27-02-2008
Stark asbestos warning issued by HSE
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Britain's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a strong warning on the dangers of asbestos.
The HSE has warned that every seven days, a total of 20 tradesmen and women including builders and plumbers lose their life as a consequence of inhaling asbestos fibres.
Exposure to the substance has been linked with a number of conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and asbestos-related lung cancer.
"Every week approximately six electricians and three plumbers die as a result of exposure to asbestos," said Rob Hirst, HM inspector of health and safety. "The problem today is that we associate it with a problem that's been and gone because asbestos is now banned."
Mr Hirst is expected to today outline the dangers of asbestos during a conference in Gateshead. The conference is being held in relation to Action for Mesothelioma Day.