Diseases and deaths caused by or related to Asbestos

The majority of asbestos related deaths and diseases which occur are a legacy passed on from past work related exposures to asbestos at a time when it was used widely within the construction industry. Diseases related to, or caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres are:

• Mesothelioma: A type of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs. Last year there were in excess of 2,500 deaths in the UK caused by this disease. In addition it is estimated that there are a similar number of asbestos related lung cancer deaths each year
• Asbestosis: This is a non-malignant scarring of the lung tissue. Last year in the UK there were 464 deaths from this disease.
• Pleural disease is a non-cancerous illness which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura). There are two types of the condition: diffuse pleural thickening and less serious pleural plaques. The number of new cases recorded in the UK each year continues to grow due primarily to exposure to asbestos in the work place many years ago

The statistics for newly assessed cases of the non-cancerous asbestos related diseases for last year are: Asbestosis – 900; Pleural thickening – 430; and Pleural disease – 673. It is reckoned that the incidences of asbestos related diseases and asbestos related deaths will continue to rise until the mid-2020s after which time it is expected that the rates will begin to decline. If you have any queries or would like further information or clarification on any asbestos issues, please feel free to contact Philip Hobson at ACE Building Surveys. Tel: 07702 332 333 or Email: philip@acebuildingsurveys.co.uk