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Asbestos and Green Revolution

Mar 6, 2024

The focus of the February 28, 2024 commentary cited below was a discussion of the bonuses and pitfalls of the “green revolution.” Contractors were warned that in the eternal quest for economic savings, mandatory precautions against exposures to asbestos must be observed: “going green does create new risks, one of which is asbestos coming to light during upgrades. And such is the danger with this material that today’s contractors need to be extra vigilant when upgrading properties.” See: Asbestos: the unseen threat in the UK’s green revolution.
 

Asbestos Issues in Australia and the UK

Mar 5, 2024

The unfolding asbestos scandal which started in Sydney in January 2024 and has spread to Canberra and Queensland was the starting point for the discussion in the article cited below about the UK’s asbestos legacy, including the public health risk posed by the continuing delivery of drinking water via “hundreds of thousands of miles” of aging and deteriorating asbestos-cement pipes. It could cost £5-8bn to replace the stock of asbestos-cement water mains currently being used the UK and Ireland. According to the BBC, some studies show a correlation between exposure to asbestos through drinking water and incidences of stomach and gut cancers. See: ‘Beyond belief’: fears of asbestos return.
 

Asbestos in Parliament

Feb 29, 2024

The Palace of Westminster, the seat of the UK Government, is falling down. As politicians dither about how and when to repair the crumbling structure, “life-threatening incidents” such as exposure to asbestos are common, for employees, building users and members of the public who have occasion to visit Parliament. The substantial repairs needed will cost several billion pounds and take many years. Trade union spokespersons are supporting plans for a “full decant” so that work could be completed in the shortest possible time; the possibility of moving MPs out of Westminster has not found favor with key decision-makers. See: Delay to Parliament’s restoration risks ‘life-threatening incident’ with concerns over asbestos and legionella.
 

Asbestos in the Water Delivery System

Feb 26, 2024

A media investigation into the consequences of decaying asbestos-cement (A/C) water pipes in the UK’s water delivery system revealed that A/C pipes “are more likely to burst than any material except for cast iron;” the burst rate of AC water pipes in Scotland was up by 49% between 2017 and 2021, from 860 to 1,280. In another area in the north-west of England, there was a 2,000% increase in burst A/C pipes between 2017 and 2021. Sixty per cent of the 31,000 miles of A/C pipes in the UK and Ireland were installed 50+ years ago. Replacing these aging pipes, could cost up to £8 billion. See: Health concerns raised over asbestos in tap water.
 

Mesothelioma Research: Good News

Feb 21, 2024

A medical breakthrough was announced for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma, the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure. By cutting off the tumor’s food supply, the drug ADI-PEG20 (pegargiminase) – when used in combination with chemotherapy – “quadrupled three-year survival rates.” These were the results of the ATOMIC-meso clinical trial involving 249 pleural mesothelioma patients at 43 centers in the UK, US, Australia, Italy and Taiwan from 2017 until 2021; the research was led by Prof Peter Szlosarek at Queen Mary University, London. See: Drug offers ‘wonderful’ breakthrough in treatment of asbestos-linked cancer.
 

Marines Sue MoD

Feb 15, 2024

On February 6, 2024, a group of 260 service personnel – most of whom are Royal Marines – issued proceedings against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) which allegedly breached the Human Rights Act by “knowingly” exposing them to asbestos during military exercises in Latvia in 2018 & 2019. Samples taken of dust found in a derelict building designated for use by the soldiers tested positive for chrysotile (white) asbestos. Lawyers for the soldiers claim the MoD was aware of the presence of asbestos at the sites used during the military exercises. Many of the service personnel affected are now experiencing “asbestos anxiety,” a condition recognized in France but not in the UK. See: Royal Marines to fight MoD in court in asbestos claim.
 

Asbestos at the Museum

Feb 8, 2024

A prized possession of the American diplomat, scientist, inventor and founding father Benjamin Franklin now on show at the Natural History Museum in London is marked with a warning label saying: DO NOT OPEN. The dangerous artifact – carefully sealed in a clear plastic box – is a purse made of asbestos that Franklin brought to Britain from the US in 1725. The article cited below reviewed the tragic history of asbestos from Roman until present times and detailed some of the thousands of uses which had been found for the substance nicknamed the “magic mineral”. See: Asbestos: The strange past of the ‘magic mineral’.
 

Cape Must Pay Campaign!

Feb 6, 2024

A press release issued by the Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum UK (AVSGF) on February 1, 2024, reported that Peter Gartside – a former executive of the asbestos company Cape plc – had endorsed calls by the AVSGF for Cape to make a £10 million donation for medical research in his book entitled Asbestos and Cape: A Tale of Three Stakeholders, published in January 2024: “The case put forward by the AVSGF for securing further funding for mesothelioma research has merit... To those employees of Cape Industrial Services who generated the profits to provide for future disease liability it would be a fitting application of £10 million of the residual provision fund.” See: Insider supports campaign for Cape/Altrad to pay for Mesothelioma Research.
 

Shortlist for Asbestos Campaign

Jan 26, 2024

A series of articles in the Sunday Times has made the shortlist for the annual press awards 2023. The series, entitled Act on Asbestos, tackled various aspects of the UK’s multifaceted asbestos scandal, including articles on asbestos in schools, hospitals and shops and the poisoning of people who worked in or used them. The articles were part of a national campaign which called for a phased removal of asbestos from the national infrastructure. Other nominees in the category Campaign of the Year were: Clean It Up Campaign; Prigozhin and Lawfare; the Bruno and Dom project; Ticket Office Campaign; and Time for Action on Danger Dogs. See: Act Now on Asbestos.
 

Asbestos in Tap Water

Jan 26, 2024

The toxic legacy posed by the presence of deteriorating asbestos-cement (AC) pipes throughout the UK was the focus of the article cited below, the first of a two-part investigation to be continued in February with an article examining the global problem of asbestos waste. AC pipes installed before asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999 account for up to 27% of all pipes still used to deliver water; 23,000 miles of AC pipes were installed before 1988. Expressing concern about the continued use of these aging pipes, Professor Arthur Frank said: “The risk may not be great. But it is generally accepted that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.” See: Asbestos in drinking water: What does it mean for human health?
 

Asbestos Awareness Outreach Program

Jan 17, 2024

On January 15, 2024, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – the public body tasked with ensuring workplace health, safety and welfare in the UK – announced a new campaign entitled Asbestos: Your Duty “to improve understanding of what the legal duty to manage asbestos involves.” Commenting on the initiative, the HSE’s chief executive Sarah Albon said: “To keep people safe from the harms of asbestos, a culture of safely managing asbestos is needed in our building industry and among those responsible for buildings.” See: Keep people safe from future dangers of asbestos, regulator warns.
 

Asbestos at the Bank

Jan 11, 2024

A former employee of the Midland Bank, Nottingham, who was exposed to asbestos in her workplace during the 1970s, was awarded £900,000 (US$1.15m) when her ex-employer HSBC admitted liability. According to the claimant, she had “been responsible for carrying out the daily filing in the loft area, using cabinets that had been lined with asbestos fireproof boarding and which had been difficult to open…The pipes I would often sit on to carry out my work were also lagged with asbestos so when I was diagnosed [with mesothelioma] I knew straight away where I had been exposed. I just didn’t know at 17 years old what the consequences would be.” See: Former Nottingham bank worker wins £900,000 payout after cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
 

Mesothelioma Research: Patients & Carers

Dec 22, 2023

The results of a project undertaken by researchers at the University of Sheffield and funded by Mesothelioma UK were published this month, The 20-page report shed a much-needed light on “how mesothelioma impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of patients and their informal Carers…” The authors delineated actionable tools and highlighted gaps “in the existing evidence where future research could benefit patients and their informal carers who are living with mesothelioma.” See: The Mental Health Implications of a Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Developing Resources to Optimise Wellbeing Study.
 

History of Grassroots Mobilization

Dec 12, 2023

The article cited below by Tom White marked the 40th anniversary of a historic meeting which took place in Nottingham at which community organizers were joined by trade unionists, social housing tenants and campaigners to discuss the environmental hazard posed by the continuing use of asbestos in the UK; the conference was entitled: Raising the Dust. At the culmination of the day’s discussions, a working party was formed which would become the People’s Asbestos Action Campaign. Summing up his discussion about the significance of this meeting, White noted: “Forty years on from the first national tenants’ and trades union conference, the asbestos disaster is far from over.” See: Asbestos, Killer Dust.
 

Calling for Rapid Asbestos Removal

Dec 1, 2023

A new report by Mesothelioma UK called for a 10-year program to remove asbestos from schools and hospitals. This program “would save the UK economy almost £12 billion over 50 years in the reduced economic and social costs of asbestos-related diseases. The savings to the UK public finances would be around £3.6 billion.” In the foreword to this report, MP Stephen Timms, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, wrote: “The Government and HSE should develop a strategic plan… [which would] focus on removing the highest risk asbestos first, and on early removal from the highest risk settings, such as schools and hospitals. The plan should integrate with… plans to upgrade buildings to meet net zero targets…” See: Clearing the Air: The costs and benefits of removing asbestos from UK schools and hospitals report.
 

Mesothelioma Government Payouts: Update

Dec 1, 2023

Published on November 28, 2023, the annual report of the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme – launched in the UK in 2014 to provide payments to people with diffuse mesothelioma (or their dependents) who were negligently exposed to asbestos at work but were unable to obtain compensation through the courts – revealed that between April 2022 and March 2023, 330 applications were received, 71% of which were successful. The total amount paid out during that period was £23.2 million. See: Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme annual statistics April 2014 to March 2023.
 

Risk of Low-Level Exposures Recognized

Nov 28, 2023

A 37-page Command Paper (CP) presented to Parliament published by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) in November 2023 recognized the hazard posed by low-level occupational exposures to asbestos. According to section 49 of the CP 964: “All asbestos exposures of sufficient extent and whatever their source are now equally included in the generic term ‘any job involving exposure to asbestos’.” Between 2010 and 2019, 80% of the 12,245 Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit awards were for asbestosis. See: Review and update of the prescription for Prescribed Disease D1 (Pneumoconiosis).
 

