Asbestos Ignorance Is Killing Thousands

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Asbestos related diseases still claim 5,000 lives every year. A long latency period means that very often several decades can pass before the onset of symptoms. 11% of workers in the building industry have no idea what asbestos is.

For those who have been exposed to asbestos, the health implications can be devastating.

 Although asbestos, a type of mineral which is resistant to heat and corrosion, was fully banned in the UK in 1999, it is estimated that 1.5 million buildings in the UK still contain the cancer-causing material meaning the risk of exposure is still very real. 

Global Asbestos Awareness Week ran from 1-7 April. Specialist legal services law firm, Slater and Gordon, conducted research to identify how aware those working in the construction sector are of asbestos and the risks it poses. And it seems the sector needs to be educated about the dangers with many potentially coming close to asbestos without realising it. On top of the 11% of people working in the industry who aren’t sure what asbestos is, another 7% of those surveyed did not know asbestos can cause long-term health problems with more than a quarter (27%) of those unaware that mesothelioma can occur as a direct result from exposure. 

Where is safe?

When it comes to occupations that may be more at risk of exposure, one-in five- people in construction (18%) didn’t think those working in the industry were at an increased risk with one-third not realising plumbers specifically were at risk. 

Of those surveyed, 29% didn’t realise asbestos could be found in industrial buildings, 42% weren’t aware it could be present in ceiling and floor cavities, and more than half (51%) weren’t aware it may be in floor tiles. An additional 40% of people in the industry thought residential buildings were always completely safe from asbestos. 

Awareness needed

Jordan Bell, principal lawyer & head of industrial disease department at Slater and Gordon, says: “Although asbestos is no longer used in the construction of buildings, it is still present in buildings that were built many years ago from schools to factories and even homes. Therefore, there is still a risk of exposure to anyone that might disturb asbestos in those buildings. This means everyone should be aware of what asbestos is and what the implications of exposure are.

Claims

“We are not seeing a reduction in the number of claims related to exposure. This is in part due to the extended latency period of asbestos-related illnesses - but we also cannot ignore the fact that it is still prevalent in so many buildings. If you or a family member, has suffered with an asbestos related disease, a specialist solicitor will be able to advise you on next steps.”

Picture: 11% of workers in the building industry have no idea what asbestos is.

www.slatergordon.co.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
13th April 2023

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