SIR - On behalf of The UK Asbestos Training Association, can I remind all readers planning a bonfire to ensure that what they are putting on to their bonfires is not concealing a hidden killer?

Your readers might be forgiven for asking why the warning – after all, asbestos is an historical problem, isn’t it? Sadly this misconception contributes to the deaths of those who unknowingly come into contact with a substance that still poses a very real risk to public health.

An increase in fly-tipping has followed the economic downturn and some unscrupulous companies have resorted to dumping asbestos waste illegally. The Health and Safety Executive has prosecuted many of them this year, but our fear is people will unknowingly pick up asbestos and throw it on the bonfire, with potentially fatal consequences.

Asbestos remains a hidden killer, as diseases relating to it can take up to 20 years to develop and there is no cure. More than 4,500 people still die every year as a result of breathing in asbestos fibres.

Under no circumstances be tempted to collect and burn any unknown materials and report any suspicious substances to the authorities. Asbestos is still widely present in many public and private buildings and can look harmless.

The UKATA website ukata.org.uk and the HSE website hse.gov.uk/asbestos are also good sources of advice.

Have a happy November 5, but remember to stay safe.

David Nichol, UKATA vice chairman