Charity highlights asbestos ignorance

This news item was added on 25th February 2008

A new survey by the British Lung Foundation has highlighted the large number of people who are unaware of the health risks posed by asbestos.

The material used to be popular among builders and manufacturers, largely because of its ability to insulate and resist flames.

However, inhalation of asbestos fibres is now known to cause a form of chest cancer called mesothelioma, which develops 15 to 60 years after exposure and is currently claiming the lives of one person every five hours in the UK.

Despite this, fewer than a third of tradespeople know that asbestos exposure can cause cancer, and only 12 per cent are aware that it could be life-threatening.

In addition, 74 per cent have received no training in how to deal with asbestos, which is still present in many UK buildings.

Speaking ahead of Action Mesothelioma Day on February 27th, the British Lung Foundation's chief executive, Dame Helena Shovelton, said: "It is a great worry that those most at risk of this cruel cancer know so little about a killer that could be lurking in the building they're working on today.

"We want mesothelioma to become a disease of the past, but until people put their health first, become asbestos aware and protect themselves against asbestos that goal can't be reached."

Experts suggest that the UK is likely to experience a peak in asbestos-related deaths between 2011 and 2015.