Asbestos in Schools

Nov 27, 2023

The only Scottish council to have eradicated the asbestos hazard from its schools is South Lanarkshire. According to information collected by a Labor Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Mark Griffin – via Freedom of Information requests – 1,360 out of 5,067 schools in Scotland still contain asbestos. Last year, asbestos material was removed from 274 Scottish school buildings. Asbestos is a red button topic in Scotland; generations of shipyard and factory workers died from asbestos-related diseases. MSP Griffin is campaigning for the establishment of a Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council. See: Quarter of Scottish schools contain 'terrifying' asbestos, warns Labour MSP.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Nov 24, 2023

In a 32-page report entitled “The condition of school buildings,” which was submitted on November 9, 2023 by the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts, the 16 co-authors highlighted not only the problems posed by the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) throughout the UK’s educational infrastructure but also the dangers posed to school users by the presence of aging asbestos-containing products. In the section “Incomplete knowledge on asbestos” on pages 14 & 15, multiple failures of the Department for Education to deal with the asbestos legacy in the school estate were considered. See: The condition of school buildings.
 

Death From Covid-19 and Asbestosis

Nov 14, 2023

An inquest at Bootle Town Hall into the 2021 death of 90-year-old Thomas Littler heard that his death had been caused by Covid-19 and asbestosis. The Coroner was categorical about the causes of death, saying that the asbestosis “had contributed towards his death.” Littler had worked for British Rail between 1944 and 1983 as an apprentice, a wheelwright and a handyman; it is believed that he had routinely experienced asbestos exposures at his workplace. An investigation has been launched to establish the nature and duration of these toxic exposures. See: Family of ex-rail worker with asbestos-linked death appeals for help.
 

Asbestos-cement – What’s the Problem?

Nov 10, 2023

A commentary published earlier this month provided an overview about the historic use of asbestos-cement (AC) products in the UK and the problems posed by the continued presence of these toxic AC-containing materials. AC products could contain up to 50% asbestos fiber; although most AC was made from chrysotile (white) asbestos, crocidolite (blue) and amosite (brown) asbestos were also used. The aging, weathering and deterioration of AC products can liberate fibers into the air. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) duty holders, building owners, landlords or and occupants are obliged to manage/prevent asbestos exposures. See: Asbestos cement products – A low risk material?
 

Northern Asbestos Hotspot

Nov 8, 2023

Researchers have ascertained, via the use of a Freedom of Information request, that between 2019 and 2023, nearly 150 people in York and Scarborough were diagnosed with the signature asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. Generations of workers were exposed to asbestos whilst employed at the carriage works in the Holgate Road factory, York before its closure in the 1990s. According to local solicitor Richard Green, the number of asbestos claimants who experienced “low level” exposures working in schools and hospitals is increasing. See: 150 + people in York and Scarbrough with asbestos-related cancer.
 

Remembering Bob Dickie

Nov 6, 2023

The October 17, 2023 death of trade unionist, shipyard worker and asbestos victims’ supporter Bob Dickie was announced last week in Glasgow. An influential trade unionist, Bob had acted as the Chairperson of the Glasgow-based Clydebank Asbestos Group for over 20 years. In this capacity, he had played a front-line role in campaigns to improve government benefits for and secure the rights of Scottish asbestos victims, many of whom had also worked at the shipyards. He worked collaboratively with asbestos groups throughout the UK and was, said John Flanagan from the Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group, pivotal in setting up the Liverpool group in 1993. See: MSP pays tribute to ‘key player’ in 1971 shipyard ‘work-in’.
 

MAVSG’s 30th Anniversary!

Nov 3, 2023

On October 27, 2023, officials, volunteers and supporters of the Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group (MAVSG) gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the UK’s oldest charities supporting asbestos victims and their families. Remembering many of the people who had helped establish MAVSG, Support Officer John Flanagan had the pleasant task of presenting a cheque for £2,540 to Professor Judy Coulson from Liverpool University to help fund research into improved treatments for mesothelioma, the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure. See: Asbestos disease victims mark 30 years of fighting for sufferers & their families.
 

No Improvement in UK Asbestos Policy

Oct 26, 2023

On October 20, 2023, the UK Government uploaded its response to an e-petition calling for a central asbestos register and the phased removal of asbestos from the built environment which had been signed by more than 10,000 people. Rejecting the demands made by the petitioners, the response of the UK petitions Committee was terse: “the Committee noted the response to this petition.” See: Decisions of the Petitions Committee, October 17, 2023.
 

Remembering the Asbestos Dead

Oct 23, 2023

On October 16, 2023, a memorial paying tribute to personnel from the British Armed Forces who had died from diseases caused by exposures to asbestos during their military service was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The sculpture, which weighs three tonnes and is three meters tall, was commissioned by Mesothelioma UK and is made up of more than “60 carved stone blocks representing the building blocks of life and public service.” The artist who created the work was Graeme Mitcheson. See: Memorial sculpture honouring mesothelioma patients in the Armed Forces to be unveiled at National Memorial Arboretum.
 

Belfast Court Issues Victim’s Verdict

Oct 16, 2023

On October 12, 2023, the Court of Appeal ruled that a 72-year-old Belfast man who contracted an asbestos-related condition after exposure to asbestos dust brought home on work clothes worn by his father – who had worked as a pipe lagger at the Harland & Wolff (H&W) shipyard – was entitled to compensation from H&W. Allowing the appeal, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan instructed the parties to negotiate an appropriate payout, saying it should be “a relatively simple exercise to establish moderate provisional damages for the development of pleural plaques by this appellant.” See: Belfast man entitled to damages over asbestos-related condition linked to father’s work at Harland & Wolff.
 

Unions Act on Asbestos Hazard

Oct 12, 2023

A press release issued on October 10, 2023 by a coalition of UK trade unions called for a 40-year deadline for the removal of all asbestos from public buildings. The unions, which collectively represent 4 million workers, called on the leaders of the Conservative, Green, Labour and the Liberal Democrat parties to include a phased asbestos eradication policy in their manifestos for the next general election. “Asbestos exposure is,” the unions wrote “still the biggest cause of work-related deaths in Britain. Around 5,000 people are dying each year from asbestos cancers linked to work exposure, including from mesothelioma.” See: Union leaders call for an end to deadly asbestos legacy.
 

Government Rejects Asbestos Petition

Oct 5, 2023

The UK government has rejected a petition with more than 10,000 supporters demanding that a deadline be set for the eradication of the asbestos hazard from the built environment and the implementation of measures to set up an asbestos register recording the presence and condition of asbestos-containing products in buildings. According to the petition: “the most high-risk settings are schools and hospitals.” Continuing its head-in-the-sand policy, a government spokesperson said action would only be taken “if there is compelling evidence that the increase in exposure for workers removing asbestos is justified in terms of reduced risk to building users.” See: UK government rejects asbestos removal petition.
 

Asbestos in UK Naval Ships

Oct 5, 2023

The article cited below appeared in the Russian media. It reported on news contained in an article in The Times newspaper. As the original English article is behind a pay wall, we are citing the Russian article. According to James Cartlidge, the UK’s Minister of Defense: “Royal Navy frigates, destroyers and nuclear-armed submarines may all contain asbestos.” Included amongst the affected naval vessels are Type 45 destroyers, Type 23 frigates, Duke minesweepers and one Astute-class submarine; asbestos is also present in 28 Wildcat helicopters. See: В Великобритании заявили о наличии ядовитого асбеста в кораблях ВМС [The presence of toxic asbestos in Navy ships has been reported in the UK].
 

New Mesothelioma Assessment Protocol?

Oct 2, 2023

The article cited below by Professor of Lung Cancer & Mesothelioma Daniel Murphy from Glasgow University included information about the occurrence and causation of mesothelioma and an update on progress by UK researchers into learning about the disease and how to treat mesothelioma patients. Murphy was hopeful that the development of “genetically engineered mouse models of Mesothelioma that combine controlled introduction of the same mutations that commonly arise in human Mesothelioma with a single injection of Asbestos to incorporate chronic inflammation in our models,” would help researchers “distinguish high risk from low risk of Mesothelioma development, enabling earlier treatment of high-risk patients than is currently possible…” See: The risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
 

RAAC and Asbestos in Schools

Sep 29, 2023

The commentary cited below examined the double whammy posed to school users by the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) and asbestos throughout the UK. Both substances were widely used from the 1950s through the 1990s so it is not uncommon to find that schools contain both. If a building collapses due to the deterioration of RAAC, the damage could very well liberate asbestos fibers into the air. “I believe,” wrote the author that “we should now be moving the debate firmly away from managing asbestos in school buildings to a proactive management approach of systematic removal – and this latest issue clearly demonstrates why.” See: Concrete closure fiasco is yet another reason asbestos has no place in our schools.
 

Asbestos in Schools: Update

Sep 25, 2023

An electronic bulletin circulated on September 20, 2023 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced that the: “HSE will be carrying out a programme of inspections of primary and secondary schools in England, Scotland and Wales from October 2023 onwards.” The majority of UK schools contain asbestos material and the hazard this poses to children and staff has been front-page news in light of the discovery this summer of deteriorating reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in more than 150 schools. HSE inspectors will be contacting schools before the asbestos audits are carried out to arrange a suitable date and time for the inspections.
 

Toxic Talc!

Sep 22, 2023

An exclusive feature by Steve Boggan in the Saturday September 16, 2023 issue of the Daily Mail detailed how the incurable cancer contracted by 48-year old Hannah Fletcher had been caused by her use of cosmetic products containing asbestos fibers. To avoid going to court, this summer, American manufacturers Avon and Estee Lauder, and its subsidiary Clinique, reached a confidential settlement with Hannah who, before her mesothelioma diagnosis in 2016, had held senior executive positions with NatWest, Visa and other well-known firms. See: Your makeup may be killing you like it's killing me: City high-flyer and mother of two Hannah was diagnosed with incurable cancer that she blames on the cosmetics she enjoyed since childhood.
 

