JW Roberts asbestos factory. She was exposed to asbestos dust from a very young age, which tragically led to her also developing mesothelioma in her late 50s.
Despite her illness, June became a determined advocate for justice. She took on Turner & Newall (T&N) in a landmark legal case, becoming the first living person in the UK to successfully sue for compensation due to environmental asbestos exposure.
June’s case set a precedent and brought significant attention to the dangers of asbestos, highlighting T&N’s negligence and the devastating impact on the local community. June’s courage and persistence in fighting for justice left a lasting legacy in the continuing battle against asbestos-related diseases.
Episode 6: One Million Pages
This episode delves deeper into the terrible tactics used by the asbestos manufacturer, T&N, to suppress deeply damaging information. Byrne uncovers evidence of corporate espionage and other unethical practices aimed at protecting the company’s interests.
Episode 7: Guilty Knowledge
Byrne examines the extraordinary legal battle fought by June Hancock and Evelyn Margereson in the Armley asbestos case. This episode highlights the challenges faced by the two women seeking justice and the significant legal precedent set by the landmark case.
Episode 8: The Poisoned Children
Decision day in a fight for justice; Mr Justice Holland finds in favour of June Hancock and Evelyn Margereson, and so does the Court of Appeal a few months later. Despite the known dangers, over 25 years since the deadly substance was banned in the UK, asbestos is still present in the majority of schools and hospitals, as well as a great many other buildings, today. This episode also explores the ongoing threat posed by asbestos and the efforts to mitigate its impact on public health.
Episode 9: Frozen
Byrne investigates the role of government agencies in the asbestos cover-up. This episode reveals how government officials were aware of the health risks but failed to take action to protect the public.
Episode 10: Back to Ballyclare
The final episode of the series calls for greater awareness and action to address the continuing asbestos crisis. Byrne emphasises the need for continued advocacy and policy changes to protect future generations from the scourge of asbestos-related diseases.
Assume Nothing: Killer Dust is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of asbestos in the UK, corporate accountability, and public health. The series is now available online at BBC Sounds and on Spotify.Follow this link https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0028jr1.
