A Campaign to Highlight the Dangers of Asbestos
Exposure May Cause Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer or Pleural Thickening
Jan 5, 2009
According to the British Lung Foundation asbestos is: “A naturally occurring fibre which is mined in various parts of the world….”
Because of its insulating and fire protection properties, asbestos was commonly used as a building material in the United Kingdom from the 1950s until the mid 1980s and is still in buildings constructed up to the end of the 20th century.
Edinburgh University have described the three main types of asbestos that have been used in commercial properties and places where they might be found:
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
- Amosite (brown asbestos)
- Chrysotile (white asbestos)
Places where asbestos might be found:
- Loose asbestos insulation
- Sprayed asbestos coatings
- Insulation board
- Asbestos cement
- Decorative paints and plasters
A Campaign to Highlight the Dangers of Asbestos
In an attempt to dispel some of the myths surrounding asbestos and also to provide accurate information regarding the dangers of the material, the HSE are running an on-line campaign, "The Hidden Killer” which also seeks to highlight some of the other hazards of working in buildings built before 2000.
They are particularly concerned that people understand that asbestos related diseases will affect young as well as old.
Some statistics issued by the (HSE):
More people die from asbestos related diseases per year than are killed on the roads and it is estimated that by the year 2013, 5,000 people will die each year from asbestos related diseases.
Asbestos Related Illness
Mesothelioma is a cancer, which affects the lining of the lungs and is almost always fatal by the time it is diagnosed. A diagnosis can be many years after the first exposure to asbestos.
In a reference to Mesothelioma, Dr James Spicer a Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Medical Oncology at Guy’s Hospital in London said: “We’re in the middle of an epidemic here in the United Kingdom.”
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a condition, which normally occurs after prolonged exposure to asbestos, causing a scarring of the lungs, giving the sufferer a distressing shortness of breath. The disease can also take many years, sometimes several decades, to manifest itself.
Asbestos related lung cancer and Pleural Thickening are two of the other conditions related to asbestos exposure.
Compensation
Those with asbestos related illness may be able to take action against employers who exposed them to hazardous amounts of asbestos.
They may also be able to apply to the UK Benefits Agency for Industrial Injuries Benefit.
This short article serves only to highlight the sometimes unseen dangers of asbestos and the related cancers of Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, Pleural Thickening.
All the statistical detail is UK related and taken from the authoritative sources listed below.
The British Lung Foundation
UK Health and Safety Executive
The University of Edinburgh (Estates and Building)
 |
 |
