Asbestos cancer in schools and mesothelioma death statistics

In August 2008, a young UK woman of 28 passed away as a result of mesothelioma, an aggressive form of asbestos cancer. Concerns have been raised as to where she could have ingested the asbestos fibres that almost certainly triggered the killer disease.

Mesothelioma typically takes many years to develop and the speculation is that the woman was exposed as a child in primary school.

For some time now startling statistics regarding teachers dieing from asbestos cancer have been circulated. According to the New Statesman, 79 teachers died from mesothelioma between 1991 and 2000.

However, The Asbestos in Schools website suggests that, "The number of female occupational deaths from mesothelioma listed in the statistics is less than the actual number, and probably substantially less."

In the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) mesothelioma occupation statistics on male and female deaths 1980-2000 (excluding 1981), it was only deaths where the occupation was stated on the death certificate that were used in analysis.

The HSE notes on the study explain thus:

"Only those deaths where the occupation given on the death certificate was that of the deceased were included in the analysis. This resulted in a substantial proportion of female deaths being excluded since the occupation given on the death certificate may often - particularly for deaths in the earlier part of the period - be those of the woman's husband."

Worryingly, deaths of people aged over 74 were not included in the study. As asbestos cancer can present up to 40 years after exposure, the likelihood of people over the age of 74 dying from an occupational exposure to ACMs is a distinct likelihood

1,760 females died from mesothelioma during the period of the study, yet, 1,059 were not included due to discrepancies in occupation on death certificates. It is reasonable to assess that a proportion of the excluded deaths involve women who were teachers.

It may be some time before we fully understand the risks posed to teachers working in schools containing ACMs and still further the risk to children who spend a great proportion of their young lives in environments that may contain asbestos.

Asbestos cancer compensation claims and YouClaim
If you believe you or a loved one has developed asbestos cancer as a result of your working environment and that you were not properly protected at work, you may be able to make an asbestos cancer compensation claim.

Here at YouClaim we deal with sufferers of mesothelioma and asbestosis regularly and we understand how distressing and debilitating they are. Our friendly and knowledgeable advisors are waiting to talk to you on 0800 10 757 95.

Our dedicated UK personal injury solicitors have years of experience in dealing with the complex issues surrounding asbestosis claims. We have already helped many people get 100% compensation from their claim and, as we operate on a strictly no win no fee basis, you can be sure you will never be charged for their professional litigation services.

Call our helpline now or you can request a more convenient time when we can call you back. Alternatively, fill in the online claim form and we will look into your asbestos cancer compensation claim before we call you to discuss it further. Above all, at YouClaim we are here to help.