Asbestos Debate in House of Commons

Sep 21, 2023

A debate on September 13, 2023 took place in the House of Commons pursuant to a 10-minute rule motion on a Bill to “to provide for a national register of asbestos present in non-domestic premises and of the condition of that asbestos; and for connected purposes.” According to Conservative MP Andrew Percy: “The Health and Safety Executive has said that between 210,000 and 400,000 buildings in the UK contain asbestos. Other estimates suggest 6 million tonnes of asbestos are spread across 1.5 million buildings in this country.” See: Hansard September 13, 2023: Asbestos (National Register).
 

Scotland’s Asbestos Legacy

Sep 18, 2023

A report published this month entitled Tackling Scotland’s Workplace Ill-Health Crisis by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) highlighted the doubling of the incidence of work-related sickness in Scotland this decade; the cost to the Scottish economy exceeded a billion pounds/year. The authors pointed out that the rate of asbestos-related cancers was increasing among Scotland’s female workers. Recommendations made included some fairly basic measures to improve workplace conditions. See: Scottish workplace health crisis revealed in BOHS report.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Sep 18, 2023

A commentary by Adam Page, a lecturer from the University of Lincoln, contrasted the ongoing scandal over the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in public buildings with the furore in the 1980s over the presence of asbestos in schools. In the face of assurances from the authorities and officials about the safety of the schools, local communities were proactive in mounting high-profile actions demanding safe schools for children. The work of veteran asbestos campaigner Nancy Tait was referenced, citing her support for the actions of people in the Enfield Borough of London. See: Concrete crisis: officials thought asbestos in schools was safe too – the same mistakes have been made over Raac.
 

Asbestos & RAAC in Schools

Sep 14, 2023

Research by the Observer newspaper published on September 10, 2023 revealed significant errors by the government, which had failed to ensure that buildings purchased to house new schools were safe for use. As a result of these omissions, structures were purchased, intended for development as community free schools, which contained asbestos as well as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Two such facilities were the Michaela Community School in London and the Parkfield free school in Bournemouth; no asbestos surveys were undertaken prior to their purchase. See: UK government did not carry out detailed surveys before it bought free schools sites.
 

Update: RAAC & Asbestos in Schools

Sep 11, 2023

As was to be expected, the furore over crumbling concrete material known as RAAC – reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete – has been exacerbated by the presence of asbestos in the majority of UK schools. One legal expert commented: “It is a serious concern that there is crumbling concrete within schools and hospital buildings but, as we have known for many years, asbestos materials are present in a significant number of UK schools and hospital premises and yet this doesn’t seem to be a priority to be dealt with.” See: Concerns over asbestos in schools amid RAAC concrete crisis.
 

RAAC & Asbestos in Schools

Sep 6, 2023

As the government mounted a public show of action to get to grips with the crisis posed by the identification of crumbling reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) material throughout the school estate, technical and engineering experts warned that the presence of asbestos in most school buildings would almost certainly complicate the capacity to undertake the repair work needed to make the structures safe for use. Asbestos victims groups’ representatives, campaigners from the Asbestos in Schools Group and the Joint Union Asbestos Committee, technical experts and others have been warning about the asbestos hazard in schools for decades. See: How asbestos could slow efforts to fix crumbling concrete in English schools.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Sep 4, 2023

The front page of the September 3, 2023 issue of The Sunday Times raised the asbestos spectre amidst fears over the closure of many schools due to the hazard posed by deteriorating reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete material (RAAC). According to Engineer Max Byatt: “There are two real risk-to-life elements to this: if RAAC collapses it puts life at risk in an instantaneous manner: and asbestos can be deadly if it is inhaled.” This article, which is part of the newspaper’s campaign Action on Asbestos, reports that “scores of public buildings caught up in the crumbing concrete crisis are also likely to be riddled with deadly asbestos.” See: Sunday Times front page 3rd September 2023.
 

Guilty Verdict for Asbestos Crimes

Aug 31, 2023

On August 24, 2023, Esskay Construction Ltd. was found guilty of breaching regulations 5, 11 and 16 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and fined £90,000 in absentia by the Staffordshire Magistrates Court for exposing people to asbestos during renovation work at an address on Brunswick Street in the Hanley area of Stoke-on-Trent. Commenting on the case, HSE inspector Will Gretton said: “HSE will not hesitate to take action where contractors are found to be flouting the law and putting people at risk. This case should serve as a reminder to those engaged in this type of work that they have responsibilities when it comes to managing the risks associated with asbestos.” See: Warrington firm fined by court for public asbestos exposure.
 

Asbestos Management in Mansfield School

Aug 25, 2023

Consent given this month by the local council has ensured that vital work will proceed at Mansfield’s Intake Farm Primary and Nursery School to replace an unsafe roof and address extensive asbestos contamination of the buildings. Toxic material in the building includes: asbestos textiles, paper and insulating boards located in the school’s entrance lobby, toilets, dining room, staff room, office, library and several classrooms. According to a council spokeswoman, affected classrooms were cordoned off last autumn with “absolutely no staff or pupils in them.” See: Asbestos removal and unsafe roof repairs approved in £1.2m plan for Mansfield school.
 

Criminal Fly-tipper Not Jailed

Aug 23, 2023

After pleading guilty to the offences of depositing controlled waste, operating a regulated facility without an environmental permit and disposing of waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health, Middlesbrough man Darren Mills received a suspended nine-month sentence, a £1,000 fine and an order to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work. Amongst the tonnes of waste that Mills dumped near Brambles Primary Academy and Minnow’s Children’s Day Nursery was asbestos debris. See: Middlesbrough man dumped 61 tonnes of rubbish and asbestos near primary school.
 

Controversial Asbestos Data

Aug 21, 2023

An August 17, 2023 article on the website of the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health repeated contentious claims by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that the number of people with asbestos-related diseases in the UK is on the decline. The HSE’s complacency over the hazard posed by asbestos remaining in buildings was challenged by comments from the TUC which called for a prioritized and phased removal of asbestos from the built environment. Medical expert Liz Darlison agreed with the unionists: “It's paramount,” she said “that we work with government to address this [toxic situation] and avoid the time bomb of future generations with occupational cancers.” See: Asbestos-related cancer deaths fall but ‘time bomb’ threatens.
 

Rotherham Asbestos Protest!

Aug 18, 2023

On August 16, 2023, members and supporters of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK mounted another in a series of protests outside offices belonging to the current owner of the UK’s former asbestos conglomerate Cape PLC. They gathered in front of the offices of Altrad, a multinational construction and industrial corporation worth $2.9 billion, to repeat their demands for a donation of £10 million for medical research into asbestos cancer as a way of making restitution for the deadly consequences which resulted from the production, processing and use of products containing asbestos by Cape and its subsidiaries. See: Report from Cape Must Pay! protest in Rotherham.
 

New Portsmouth Mesothelioma Resource

Aug 18, 2023

A new clinical nurse specialist (CNS) has been appointed to support asbestos cancer patients at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth. Lucy Johnson, who has been a nurse for 11 years, will support patients throughout their mesothelioma journey from diagnosis and investigations to treatment and symptom control. Commenting on her new position, CNS Johnson said: “I’m aware of the devastating impact that mesothelioma has on people’s lives so am looking forward to working in Portsmouth and helping patients there, supporting them with life-changing situations and at vulnerable times.” See: Nurse appointed as mesothelioma and pleural CNS in first for hospital.
 

Asbestos in Parliament

Aug 17, 2023

As Parliamentarians went on their summer vacation, the Sunday Times journalist Robert Covile reviewed the status of plans to address the dangerous deterioration of the physical structure of the Palace of Westminster. Five years after it had been agreed that serious work was needed, no conclusions have been reached about a plan of action. Although, there are many serious problems in this Unesco world heritage site, including asbestos contamination, the main worry is the “occurrence of a catastrophic event,” such as the one which destroyed Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019. See (1-month free subscription): MPs work in a verminous, asbestos-riddled fire trap. So why are they so keen to stay?
 

Another UK Asbestos Tragedy!

Aug 9, 2023

As part of the Summer 2023 campaign by the Sunday Times: “Act Now on Asbestos,” journalist Steve Boggan highlighted the story of mesothelioma patient Barbara Morris who was exposed to asbestos in the 1970s when she worked for the East Midlands Electricity Board in Daventry, Northamptonshire. Mrs. Morris was shocked “to think that people could still be exposed the way I was… Especially children. At the very least, the government should be working to get asbestos out of schools. We owe it to the next generation.” Asbestos material remains in 1.5 million UK buildings, including schools and hospitals. See (1-month free subscription): I was exposed to asbestos — now I won’t see my grandchildren grow up.
 

Scottish Court Allows Second Claim

Aug 7, 2023

Last week, Lord Stuart, in Scotland’s Outer House of the Court of Session, agreed that widow Elaine Crozier and the family of deceased asbestos victim Robert Crozier should be allowed to pursue a mesothelioma claim against his employer – Scottish Power – despite his having accepted in 2014 compensation on a full and final basis for the development of pleural plaques and asbestosis as a result of workplace asbestos exposures. Mr. Crozier died on October 15, 2018. See: Family of man who died from mesothelioma allowed to proceed with second claim against employer.
 

Another Asbestos Tragedy in Merseyside

Aug 3, 2023

In an announcement made this week, it was revealed that substantial compensation for a mesothelioma patient had been secured from her former employers Namepack Ltd. (formerly known as Ward Blenkinsop), where she worked from 1969 to 1971, and Dista Products Ltd., where she worked from 1971 until 1975. The defendants also agreed to pay for private medical treatments not available on the NHS and to donate £9,000+ to the hospice which had treated the cancer patient. Two weeks after the settlement had been reached, the claimant passed away. See: Former Liverpool factory worker awarded compensation after asbestos exposure.
 

Asbestos Firm Betrays Victims

Aug 1, 2023

The current owners of one of the UK’s biggest asbestos companies – with a 2022 revenue of €3.8bn – has been accused by asbestos victims of ignoring its responsibilities to the injured. The Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum’s request for a £10 million donation for medical research was rejected by the Altrad company whilst a six-year deal worth £58m was agreed to sponsor the New Zealand rugby team. In 2022, Altrad’s President was convicted of corruption; he was fined and given an 18- month suspended sentence. See: UK asbestos firm owners ‘whitewashing reputation’ with All Blacks sponsorship.
 

