A significant mesothelioma study
Although the UK mesothelioma epidemic is generally caused by occupational exposure to asbestos, a significant number of cases occur in people who have never knowingly worked or been in contact with the substance.
In fact, a piece of research by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine reveals the rate of illness among non-asbestos workers to be much higher than previously thought.
The study, which analysed 622 patients with the deadly cancer as well as a control group of 1,420, found that 60% of women and 15% of men with the illness could not trace any exposure, whether in the workplace or otherwise. This means that the illness risk for non-asbestos workers works out at round one in 1,000.
However, for those people who have lived with someone working with the substance responsible for Britain's worst ever industrial illness tragedy, the risk of a cancer rises by around 100%.
Other factors such as long-term proximity to an asbestos-reliant factory, shipyard or power plant also significantly affect the likelihood of developing illness.
While these figures mostly reflect cases that have arisen because of past exposure, health and safety experts warn it is important that we remain vigilant in the fight against existing hazards.
This need to avoid complacency was recently well-illustrated by the revelation that asbestos still exists in around 90% of Manchester schools. Many have called for a register of potentially hazardous environments to be set up in order to help best manage the threat.
As Liberal Democrat MP Paul Rowen comments, "A register is absolutely vital to discover the true extent of this timebomb. We're going to be saddled with it for the next 50 years."
A spokesperson with the Health and Safety Executive summarized the organizations response to the study's findings, "A large amount of asbestos remains in many buildings, and an important practical question is whether this is still a substantial hazard to construction workers involved in renovation and maintenance of older buildings."
No win, no fee asbestos lawyers
The use of asbestos in British industry was once widespread, despite the many warnings issued by scientists regarding its links with fatal occupational cancers.
The UK has the highest rate of mesothelioma in the world and it is now accepted that those affected by the epidemic deserve compensation.
YouClaim's no win, no fee lawyers are among the best in country. All are drawn from a select group of leading firms governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and all are able to offer their representation on a cost free basis.
This means that win or lose you are protected from all possible costs, fees and disbursements, including those of the opponent.
Furthermore, in a won case (as most of ours are) you have the assurance of our 100 percent compensation promise; we never take a cut.
If you would like to speak with a specialist advisor today, echat, fill out an online claim form or call us, freephone, on 0800 10 757 95.
