Isle of Wight tradesmen and women unaware of risk from asbestos related diseases

image: Square to Square 2008 logo

Isle of Wight tradesmen and women at risk from asbestos related diseases, but many are unaware of the dangers.

A British Lung Foundation foundation study has found that nationally just 12% of 400 tradespeople questioned knw exposure to asbestos could lead to them developing the incurable lung cancer mesothelioma (as reported by BBC News Online: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7256692.stm).

With three-quarters not having had any training on dealing with asbestos and just over 25% thought some levels were safe.

Asbestos was commonly used for insulation and as a fire-retardant in buildings until the mid-1980s.


The British Lung Foundation wants mesothelioma to become a disease of the past, but until people put their health first and protect themselves against asbestos that goal can't be reached.

Many buildings built or refurbished before the year 2,000 could contain asbestos, says The Health and Safety Executive. It is currently the main cause of work-related ill-health.

Asbestos poses a risk through its fibres, which can become lodged in the lungs when breathed in.

Tradespeople have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma - 20 die from the disease each week and deaths are continuing to rise.

The cancer develops between 15 and 60 years after exposure to asbestos and the BLF is warning that cases are set to peak between 2011 and 2015.

Site checks for builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, joiners and gas fitters.

The survey conducted for builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, joiners and gas fitters, found that one in 10 had felt under pressure to continue working even if they suspected asbestos was present.

In addition, nearly a third mistakenly believed all asbestos had now been removed from British buildings.

Just over 25% thought some levels of asbestos were safe, with builders most likely to think there was no risk.

The majority of tradesmen - 81% - said they never, rarely or only sometimes asked if the site they were working on had been checked for asbestos before they started a job - even though it is a legal requirement for them to be informed if it is present.

Dame Helena Shovelton, British LUng Fondation Chief Executive, 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 and protect themselves against asbestos that goal can't be reached."

'Serious threat'

A spokesman for the Federation of Master Builders agreed there was too little knowledge about the risks.

He said: "The problem is that there is a general misconception, particularly amongst tradesmen and home owners, that asbestos is a thing of the past so there is no need to worry about it.

"Tradesmen need to understand that this is a serious threat that could be present in any job that they go to, and that they need to understand how to identify asbestos, and what to do when they find it."

All those who work in the building industry, or a related trade, are encouraged to go the Health and Safety Executive website for information on working with asbestos.

Isle of Wight Boat Building Industry and Mesothelioma

With a long tradition of boat building on the Isle of Wight many have been affected by the diseases associated with exposure to asbestos and other toxic chemicals and compounds many years ago.

Isle of Wight boatbuilders have been affected a great deal in the past and whilst safeguards have been put in place, the very nature of mesothelioma means that there can be a 20-30 year gap between exposure and an individual showing signs of the disease.

Firefighters and Mesotherlioma and other lung cancers

A firefighter's duties inherently involve a level of risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals and compounds. By the vey nature of thir job firefighters have to go into areas where there are noxious fumes, whether this is in a building fire or a chemical incident.

By the very nature of their job firefighters go into situations where most others do not wish to go for fear of death or serious injury.  Unfortunately in a six month period of 2007/08 seven UK firefighters have lost their lives on duty.

Whilst the utmost precautions are taken today, with the use of chemical airtight suits and breathing apparatus, this was not always the case in the past.

Many firefighters have had to retire due to ill health from exposure to noxiuous chemicals; some unfortunately have suffered lung diseases, including mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma and the Square to Square Charity Cycle Challenge Appeal

One of the aims of the Square to Square Challenge is to provide a thorascope for St Mary's Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight.

A thorascope (more details on thoracopes here) can be used to diagnose and allow for prompt treatment of mesothelioma and other lung related cancers.

Isle of Wight boatbuilders have been affected a great deal in the past and whilst safeguards have been put in place, the very nature of mesothelioma means that there can be a 20-30 year gap between exposure and an individual showing signs of the disease.

The Square to Square Charity Cycle Challenge Taam 2008 are also very aware of the way firefighter collagues nationally and internationally have suffered as a result of exposure to noxious chemicals and fumes and have suffered ill-health as a result. Naturally this makes this particular appeal all the more personal to them.

 

Source for some content for this news story: BBC News Online: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7256692.stm  All rights acknowledged.

 

 •  sponsored by BECO studio