Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It normally lies dormant within the body for several decades, with a latency period of 20 to 30 years being common. The death of a former carpenter exposed to asbestos in his youth, however, shows that this dreadful disease can take even longer […]
Monthly Archives: October 2015
UK asbestos eradication law proposed
A new Bill has been proposed that could see the formalised, planned removal of asbestos from all public buildings in the UK. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health is calling for an eradication law that would address the ongoing issue of asbestos exposure, and protect the health of future generations. It has […]
Maintenance staff at The Christie hospital exposed to asbestos
A report has found that one of the leading cancer hospitals in Europe failed to maintain adequate health and safety standards. According to a BBC report, the Christie hospital in Manchester faced accusations by workers’ union Unite, about the safety of 20 maintenance staff exposed to asbestos over a number of years. The hospital has […]
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a heat-resistant fibrous mineral that naturally occurs in the ground. In fact, six different minerals can be described as ‘asbestos’ and are all known carcinogens. Its prolific use in the construction industry to provide fireproofing and insulation products, has meant that even though it was officially banned in this country in 1999, the […]
Deadly legacy of asbestos in Armley
Armley Lodge is an unlikely area to be considered a substantial health risk to residents. Located close to woodland, it is a suburb of Leeds that was unfortunate enough to also be the site of an asbestos factory until the late 1950s. Asbestos manufacturers JW Roberts Ltd (later known as Turner & Newall, or T&N) […]
Former asbestos mill site earmarked for camping and caravanning
The former Acre Mill asbestos site in Hebden Bridge may become a destination for campers and caravaners if the owners of the land have their way. The town has suffered hundreds of asbestos-related deaths due to the vast numbers of local people working at the mill, run by Cape Insulation Ltd. Figures were released in […]
Asbestos awareness for workers in the housing industry
A prolific use of asbestos in the housing industry goes back many decades. Because the substance was only banned in 1999, it remains a persistent threat to the health of people working and living in these older properties. Even though there’s a legal obligation for employers to provide training on how to deal with asbestos, […]