Asbestos at the BBC

Aug 1, 2023

The article cited below was just one of dozens which appeared last week about the news that Esther Rantzen, veteran British TV presenter and founder of Childline, had contracted lung cancer which she wondered might have been due to asbestos exposures at the studios of the BBC. In the last ten years, the BBC has paid £1.64 million in damages to 11 families which had lost loved ones to mesothelioma, the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposures. See: Did asbestos-filled BBC studios cause Dame Esther Rantzen's stage-four lung cancer?
 

Asbestos at RAAC Schools

Jul 26, 2023

A report by the Department for Education (DfE) entitled Condition of school buildings which was published at the end of June 2023 revealed serious issues over the safety of pupils at aging schools built with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), a lightweight material used widely between the 1950s and mid-1990s which is “prone to collapse.” The hazard is exacerbated by the presence of asbestos-containing building products. According to the DfE, there are 572 schools where RAAC might be present. In addition, asbestos contamination of 13,800 system-built schools was flagged up as a concern. See: Unsafe UK school buildings pose risk to pupils, report says.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 25, 2023

A 21-page report released in July 2023 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) entitled Management of asbestos in school buildings 2022/23 investigated “how schools are meeting their legal duties to manage asbestos effectively.” The HSE did not waste the opportunity presented by the publication of this report to reiterate its mantra: “Where asbestos-containing materials are undamaged and properly maintained, with regular checks and effective monitoring to assess their condition, they can remain safely in place.” Although significant failings were found in 7% of schools, “this did not mean there was an actual risk of exposure to asbestos.” So, nothing to see here folks, move on. See: Management of asbestos in school buildings 2022/23.
 

Asbestos Incident at Scottish Hospital

Jul 25, 2023

During the installation of a new hydraulic press on July 7, 2023 at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, asbestos was disturbed in what has been described by officials as an “isolated asbestos incident.” According to NHS Grampian, a small number of staff and contractors were in the unit when a beam was knocked during the installation process. The affected room was isolated and the risk was monitored whilst staff put contingency plans in place to minimize disruption. It could be two weeks before the laundry would be fully operational said Chief Executive Caroline Hiscox. See: Laundry staff exposed to asbestos at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
 

Asbestos Worries over Redevelopment

Jul 21, 2023

Glasgow campaigners are calling on developers to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment before demolishing the four Wyndford tower blocks in Glasgow which are believed to contain asbestos. Accusing their critics of “scaremongering,” Wheatley Homes Glasgow said an investigation will take place once the buildings have been emptied of tenants. Planning permission was granted for the demolition of the towers and the construction of 300 low-rise homes on the site. See: Call to halt tower blocks demolition after asbestos survey.
 

Asbestos Curse Blocks Redevelopment

Jul 21, 2023

The industrial asbestos legacy of the Harts Lane Estate in Barking, London is a permanent block, said resident Anthony Taylor, on plans to regenerate the site, as it was constructed in 1970 on top of the Cape Asbestos factory, the biggest asbestos factory in London. Prior to its closure in 1968, generations of local people had worked for Cape. The two 17-storey tower blocks called Colne House and Mersea House on the estate dominate the local landscape and have had a chequered history. A spokesperson for Barking and Dagenham Council did not respond to Mr. Taylor’s comments. See: Barking estate ‘can never be bulldozed’ as it sits on top of old asbestos factory.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 13, 2023

On Action Mesothelioma Day 2023, UK teachers’ unions called on the Government to prioritize the removal of asbestos from schools. General Secretary of the teachers’ union NASUWT Dr Patrick Roach was highly critical of the Government’s failure to act: “there is a lack of urgency from the DfE to address the problem. This is needlessly and avoidably passing on a potentially deadly legacy to the staff and children working and learning in our schools today.” General Secretary of the ASCL Geoff Barton agreed: “The government has shown no inclination… address the huge backlog of repairs needed across the school estate. This is further evidence of the government’s failure to prioritise education and the wellbeing of pupils, leaders and staff.” See: Teaching unions call for urgent action to remove deadly asbestos in schools.
 

New HSE Mesothelioma Data

Jul 11, 2023

Mesothelioma data for Great Britain produced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for 2021 was published on July 6, 2023. The figures showed a reduction in fatalities from 2,570 deaths in 2020 to 2,268 in 2021; an apparent fall of nearly 12%. Obviously, the HSE hopes that this fall will substantiate its long-predicted downturn in asbestos mortality; however, the statistics come with a caveat that: “figures for 2020 and 2021 may have been effected by the coronavirus pandemic.” The majority of the deceased were over 75 years; men who worked in the construction industry “continue to be the most at risk of mesothelioma.” See: HSE Mesothelioma Statistics for Great Britain, 2023.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 10, 2023

On July 2, 2023 the Sunday Times carried a front-page article exposing the national scandal of asbestos in schools and calling for the government to commit to eradicating this hazard. This was followed by the British Safety Council reiterating its committal to supporting recommendations made last year (2022) by a Parliamentary Select Committee, that included the need for a “national strategy for the planned removal of all asbestos over the next 40 years, including identifying properties most in need of urgent action and clear guidance on the safe disposal of asbestos.” See: Sunday Times backs call to remove asbestos in schools.
 

Asbestos Motion in Holyrood

Jul 6, 2023

A motion heard in the Scottish Parliament on June 29, 2023 tabled by Marie McNair, which was supported by 31 Members of the Scottish Parliament, recognized the importance of Action Mesothelioma Day (AMD) and the importance of work carried out by asbestos victims’ groups such as Clydebank Asbestos Group “which has provided information and support to people with asbestos-related conditions for over 30 years…” The motion noted “the need for continued research into mesothelioma…” AMD is scheduled for July 7, 2023. See: Parliamentary Motion S6M-09075 by Marie McNair.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 4, 2023

According to information obtained as a result of a Freedom of Information request by ITV News, 13 schools in Jersey and 16 in Guernsey still contain asbestos. According to a spokesperson for Jersey Property Holdings, the government company that owns States buildings: “The presence of asbestos in school buildings is something that is being managed and is not currently causing any safety issues…The buildings are regularly monitored and parents should be assured there is no cause for concern.” See: 29 Channel Island schools still have asbestos within buildings.
 

Mesothelioma Compensation from DMPS

Jun 29, 2023

A plumber from St Albans who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in December 2022 after contracting a chest infection, was unable to bring a claim against his former employer as there had been no employer’s liability insurance in place during his employment. An application was submitted to the Government’s Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) and the sum of £94,424 was obtained. The applicant had worked with asbestos in boiler houses removing and replacing lagging from pipework as an apprentice in the 1950s. See: DMPS settlement for plumber exposed to asbestos in the late 1950s.
 

Screening of At-Risk Firefighters

Jun 22, 2023

Data showing that the incidence of cancer amongst UK firefighters aged 35-39 was as much as 323% more than the general population was pivotal in plans to develop a health screening regime to detect early signs of disease. As part of the initiative – The National Firefighter Health Monitoring Research Project – commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union, hundreds of firefighters will be screened for cancer and other health issues. Participants will be required to provide blood and urine samples which will be tested for signs of cancer and other diseases. See: Hundreds of London firefighters to be tested for cancer with call for regular health monitoring.
 

Mesothelioma Research: Update

Jun 19, 2023

On June 13, 2023, it was announced that the charity Mesothelioma UK had awarded the sum of £38,000 for an 18-month research project – ‘EXTRA-Meso feasibility study: EXercise TheRApy in Mesothelioma’ – to research whether exercise therapy could improve symptom control, fitness and the quality of life of patients with mesothelioma, the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure. People interested in taking part in this study, which will begin in summer 2023, can contact their Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist; email info@mesothelioma.uk.com or call freephone 0800 169 2409. See: Mesothelioma UK awards £38,000 grant for new research study into exercise therapy for asbestos-related cancer patients.
 

Supporting Lung Cancer Sufferers

Jun 14, 2023

An Early Day Motion (EDM) – a device used by Parliamentarians to draw attention to a particular subject – was tabled on May 25, 2023 entitled: Asbestos-related lung cancer. Recognizing that “sufferers of asbestos-related lung cancer are denied full compensation if they are unable to trace all their former employers whose negligence contributed to the disease… urges the Government to introduce legislation similar to section three of the Compensation Act 2006 for sufferers of asbestos-related cancer.” See: EDM (Early Day Motion) 1223: tabled on May 25, 2023: Asbestos-related lung cancer.
 

Concerns over Asbestos in Parliament

Jun 12, 2023

Officials of the Trade Union Side (TUS) – a body representing UK trade unions – have spoken out about the complacency of MPs and Parliamentary officials over the known hazard presented by the presence of deteriorating asbestos-containing material throughout the Palace of Westminster. Ken Gall, TUS President, said that after more than a decade of procrastination, a “catastrophic and potentially life-threatening incident” is likely. “Trade unions will,” he said “not hesitate to take all appropriate steps to protect our members in parliament.” See: MPs Accused Of Treating Staff Safety Concerns As An ‘Afterthought.’
 

Posthumous Honor for Asbestos Campaigner

Jun 12, 2023

“No matter how small you are, you can fight and no matter how big you are, you can lose,” said asbestos victim and campaigner June Hancock after she won a David & Goliath legal battle with the UK’s “Asbestos Giant” T&N PLC. On June 9, 2023, a commemorative blue plaque honoring her achievements was unveiled in Armley. The wording on the plaque was: “As a childhood resident of 30 Salisbury View she was one of countless Armley residents and workers who died of asbestos exposure from the former JW Roberts Factory. Her landmark legal case helped to bring justice for many other people who were environmentally exposed to asbestos.” See: Blue plaque will honour memory of Armley asbestos campaigner June Hancock.
 

