Health Safety Giant Raising Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness

With the rate of victims who fall prey to asbestos exposure growing at an alarming rate, UK public giant, Health and Safety Executive is embarking on an initiative to educate the public on the dangers of the harmful substance.

Jewson Construction Inc. and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have agreed to come together to raise awareness regarding the harmful consequences of exposure to the corrosive building material. This national watchdog is responsible for the regulation, encouragement and enforcement of safety and research in the United Kingdom, Scotland and Wales. In a recent study performed by the aforementioned group, twenty five percent of the four thousands asbestos related deaths every year come from tradesman, construction workers and women.

Used as a form of insulation for pipes and attics throughout the twentieth century, asbestos is a mineral found in the environment. Although a naturally occurring substance, this mineral can be extremely toxic. The inhalation of its toxic fibers can produce serious illnesses, such as; mesothelioma, asbestosis and other forms of lung cancer.

Currently in the midst of an epidemic, they are calling their campaign: “Asbestos: The Hidden Killer.” Health and Safety Executives hope this initiative will spread the message about safe practice in dealing with asbestos and even help put a ban on the substance.

“Asbestos represents a danger to those in construction and building industries. It is crucial for those who are involved within it are made aware of the associated dangers.” Health and Safety director, Kevin Crawley stated.

As part of their initiative, HSE will also be targeting children. Claiming that asbestos is still present in half a million buildings in the UK, Crawley maintains the problem is still persistent and can cause early and painful deaths.

The British Lung Foundation recently released a statement expressing their deep concern for the next generation of people dealing with asbestos exposure. “Sadly, for many who have been exposed to asbestos dust it’s too late, asbestos-related diseases have a long latency.”

In mesothelioma victims, the disease develops in the mesothelium, a protective lining which covers a majority of the body’s organs. Cells can then multiply and the disease can progress into malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms can go un-noticed for decades prior to diagnosis. In many cases, treatment is limited and physician prognosis is poor.

After decades of mis-information and repression of the truth, workers all over the world are now receiving the proper indications and information towards the risks they face. This type of effort from corporate entities is vital in the education and awareness needed for prevention of asbestos related illnesses.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 24th, 2008 at 3:46 pm and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.