London Underground workers exposed to asbestos without protective masks, documents reveal

Hundreds of staff may have worked without legally required face-fitted masks over 20 years

Hundreds of London Underground workers could have been exposed to asbestos for almost 20 years without protection required under safety regulations, according to documents seen by the Guardian.

Under 2002 rules on controlling asbestos and other hazardous materials, employers are required to take a series of precautions, including ensuring exposed workers are given individually fitted face masks to prevent inhalation of toxic dust.