Building Support for Manx Asbestos Victims

Jun 6, 2023

On May 31, 2023 it was reported that the Treasury Minister of the Isle of Man Dr Alex Allison had met with John Flanagan – a representative of the Merseyside Asbestos Victim Support Group – and other campaigners to discuss how the Manx government could assist people diagnosed with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. This meeting was a follow up to a 2018 discussion about the differences between UK government procedures and those on the island. Dr Allinson said that the island authorities intended to improve support for Manx mesothelioma patients to a level equal with that available in the UK. See: Treasury Minister meets with Merseyside Asbestos Victim Support Group.
 

Low Dose and Early Asbestos Exposure

Jun 5, 2023

The verdict handed down on May 23, 2023 in the Royal Courts of Justice in the case of Ness v Carillion Capita Projects [2023] EWHC 1219 (KB) which considered the state of knowledge and foreseeability of risk of injury in a case involving both an early period of asbestos exposure from the 1960s and a very low dose of exposure found: “on the balance of probabilities, that the exposure suffered by Mr Harrison as a result of his working with asbestos cement was not so insignificant that it can be disregarded as de minimis.” See: Low dose asbestos exposure from the 1960s: when it is found to be enough.
 

Asbestos in Schools

May 30, 2023

On May 23, 2023, a motion proposed by Labour asking the Government to release a report completed in 2021 on the state of school buildings was debated for over two hours. Labour MPs who highlighted the on-going national scandal over asbestos in schools on Tuesday afternoon included Bridget Phillipson, Simon Lightwood and Liz Twist. It was left, however, to Ian Lavery MP, to make the most damning indictment of 13 years of Tory misrule during his impassioned intervention: “The idea that schools could collapse is terrifying; that they could collapse releasing clouds of asbestos is shudderingly worrying… A staggering 87% of schools are reported to have asbestos in at least one of their buildings.” The motion was defeated. See: Safety of School Buildings.
 

Mesothelioma Research Grant

May 30, 2023

On May 23, 2023 it was announced by HASAG Asbestos Disease Support that a grant had been awarded for research into the use of radiotherapy as palliative care for mesothelioma patients. A year long study will be funded by the ~£37,200 sum donated to a team working under the auspices of Professor Anthony Chalmers at the University of Glasgow. Commenting on this news Professor Chalmers said: “Mesothelioma is an extremely difficult cancer to treat, and we are very encouraged by the early results from SYSTEMS-2 which suggest that some patients might benefit from higher doses of radiotherapy than have previously been used…” See: HASAG Funds New Research Study.
 

Parliament’s Asbestos Issues

May 24, 2023

On May 17, 2023, the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee published a report which was categorical about the dangerous and deteriorating state of the Palace of Westminster: “Parliament is spending up to £2 million a week patching up the Palace but there is still a growing list of health and safety incidents, including some involving asbestos…Timely transparency and compliance with health and safety protocols, particularly around asbestos, urgently needs to improve...” On page 8 of the report it was noted that: “compliance with health and safety protocols, in particular reporting asbestos incidents, remains unsatisfactory.” See: “Real and rising risk” that Palace of Westminster will be destroyed by catastrophic event before it is restored, says PAC.
 

Asbestos Hazard: Update

May 22, 2023

Warning bells have been sounded by Insurer Allianz about the threat posed to UK workers by the drive toward sustainability. The alert was raised during a meeting of the British Insurers Brokers’ Association in Manchester, by Andy Miller, Loss Control Technical Manager of Allianz Insurance. He highlighted how many younger workers in the construction industry refused to take the asbestos risk seriously: “Older buildings are being significantly renovated to increase their sustainability, but tiles, artex and flooring may well contain asbestos and as such there needs to be proper and adequate protections taken.” Miller’s call is backed by the HSE. See: Asbestos fears re-emerge with insurer warning.
 

Spring Offensive by HSE

May 22, 2023

From Monday May 15th, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – “a UK government agency responsible for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare” – began a three-month crackdown on dust exposures at construction sites with a series of unannounced inspections to ascertain whether control measures in operation are in compliance with regulations to protect workers from hazardous inhalation of substances such as asbestos, silica and wood dust. See: HSE to inspect dust exposure risk at construction sites nationwide from Monday.
 

Mesothelioma Research: Update

May 15, 2023

According to preliminary results announced earlier this month at the annual conference of the British Thoracic Oncology Group, UK mesothelioma researchers have observed significant patient benefits during the SYSTEMS-2 clinical trial. Commenting on the results, Chief Investigator for the study Professor Anthony Chalmers, Chair of Clinical Oncology at the University of Glasgow said: “We are very excited to see some early evidence that patients receiving the higher radiotherapy dose might benefit in terms of an increase in their life expectancy. We are still in the process of following up these patients and analysing the results, however, so this observation should be treated with caution at this stage.” See: Promising results of clinical trial of radiotherapy for patients with mesothelioma announced.
 

Asbestos in Parliament

May 11, 2023

During Prime Minister’s Question Time, a question was asked about the eradication of asbestos from the UK’s built environment by MP Jane Hunt, who on April 19, 2023 had secured a Westminster Hall debate on Asbestos in the Workplace. In response, Rishi Sunak said: “The law does require duty holders to assess whether asbestos is present, what condition it is in and whether it gives rise to a risk of exposure, and they must draw up a plan to manage that risk, which must include removal if it cannot be safely managed where it is located…” See: Hansard. House of Commons Engagements. May 3, 2023.
 

Firefighters and Cancers

Apr 28, 2023

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, there is sufficient evidence to establish that occupational exposures experienced by firefighters led to an increased incidence of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma as well as bladder cancer. A nationwide health surveillance scheme was launched last month by the Fire Brigades Union in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Fire Service “to detect cancers [among firefighters] and other diseases in their early stages — and to identify links with exposure to toxic fire chemicals.” See: Health monitoring programme launched for firefighters due to high number of early cancer and heart disease deaths.
 

Commentary: Neglect, Complacency & Sorrow

Apr 28, 2023

A special feature in the April 23, 2023 issue of the Sunday Times contrasted the harsh reality faced by asbestos cancer sufferers with the apathy of a government long grown complacent about the scandal which gave the UK the world’s worst incidence of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. In the face of growing calls to take action – e.g. by setting up a national asbestos register and removing asbestos from the built environment – the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continues to support the status quo, saying: “Building owners already have a legal duty to record where asbestos is present. This information must be shared with all relevant parties. Creating a central register would be expensive, complicated and unlikely to add to the current system.” See: Asbestos: the forgotten killer taking 5,000 lives a year.
 

TUC Calls for Action on Asbestos

Apr 24, 2023

On the eve of a parliamentary debate on Asbestos in the Workplace, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) issued a press release calling on the UK government “to set out a timetable” for asbestos eradication of the built environment. Explaining the TUC’s position, its General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “thousands of people die every year from industrial diseases caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is still with us in workplaces and public buildings across the country… The only way to protect today’s workers and future generations is through the safe removal of asbestos from every workplace and public building. Ministers must commit to removing all asbestos to keep future generations safe.” See: Ministers must commit to asbestos removal from workplaces following death of former MP Alice Mahon.
 

Asbestos in Schools Exposé

Apr 24, 2023

An excellent article about the length and breadth of the national scandal arising from the continued presence of asbestos in UK schools was published on the eve of a Parliamentary debate on asbestos on April 19, 2023. The text appeared on the website of The Conversation – “a network of not-for-profit media outlets” – as well as in the Spotlight/Healthcare section of The New Statesman. The co-authors highlighted the risk to children as well as staff and contrasted the negligence of the UK government with the progress being made in the EU on protecting citizens from asbestos exposures. See: The hidden danger of asbestos in UK schools: ‘I don’t think they realise how much risk it poses to students’.
 

Asbestos Legacy under Tory Rule

Apr 21, 2023

A blog uploaded on April 17, 2023 considered the ongoing repercussions of asbestos material contained within 1.5 million buildings in the UK. The lack of leadership on eradicating the hazard along with legislative inconsistences, unclear areas of responsibility and budgetary constraints combine to prolong unsafe conditions for residents as well as workers. Efforts to improve the situation by Members of Parliament have, to date, failed. “We have,” wrote the authors of the blog “to value people’s health and make it safe for people to live in their homes above all else, and yet somehow, time and time again, we fail to do so.” See: As Safe as Houses? Still dealing with asbestos in social housing.
 

Prison Sentence for Asbestos Crimes

Apr 21, 2023

An April 13, 2023 a press release issued by the Health and Safety Executive reported that Daniel Luke Cockcroft of Asbestos Boss Ltd., had been jailed in March 2023 for the commission of multiple asbestos crimes. In September 2021, the accused – who was a director/manager of an unlicensed asbestos removal company – had been responsible for the removal of an asbestos insulating board ceiling from a domestic garage “with little to no control measures in place.” The toxic waste was dumped on the resident’s property. The company was also ordered to pay a fine of £80,000 (US$99,100) and compensate the victims for the full cost of the work. See: Company fined £80,000 after director jailed for removing asbestos across Great Britain.
 

MP’s Asbestos Cancer Death

Apr 20, 2023

A timely and tragic reminder of the price paid by Britons for the Government’s asbestos apathy was the April 13, 2023 finding by assistant coroner Angela Brocklehurst that MP Alice Mahon had died from an industrial disease. Between 1987 and 2005, the Labour politician represented the Halifax constituency; she believed that she contracted malignant mesothelioma from asbestos exposures at Westminster. Prior to her time in Parliament, Mrs Mahon was an auxiliary nurse at Northowram Hospital where she worked inside the main building and in Nissen huts made from corrugated asbestos sheets. See: Alice Mahon died from industrial disease, inquest concludes.
 

Asbestos Liabilities Mount

Apr 20, 2023

The 2022 accounts filed last week for Altrad Services, the French company which now owns the former UK asbestos giant Cape plc, allocated the sum of £118 million (US$147m) for historic asbestos disease claims and litigation costs. Warning that there was “inherent uncertainty” over the number of claims, owing to changes in legal precedent, and the level of costs, Altrad said it would reassess its asbestos liabilities in August 2025. Altrad bought Cape Immediate Holdings for £332m in 2017. See: Altrad makes £118m provision for asbestos claims.
 

