Global Asbestos Awareness Week starts today!

This week (1 to 7 April) is Global Asbestos Awareness Week, which aims to educate people about the dangers of asbestos material and preventative measures that can be put in place.

This global awareness week has been running for the last 21 years and has helped to bring together many victims of the industry and has been a vehicle to drive change in policy making.

The use of the material was banned in the UK in 1999 when campaigners brought evidence which highlighted the catastrophic damage and life-threatening illnesses many people that worked with the material now suffer.

Despite being banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos is still present in thousands of buildings, and its deadly effects continue to claim around 5,000 lives each year. A large number of claimants still come forward to solicitors for help each year.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a severe lung condition which occurs as a result of tiny fibres from asbestos materials which are inhaled, causing scar tissue to form in your lungs. Once it has been inhaled and the scarring commences, thickening of the tissues in the lung can also occur and breathing difficulties will eventually become noticeable.

While most people exposed physically to asbestos are often aware that they have worked with it, usually many years ago, the types of asbestos do vary and are known by different names.

Unfortunately, many people do not realise they have been exposed to asbestos until they are diagnosed with a condition which only have been caused by previous exposure.

There are six different types of asbestos:

• chrysotile asbestos: often known as white asbestos, it is the most common found in buildings, as this was often used in lagging of pipes and in brake lines and pads, which is the type linked to most diagnoses of asbestosis or mesothelioma;
• actinolite asbestos: an asbestos darker in colour and mainly constitutes silicone, magnesium, calcium and iron, which was most commonly used in paints, sealants, cement and insulation;
• amosite asbestos: commonly referred to as brown asbestos, which is common in roofing materials, including tiles and fireproofing;
• anthophyllite asbestos: often described as yellowish or brownish, which was uncommon in most materials but was still used in home insulation and cements;
• crocidolite asbestos: commonly referred to as blue asbestos, which is another common form of asbestos which is responsible for a high number of asbestos-related illness, and is commonly used in insulation and tiles;
• tremolite asbestos: described as anything from white to green asbestos, which is again used in items such as paint and roofing.

Symptoms to look out for

Asbestosis and other asbestos-related health conditions often present in chest-related symptoms. Commonly, these symptoms are:

• shortness of breath;
• coughing;
• chest pain;
• fatigue;
• unexpected weight loss.

Something to bear in mind with asbestos exposure is that if often does not cause you symptoms at the time of exposure. It often takes many years, as long as 20 to 35 years, to develop symptoms, and some people exposed will not develop any illness or symptoms at all.

Protect your future

Tradespeople are likely to encounter asbestos during work at some point. The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Work Right "Asbestos and You" campaign provides essential advice to help you stay safe.

The free quick guide for trades teaches you what to watch for and what to do should you come across it.

For those responsible for non-domestic buildings, including offices, factories, schools and public buildings, there is a legal obligation to manage asbestos risks. The "Asbestos - Your Duty" campaign provides a range or resources to support dutyholders with the legal duty to manage asbestos in buildings.

Ruth Wilkinson, IOSH’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said: "Asbestos remains a major issue around the world and is the biggest cause of occupational cancer. That is why we are supporting Global Asbestos Awareness Week once more".

"We want to see more action from governments, public policymakers, businesses and other stakeholders to prevent exposure, manage asbestos risks and, ultimately, save lives".

"Despite the risks, there is still too much uncertainty and ignorance around managing asbestos. The time for action is now".