Figures reveal asbestos is still the hidden killer (From Milford Mercury)

Figures reveal asbestos is still the hidden killer

8:40am Monday 9th November 2009

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FIFTY people in Pembrokeshire died from asbestos related cancer between 1981 and 2005, according to new figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) this week.

All died from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by breathing deadly asbestos fibres.

In neighbouring Carmarthenshire, 57 men died of the disease in the same period, while in Ceredigion, mesothelioma caused 21 fatalities.

The Wales-wide total for the period is 933.

The figures come at the start of the HSE’s ‘Asbestos: The hidden killer’ campaign aimed at tradesmen across the UK, which was launched on Monday.

The HSE said that every week across Britain, around 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related diseases and the numbers are increasing.

Workers most at risk of exposure to asbestos are those most likely to disturb or damage it — such as plumbers, joiners and electricians.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks posed by asbestos and how workers can best protect themselves.

“Asbestos is Britain’s biggest industrial killer. Contrary to what many people believe, the risks are not a thing of the past,” said Terry Rose, director of HSE Wales.

“Asbestos-related illnesses claim the lives of 4,000 people every year, more than die in road accidents.

“The most simple, but important advice is, if you are not 100% certain that there is no asbestos where you are working, then don’t start work. It is not worth the risk.

“Think of it as not just protecting yourself, but also protecting your family and loved ones from unnecessary heartache.”

For more information on the campaign visit www.hse.gov.uk/hiddenkiller.

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