Asbestos in Scottish Schools

Apr 14, 2023

The Sunday issue of The Scotsman – a daily Scottish newspaper and online news portal – blamed cuts by the Scottish National Party (SNP) for the dangerous state of schools in Scotland which remain contaminated with asbestos. According to responses to Freedom of Information requests, 1,745 primary, secondary and special schools in Scotland still contain asbestos materials. Commenting on the situation, Shadow education secretary Stephen Kerr said: “Asbestos is toxic and can have fatal consequences for those exposed to it. Parents will naturally be very concerned at the sheer number of schools known to have it within their estate.” See: SNP criticised for 'savage' cuts after Tories reveal 1,745 Scottish schools contain asbestos.
 

New Asbestos Campaign by HSE

Apr 13, 2023

A campaign entitled Asbestos & You was launched on April 6, 2023 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to warn British tradespeople about the dangers of asbestos hidden within the built environment. Commenting on the HSE’s initiative Tim Beaumont, HSE’s acting head of the construction policy sector, said: “All tradespeople should make sure they know the basics about identifying asbestos. Before carrying out any construction work, there’s a legal requirement to identify whether asbestos is present and could be disturbed. Younger tradespeople need to know the dangers behind asbestos as it could affect them in later life like it is affecting older tradespeople now.” See: Asbestos and You.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Apr 11, 2023

At the annual conference of the National Education Union (NEU) in Harrogate last week, a motion was passed calling on the Government to prioritise the removal of asbestos from all UK schools. Commenting on the adoption of Motion 39, Joint General Secretary of the NEU Dr Mary Bousted said: “For decades the NEU and its predecessor unions have been highlighting the risks to children and staff of working in buildings riddled with asbestos and calling for a programme of systematic phased removal of asbestos from all schools, starting with the most dangerous first. Since 1980 more than 400 school teaching professionals have died of mesothelioma in Britain, with 300 having died since 2001.” See: The dangers of asbestos.
 

Asbestos Regulations to be Scrapped?

Apr 11, 2023

On April 5, 2023, the British Occupational Hygiene Society and the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection raised the alarm over threats by the Tory Government to scrap vital health and safety asbestos regulations by the end of 2023 as part of a wholesale downgrading of workplace safety laws. According to asbestos safety specialist Jonathan Grant: “It is almost unbelievable that the Asbestos Regulations, which are essential to save lives, could be listed for potential repeal. We urgently need confirmation by the government that our health and safety is not going to be diluted.” See: UK Asbestos Regulations to be Abolished?
 

Mesothelioma Nurse Award

Apr 5, 2023

On March 24, 2023, clinical nurse specialist for mesothelioma Sam Westbrook was declared the winner of the Oncology Nurse of the Year category of the British Journal of Nursing awards 2023. Nurse Westbrook works at the Peritoneal Malignancy Institute Basingstoke, part of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Since 2018, Sam’s post has been funded by Mesothelioma UK. Commenting on this news, Meso UK’s Leah Taylor said: “It is testament to her hard work and dedication to improving the lives of those affected by peritoneal mesothelioma. Sam has been pivotal in raising the profile of the disease among the healthcare professionals and ensuring patients get the best possible treatment and care.” See: Basingstoke nurse wins British Journal of Nursing award.
 

National Asbestos Legacy

Apr 5, 2023

Decades of asbestos use in social housing has left a deadly legacy hidden in the walls, floors, ceilings and windows of council flats and houses. As the use of all types of asbestos was banned in the UK more than 23 years ago, the asbestos material still in place is aging; as this material deteriorates, the likelihood of it liberating cancer-causing asbestos fibers increases. In 2022, a spokesperson for the Unite trade union told a Parliamentary enquiry that: “it had a particular concern around social housing because of the very poor state of this housing stock.” See: The lingering asbestos threat in our social homes.
 

HSE Evaluation of Fluorescence Microscopy

Mar 28, 2023

According to an evaluation just published by the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a technique developed in Japan and commercially available in the UK for detecting airborne asbestos fibers did “not support the use of this method by duty holders or for HSE research” as “all fibres tested, displayed some level of fluorescence making it difficult to discriminate between asbestos fibres and non-asbestos fibres.” The Japanese protocol uses fluorescence microscopy to facilitate the identification and measurement of fibers present in air and lung samples. See: RR1191: Fluorescence Microscopy to measure asbestos in air and lung samples: evaluation of a commercially available method.
 

Huge Fines for Rigging Asbestos Contracts

Mar 24, 2023

It was announced on March 23, 2023, that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had found 10 UK suppliers of demolition and asbestos services guilty of “illegally colluding” on bids involving 19 private and public sector projects worth £150 million which were carried out between 2013 and 2018. According to a CMA press release the defendants rigged the bidding process: “colluding on prices through illegal cartel agreements when submitting bids in competitive tenders for contracts.” Fines totalling £59,334,957 were issued. See: Ten construction firms fined total £60m for ‘illegally colluding’ on contract bids.
 

New Funding for Mesothelioma Research

Mar 20, 2023

A donation of over £2 million for mesothelioma research was announced earlier this month by Cancer Research UK. Scientists at the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute in Glasgow and the Medical Research Council, Cambridge will use this money to study the long latency period of the signature asbestos cancer in an attempt to develop protocols for the prevention and treatment of a cancer which continues to claim thousands of lives in the UK every year. Commenting on this donation, Cancer Research UK spokesperson Dr Iain Foulkes said: “while new treatments that harness the immune system to attack mesothelioma are coming through, the long and painful legacy of asbestos use is still sadly being felt today.” See: £2.1m cash injection to help researchers detect asbestos cancer earlier.
 

Asbestos Prison Sentence

Mar 17, 2023

In a press release issued on March 10, 2023 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was announced that following an HSE investigation and a trial at Manchester Magistrates’ Court the Director – Daniel Luke Cockcroft – of a “supposedly” licensed asbestos removal company – Asbestos Boss Ltd. – and the company itself had been found guilty of breaching British regulations 8(1) and 11(1)(a) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The company never had an asbestos license and took no steps to protects workers or the public from toxic exposures. Cockroft was jailed for six months and ordered to compensate his victims. The company is yet to be sentenced. See: Company and its director prosecuted for unsafe removal of asbestos across Great Britain.
 

New HSE Asbestos Campaign

Mar 10, 2023

A campaign by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) entitled Asbestos & You was launched on March 7, 2023 to warn younger workers, particularly those in trades such as plastering and joinery, about the occupational hazard posed by asbestos material within the national infrastructure. Five thousand people die every year in the UK from asbestos-related diseases; the sector most affected by asbestos mortality is the construction industry. According to the HSE’s chief executive Sarah Albon: “Asbestos exposure in Great Britain is still the single greatest cause of work-related deaths. We are committed to protecting people in the workplace and reducing future work-related ill health.” See: HSE warns young construction workers about asbestos risk.
 

Teacher’s Asbestos Death Case Settled

Mar 8, 2023

It was announced last week that Rochdale Council had settled a case brought by the family of Hazel Healey, a teacher who died aged 73 in May 2022 from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Mrs Healey believed that she been exposed to asbestos between 1971 and 1980 when she had worked at St Gabriel’s school. The Council initially denied liability but agreed to settle in December 2022 after the claimant’s lawyers unearthed documents showing that the school had contained asbestos. According to solicitor Steve Dickens: “The issue of asbestos in schools has repeatedly been ignored and kicked into the long grass by successive governments. Cases such as this highlight the human cost of the mistakes made decades ago.” See: Family wins settlement in claim over teacher’s asbestos cancer death.
 

Asbestos Everywhere!

Feb 22, 2023

A series of articles appeared on February 20 in the regional media about the extensive asbestos contamination of the UK’s built environment. New information in these articles was obtained via a Freedom of Information request by the Irwin Mitchell Law Firm. Speaking about the firm’s findings, Solicitor Adrian Budgen said: “One of the main problem areas is revealed to be schools, which are obviously densely populated with pupils, teachers and other school workers for long hours at a time. It’s extremely worrying that so many still contain asbestos, essentially putting children at risk every day… once it’s disturbed or in a state of disrepair it can quickly become very dangerous… it’s a huge concern.” See: Over 150 Glasgow nursery, primary and secondary school buildings contain asbestos.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Feb 17, 2023

A call for action by seven trade unions warned of the dilapidation of England’s educational estate as a result of the Government’s austerity policy. Children and staff are at risk of toxic exposures in ageing schools, most of which contain asbestos. In its response to the unions’ letter, the Department of Education acknowledged: “there is a risk of collapse of one or more blocks in some schools which are at, or approaching, the end of their designed life expectancy...” According to Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, the school leaders’ union: “This is a disaster waiting to happen, which in the worst-case scenario could end up costing lives unless the government wakes up and acts.” See: Unions call for urgent action on England’s ‘dangerous’ school buildings.
 

Post-Brexit Asbestos Fears!

Feb 16, 2023

A press release issued on February 13, 2023 by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) confirmed what many campaigners had feared: the Conservative Government’s plans to demolish asbestos protections enshrined in EU law in the post-Brexit bonfire of legislation. According to expert Jonathan Grant: “It is almost unbelievable that the Asbestos Regulations, which are essential to save lives, could be listed for potential repeal. We urgently need confirmation by the government that our health and safety is not going to be diluted.” The BOHS fears that the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which provide the framework for the management of asbestos, could be amongst the laws on the Tory hit list. See: UK Asbestos Regulations effective, but listed for abolition by government at the end of the year.
 

No Remedy for Toxic Legacy

Feb 14, 2023

The deadly asbestos legacy plaguing the UK was well documented in interviews with sufferers of asbestos-related cancers including nurse Helen Bone and shipyard worker Ron Snaith, who detailed the daily reality of life as mesothelioma patients in an excellent new article on the Al Jazeera website. According to consultant nurse and CEO of Mesothelioma UK Liz Darlison, the UK has: “such poor guidelines compared to our European neighbours, who have been far more proactive on prevention. The government has been non-committal on a timetable [for removal].” See: A long and lethal legacy: In the shadow of asbestos in the UK.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jan 31, 2023

Four out of five schools in England and Wales contain asbestos; as a result, the number of teaching staff dying from workplace asbestos exposures continues to rise. Statistics revealed in the article cited below were obtained by Freedom of Information requests to the Department for Education. Even though the Government continued to prevaricate over the asbestos scandal, a Department for Education spokesperson asserted that: “We take the safety of children and those who work with them incredibly seriously – which is why we expect all local authorities, governing bodies and academy trusts to have robust plans in place to manage asbestos in school buildings effectively, in line with their legal duties.” See: The Silent Killer in Schools. Government Under Fire for Failing to Act on Lethal Asbestos.
 

