Concerns at ignorance of asbestos cancer risk

Large numbers of those who are at most risk of developing asbestos cancers such as mesothelioma and asbestosis are unaware of the risk factors facing them everyday. This is the worrying reality presented by a recent survey conducted by the British Lung Foundation (BLF).

In their survey of 400 plumbers, carpenters, builders, electricians and gas fitters, the BLF found that fewer and one in three are aware that exposure to the deadly substance has the potential to cause asbestos cancers. Alarmingly, only 12% of respondents know that asbestos can kill, while naivety about the contemporary dangers was also a major concern, with as many as 30% believing that the substance has already been removed from all buildings in the UK.

And in a clear sign that the various health and safety bodies responsible for educating and training workers in managing the asbestos risk have much more to do, 74% revealed that they have received no asbestos management training.

Although many of the workers surveyed may be young and seemingly in no immediate danger of ill health, the fact that asbestos illnesses have an incubation period of between 15 and 60 years means that their ignorance of the dangers could have serious ramifications in the future.

The stark truth is that any building which has not been refurbished or built post-year-2000 could contain asbestos, which, when disturbed by tradespeople, could lead to potentially deadly exposure.

News of the fact that tradespeople, those at most risk of developing an asbestos-related illness, are so poorly informed of the harsh reality of the hazards facing them has prompted many with an interest in the industry to speak up about the risks.

Chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, Dame Helena Shovelton, comments, "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."

A spokesperson from the Federation of Master Builders also leant weight to the drive to inform contemporary workers of the remaining risks, saying, "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."

The BLF is calling for all UK tradespeople to "Be Asbestos Aware", a campaign being supported by a number of public figures, including TV presenter and DIY expert Craig Phillips, whose uncle suffers from an asbestos-related workplace illness. Phillips commented, "I am supporting the British Lung Foundation's campaign because I have seen first hand what asbestos can do and I don't want anyone else to suffer as my uncle has. I am urging tradespeople to make sure they are asbestos aware and to always stop working and get advice if they think asbestos could be present on their job."

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