In addition to creating campaigns and bribing authorities in numerous countries, the asbestos industry also goes to great lengths to manipulate journalists and anti-asbestos activists in an attempt to discredit their work. In December 2016, information was revealed that a British national, Rob Moore, was hired by K2 Intelligence Ltd., an investigative firm that works […]
Depth of corporate espionage taken against anti-asbestos campaigns
The human price of asbestos in the UK
Industrial workers have been plagued by many work-related illnesses and injuries for centuries. Asbestos is the root of many present-day respiratory diseases caused by its the widespread use in the 20th century. British industrial workers are most at risk for contracting these conditions, often decades after exposure to asbestos fibres. Most notable of these conditions […]
12 asbestos myths: DEBUNKED
Nearly everyone has heard something about the dangers of asbestos, but we at Bainbridge e-Learning often hear a variety of misinformation surrounding this very hazardous material. We’ve compiled a list of 12 most common asbestos rumours in order to set the record straight, once and for all. Myth #1: Asbestos is safe in small doses […]
Where do you find asbestos and how do you identify it?
Whether you’re a self-employed tradesperson, a professional in charge of a training crew, or are involved in managing works in buildings, you’ need to prepare yourself in the event you encounter or disturb asbestos. General awareness about asbestos — as well as knowledge about how to accurately spot it– is an important step in successful […]
FAQs about asbestos awareness answered
What is asbestos? Asbestos is the generic name for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found in the ground. For centuries, it has been prized for its ability to withstand heat, fire, and chemical reactions. When completely intact, there’s little long-term damage to worry about in terms of health, but unfortunately, when these materials are […]
Asbestos an ongoing danger in factory buildings
An aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos has recently claimed the lives of two former workers at the same Grimsby factory. The local coroner came to the conclusion that both men died from industrial disease, in this case pleural mesothelioma, which attacks the outer membrane of the lungs. One of the men, […]
What are the health risks from asbestos?
Asbestos poses a significant risk to health if its fibres are released, and inhaled or ingested. As one of the most carcinogenic substances known to man, it causes life-threatening disease over an extended period of time. It’s not unknown for 60 years to pass between initial exposure and the onset of symptoms, with the average […]
Asbestos bans around the world
Although asbestos has now been banned in around 56 countries, some still allow its use for certain products if specific regulations are adhered to. It’s been estimated that 140 countries still have no ban or restrictions in place, however. Holiday destinations including Thailand, Bali, India and Mexico have yet to impose a ban, but perhaps […]
Asbestos a huge issue for hospital workers and patients
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Trust have paid out £1.3 million in compensation to asbestos victims according to reports in the media, with around 20 claims being made since 2001. Many of our hospitals were constructed in the Victorian era and earlier, and continue to pose a significant danger to the health of medical staff, […]
Anti-asbestos campaigns infiltrated by corporate spy
A report in the Guardian newspaper claims that the global campaign to ban asbestos has been infiltrated by a ‘spy’ working in corporate intelligence. Corporate investigation firm, K2 Intelligence Ltd, are said to have employed someone to infiltrate anti-asbestos groups around the world, with a view to uncovering their plans for obtaining an asbestos ban. […]