Cape Must Pay!

Jan 25, 2023

In a letter sent by members of a Parliamentary group, the MPs and peers called on the parent company of one of the UK’s largest asbestos conglomerates (Cape PLC) to donate the sum of £10 million towards medical research into asbestos-related diseases as restitution for negligent behaviour which had knowingly endangered the lives of workers. Documents obtained as a result of a tough legal battle contained evidence that Cape had “provided misleading reassurance about the dangers of asbestos.” According to the letter, Cape “played a major role in exposing people to the toxic substance (asbestos), meanwhile profiting at their expense.” See: MPs urge asbestos company to pay £10m to fund cancer research.
 

Asbestos Legacy in NHS

Jan 23, 2023

Research published on January 19, 2023 by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) confirmed widespread asbestos contamination of National Health Service (NHS) buildings in London (451 premises) and Scotland (695 premises), with two thirds of properties affected. Information on asbestos in other NHS buildings in these areas where a Trust or Board was not the asbestos duty-holder was not available. Two thirds of the NHS buildings which were found to be contaminated were open to the public. The report was produced by the Labour Research Department. See: Asbestos still widespread among NHS trusts and boards.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jan 23, 2023

According to replies received to a Freedom of Information request, asbestos-containing material is present in more than 40 primary, secondary, nursery and assisted support needs schools in Renfrewshire, Scotland. Commenting on these findings, a spokeswoman for the charity Clydebank Asbestos Group said: “Although the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it sadly remains a serious public health issue. Asbestos still exists within the fabric of many of our old and public buildings, such as schools and hospitals. As a result, people will continue to be exposed to asbestos and be at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.” See: Renfrewshire: Asbestos in schools is ‘ticking time-bomb’
 

Asbestos Deaths in Cheltenham

Jan 19, 2023

In the second week of January, a Gloucester coroner heard evidence about the deaths of three members of a Cheltenham factory maintenance team, all of whom had died from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma. Adjudicating the December 2, 2022 inquest into the death of Nigel Ibbotson, 61, Assistant Gloucestershire Coroner Roland Wooderson heard that in the 1980s Ibbotson had routinely been exposed to asbestos-containing material including Asbestolux sheets at various workplaces. A verdict of death by industrial disease was recorded. See: Three members of Cheltenham factory maintenance team died from asbestos-related cancer in Gloucester.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jan 16, 2023

Trade unions, working with UK scientists, announced plans to research the risk posed to teachers of working in schools containing asbestos, after new data showed an elevated mesothelioma mortality among teachers born between 1955 and 1974 that bordered “on statistical significance.” Commenting on this initiative, joint general secretary of the National Education Union Kevin Courtney said: “This research is vitally important. We believe it will establish once and for all the risk asbestos in school buildings poses to the health of teachers, support staff and children. We hope the results will convince the government of the urgent need for an independent review of current policy, which is to manage rather than remove asbestos.” See: UK unions call in cancer expert over fears of asbestos risk to female teachers.
 

Asbestos at Durham University

Jan 13, 2023

The January 12th article cited below presented a damning indictment of a failure to address widespread asbestos contamination in Durham University. Seventy-four accommodation buildings in 10 Durham University colleges contained asbestos, of which 214 were given a material score of 10 or above out of 12. This score indicated that the material was considered “as having a high potential to release fibres and therefore hazardous.” More recent reports suggested that the condition of the asbestos had deteriorated over time as the amount now considered hazardous increased to 29%. See: Over 1264 incidents of asbestos found in college accommodation buildings.
 

Asbestos in Parliament

Jan 11, 2023

According to Dame Meg Hillier MP, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, there is an “unacceptable cloak of secrecy” around the restoration program for the Houses of Parliament due to a rise in the estimated cost of the refurbishment which had risen from £7 billion to £22 billion. The Houses of Parliament, which are a UNESCO world heritage site, are riddled with asbestos. In 2021, it was revealed that asbestos incidents during building work had potentially put at risk the lives of 117 contractors and members of staff. Any work undertaken in the building runs the risk of disturbing asbestos which “runs the whole length of the building.” See: 'Unacceptable cloak of secrecy' around Houses of Parliament restoration, says MP.
 

Welsh Asbestos Scandal

Jan 9, 2023

According to a new report, 5,264 council, health board and Welsh Government buildings contain asbestos material. More than 1,300 of the toxic structures are schools. Asbestos-containing products are present in more than 90% percent of all Welsh Government buildings with 92% of Cardiff Council buildings being affected. Carmarthenshire had 182 schools with asbestos, the highest of all council areas, followed by Cardiff with 104. Reacting to this discovery, Welsh Conservative Shadow Local Government Minister Sam Rowlands MS said: “the scale of this issue suggests a public health risk that is just not being tackled.” See: Investigation reveals thousands of Welsh Government buildings contain deadly asbestos.
 

Asbestos Mortality Data: Update

Jan 5, 2023

Data released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in November 2022 confirmed the deadly toll paid by UK workers for historic asbestos exposures. Of the 13,000 occupational deaths that occurred every year, 12,000 were caused by lung diseases. Mesothelioma, the signature asbestos cancer, killed 2,544 people in the UK in 2020; according to the HSE “annual mesothelioma deaths are expected to reduce over the period 2020 to 2030.” See: Health and safety at work Summary statistics for Great Britain 2022.
 

Scotland’s Deadly Asbestos Legacy

Dec 8, 2022

To mark the 30th anniversary of the Clydebank Asbestos Group, a new book, entitled Asbestos and Clydebank, was published focussing on the personal stories of former workers who, as a result of toxic workplace conditions, had contracted asbestos-related diseases. Electrician Stuart Riddle had been employed at John Brown’s shipyards alongside thousands of other Scottish workers. He recalled a particular incident during the construction of the QEII during which he was showered with asbestos fibers produced by the work of a joiner cutting holes in the ceiling of the radio room to install light fittings. See: Clydebank: Part 3 of our series of stories of ‘Asbestos and Clydebank’.
 

Asbestos Compensation in Northern Ireland

Dec 5, 2022

Since 2011, Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy (DfE)and Department for Communities (DfC) paid out in excess of £40 million compensation to workers who contracted asbestos-related diseases in Northern Ireland. The DfE managed claims against Harland and Wolff (H&W), the former Belfast ship-building company that built the Titanic; in its heyday, the H&W yards employed 30,000 people. The DfE paid out £35m+ to 1,500 people between 2011 and 2021 with the DfC paying out £5.8m to 378 workers not employed by the ship-building industry over the same period. Asbestos fatalities in NI increased almost 60% in 2020 compared to 2019. See: Asbestos-related compensation pay outs top £40m.
 

Mesothelioma Scheme Review

Dec 5, 2022

From April 2014 to March 2022, the UK Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) – which is funded by a levy on the employers’ liability insurance industry – paid out a total of £254.9 million for 2,815 claims. The majority of the compensation (£212.6m) went to applicants with £42.3m going to the Department for Work and Pensions as reimbursement for interim benefits previously paid out. During this period, 70% of claims were successful. In the year ending March 31, 2022, 325 applications were received which was 7% more than the previous year; the success rate for applications last year was 74%. See: Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme annual statistics April 2014 to March 2022.
 

Asbestos Management Update

Nov 28, 2022

A 28-page review of UK asbestos management published this month (November 2022) revealed that 20 years after the Duty to Manage Asbestos became law, the majority of UK buildings contained asbestos material, much of which could pose “a potential risk to public health, and which need remediation or removal.” The authors of the report recommended that further measures be taken to expand the investigation, standardize data collection and identify toxic material in buildings. See: Review of UK Asbestos Management 2022.
 

Asbestos Alert

Oct 31, 2022

The commentary referenced below was written by a technical asbestos expert whose grandfather was routinely exposed to asbestos at UK worksites; the text provides a useful recap of asbestos facts, regulations and responsibilities. According to UK regulations, duty holders must identify asbestos and take action to minimize exposures by managing or removing it: “As a rule of thumb, when planning to carry out any work on a building that has been built or refurbished before 2000, assume that ACMs [asbestos-containing materials] are present until you know otherwise.” See: Managing asbestos and its risks.
 

Asbestos in Scottish Hospitals

Oct 19, 2022

Data gathered as a result of Freedom of Information requests to Scottish health boards established that 52% of their buildings contained asbestos. Whilst the figure for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was 60%, that for NHS Lothian was 92%. According to the Scottish Government: “We recognise the hazard of asbestos and the risks to health it poses, however asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed which is why it is important it remains in-situ while it is in ‘good’ condition, and that all Health and Safety Executive guidance is followed when planning and carrying out any removal…NHS England has found that over 90% of their buildings checked in the last three years have been found to have asbestos-containing material.” See: Asbestos: More than half of Scotland's NHS buildings contain potentially deadly dust.
 

Clydebank’s Asbestos History

Oct 17, 2022

A book entitled “Asbestos and Clydebank” was released last week to mark the 30th anniversary of a charity working to support workers and families affected by asbestos-related diseases (ARDs). The publication by the Clydebank Asbestos Group (CAG) contained interviews with former shipbuilders and tradesmen who contracted ARDs as a result of toxic workplace exposures. According to CAG Co-ordinator Rachel Gallagher: “West Dunbartonshire has frequently topped national tables for asbestos-disease, undoubtedly due to past shipbuilding and heavy industry, but it affects all of Scotland.” See: Asbestos victims share first-hand accounts of substance's devastating impact in new book.
 

