Nexus confirms asbestos is present in Metro carriages but tell passengers not to worry; Nexus confirmed there are small quantities of the dangerous substance on the 40-year-old trains.

Byline: Sean Seddon

Nexus has confirmed there is asbestos onMetrotrains but say it poses no risk to passengers.

Small quantities of the harmful substance, which is heavily regulated because it can cause serious lung disease and cancer, were in the construction of the 40-year-old trains.

A Freedom of Information request forced Nexus to reveal the presence of lethal material on its trains.

Asbestos is heavily regulated by law and, according to the Health and Safety Executive, is responsible for 5,000 deaths a year.

Deadly diseases like mesothelioma are caused when asbestos fibres enter the lungs.

The material was commonly used in all sorts of construction and mechanical works until the full extent of its harmfulness was discovered.

aANexusspokesperson said: "There are tiny traces of asbestos in a small number of encapsulated electrical components in the current Metro train fleet.

"This is normal for a train fleet of this age and poses no risk to customers or staff and there is no reason for anyone to be alarmed by this.

"When these components require changing they are dealt with by a specialist contractor who disposes of them appropriately.

"We operate a stringent safety policy when it comes to the management of asbestos and comply fully with health and safety legislation.

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