Exposé: National Disgrace

Oct 15, 2022

Hundreds of people with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma are missing out on compensation, according to data accumulated by the Health and Safety Executive and reported in the October 2022 issue of Hazards Magazine. UK mesothelioma compensation claims fell by 11% from 2,471 in 2011/12 to 2,204 in 2021/22 despite the fact that there were 8% more mesothelioma deaths in 2020 (2,544) than in 2010 (2,347). According to the article in Hazards: “The UK’s system to compensate people who suffer occupational injuries or diseases as a result of their employer’s negligence has been critically and deliberately damaged by the Conservatives…” See: WORTH LESS| Conservatives are burying compensation and prevention.
 

Protest in Barrow!

Oct 14, 2022

On October 15, 2022, campaigners will be holding a demonstration in front of Barrow town hall to protest at plans by the Department of Work and Pensions to close a benefits center and reassign 40 members of staff specializing in the handling of industrial injuries claims, such as those submitted by sufferers of asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos victim support groups are concerned that the closure could result in delays to the processing of claims submitted by gravely ill patients. Without government benefits, it is likely people would die “without being able to afford care and heating.” See: Protest to take place in fight to save 40 jobs in Barrow.
 

Mesothelioma Data from Insurers’ Database

Oct 6, 2022

The 2021 Annual Report of the Employers’ Liability Tracing Office, which operates an insurance industry database “to give claimants easy access to their employer’s liability insurance data,” noted that of the 70,740 successful claims responded to in 2021, 7,062 enquiries were made by people who had contracted the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Whilst the search enquiry success rate for all claimants was 91.9%, the success rate for mesothelioma enquiries was 79.9%. Mesothelioma and asbestosis were ranked number 2 & 3 respectively in the top 10 disease types of claimant search enquiries. See: Employers’ Liability Tracing Office: 2021 Annual Report.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Sep 26, 2022

Of all the workers’ compensation paid by Cumbria County Council, the largest bill has been for asbestos exposures. In 2018/19, a member of the school staff received £200,000+ following asbestos exposure; the claim was brought in 2006. According to Chris Brooksbank, the secretary of Cumbria's National Education Union branch: “We've had school staff die after asbestos exposure… it's in the majority of schools in Cumbria.” A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council said: “For maintained schools in relation to asbestos, the county council provides guidance and for regular asbestos management surveys… For academies, voluntary aided, foundation and independent schools, the council has no employer responsibility for health and safety.” See: Cumbria County Council pays out £200,000 after asbestos exposure.
 

Asbestos in UK’s Public Buildings

Sep 5, 2022

The article cited below, which was uploaded on August 31, 2022, considered the human health consequences of exposures to asbestos-containing products remaining in 300,000+ public sector buildings in the UK, including NHS hospitals. A study commissioned by Mesothelioma UK and carried out by researchers at the University of Sheffield recommended that “awareness of the asbestos risk should be added to the mandatory training for new members of NHS staff…” Mesothelioma UK plans to continuing lobbying efforts calling for improved oversight, more resources and increased monitoring to reduce toxic exposures. See: Preventable asbestos cancer – mesothelioma.
 

Asbestos in Schools: New Inspections

Sep 3, 2022

A blog dated August 22, 2022 on the website of the Association of School and College Leaders considered plans by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to commence an inspection program in UK schools this autumn to ascertain whether asbestos was being managed as per government guidelines. This decision was, said the HSE, based on feedback from a 2019 survey which showed that 20% of schools were not in compliance with asbestos regulations such as The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. New epidemiological data showed that “there is evidence of higher rates of the asbestos cancer, mesothelioma…for teachers and administrative occupations than…for nurses, sales occupations and process operatives…” See: Asbestos inspections in schools, colleges and trusts.
 

Save Phoenix House!

Aug 30, 2022

In a press release issued this week, Liverpool Walton MP Dan Carden called on the Department for Work and Pensions to stop the scheduled closure of Phoenix House in Barrow, a specialist service which processes claims for work-related illness including those due to asbestos exposures. Commenting on the adverse effect this closure could have on the many asbestos victims in Liverpool, Carden said: “This is a specialist service providing welfare benefits to terminally-ill workers after negligent exposure to asbestos. If the next Prime Minister cares about the victims of this scandal, one of their first acts must be to step in to stop its closure.” See: Merseyside asbestos victims will be hit by closure of specialist site, warns city MP.
 

Enquiry over Toxic Military Exposures

Aug 23, 2022

The results of an enquiry into asbestos exposures experienced by British service personnel during military exercises overseas since 2018 were published by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Defence Safety Authority on August 18, 2022. The 118-page report was not an easy read. From what can be surmised on a cursory reading, it was confirmed that asbestos exposures did in fact take place. Multiple recommendations were made to avoid such incidents in the future, including collaborations with NATO and Allied training partners. See: Corporate report – Investigation into the alleged exposure of UK Defence Personnel to asbestos during overseas exercises and training since 2018.
 

New Wave of Asbestos Cases

Aug 15, 2022

According to an industrial disease legal specialist, the number of cases being brought for asbestos-related diseases caused by indirect exposure is growing. Expanding on this contention, Solicitor Tony Hood: said: “We’ve definitely noticed a change in the way those diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos. While we continue see many cases of workers from traditional heavy industrial areas, such as shipbuilding, there are an increasing number of clients instructing us who have been exposed in non-traditional ways.” These cases can be quite complex as white-collar claimants often have no knowledge of how and when they were exposed to asbestos. See: News focus: A white-collar wave of mesothelioma claims.
 

Legal Breakthrough for Asbestos Claimants

Aug 11, 2022

Solicitors in Scotland have set a new precedent with a verdict handed down in the case Kelman v Moray Council. This ruling will benefit future asbestos claimants as it supported a more lenient approach to the question of when plaintiffs knew or ought to have known that they suffered from an asbestos-related condition. In 1999, Mr Kelman was diagnosed with pleural plaques; when he developed mesothelioma in 2019, the defendants argued that legal action was time-barred. The Judge disagreed, finding that even though Kelman was aware of his asbestos related diagnosis in 1999, he had not known he could bring a claim and therefore the limitation period had not yet started. See: Recent ruling will have significant impact on asbestos related claims.
 

Act Now to End Asbestos “Shame”

Aug 10, 2022

The British Occupational Hygiene Society, the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection and the Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM) last week urged Tory leadership hopefuls to end the “national shame” of asbestos-related deaths, calling for a “proper national plan” to stop toxic exposures currently killing 5,000 Britons/year, and condemning the “wishy-washy” response to a Parliamentary report calling for a 30-year deadline for asbestos eradication. “The government,” said FAAM’s Jonathan Grant, “needs to have a proper joined-up strategy using research, tax incentives, communication, building control, the conveyancing system, technology and the opportunities arising from the greening of buildings.” See: Tory leadership hopefuls urged to end ‘national shame’ of asbestos deaths.
 

Asbestos Closes Manchester Court

Aug 3, 3033

According to HM Courts & Tribunals Service, the “building issue” which closed Manchester Crown Court last week was the discovery of material suspected to contain asbestos. When the building was constructed in the 1960s, asbestos-containing products were routinely used for fireproofing and/or insulation purposes. Tests by specialist contractors are ongoing and urgent cases have been moved to Minshull Street Court, Manchester and Bolton Crown Court. According to the Ministry of Justice, £100 million was spent in 2021 on court maintenance and repairs. See: City centre court shut down for urgent asbestos tests.
 

Mesothelioma Victory over Insurers

Jul 29, 2022

The July 27, 2022 High Court Judgment of Mrs. Justice Yip was the first reported verdict in a direct action against an insurer for a living mesothelioma claimant. In her decision, the Judge found that the Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act 2010 applied to this mesothelioma claim because the plaintiff’s cause of action was not completed until after 1 August 2016, the date the 2010 Act came into force. Shortly before the trial, Zurich Insurance PLC had agreed to pay compensation of £650,000 plus an indemnity for future medical costs. Even though the Independent Insurance Company Limited was insolvent, the judge ordered it to pay compensation of £204,076. See: Judgment Mr Michael Keegan Claimant - and - (1) Independent Insurance Company Limited (2) Zurich Insurance PLC.
 

Plans to Develop Toxic Rochdale Site

Jul 26, 2022

The purchase in 2021 by ESG Trading Ltd. of the land on which the notorious Turner Brothers Asbestos (TBA) factory once stood for a “mixed use development” has, once again, rung alarm bells amongst the local community. Former TBA employees and campaigners have repeatedly warned the council that asbestos waste which was dumped on the site remained in place. No asbestos audit or environmental clean-up has been carried out of the 72-acre site. Plans to turn the site into a nature preserve and wildlife sanctuary are supported by local councillors and members of the public. See: World’s biggest asbestos factory in Rochdale ‘should become a nature reserve not a housing site’.
 

Government Flim-Flam over Asbestos Crisis

Jul 22, 2022

On July 21, 2022 the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee published the Government’s response to the Committee’s report about the validity and functionality of the asbestos policy operated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The priorities and scope of the HSE’s operations, when compared to those in neighboring countries, were found to be outdated. On a cursory reading, the Government’s reply is an amorphous collection of words which, when taken together, give the impression that things will eventually improve but that any action such as setting a 40-year deadline to eradicate the asbestos hazard is presumptive and not cost effective. See: The Health and Safety Executive’s approach to asbestos management: Government Response to the Committee’s Sixth Report of Session 2021–22.
 

Cape Asbestos Company’s Legacy

Jul 21, 2022

The timely article cited below, which was published in the July 21, 2022 issue of the London Review of Books, underlined the toxic legacy still wreaking havoc on British citizens who were occupationally, environmentally or domestically exposed to asbestos-containing products manufactured by the Cape Asbestos Co. After a fierce legal battle by the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum, a treasure trove of corporate documents revealed the contentious measures Cape and its partners had adopted to prevent government action on the asbestos hazard and suppress damning evidence about the results of human exposures. In 2017, Cape was taken over by Altrad, a French construction company, which accepts no responsibility for Cape’s deadly legacy. See: Bad Dust.
 

Asbestos in Schools: New Inspections!

Jul 18, 2022

From September, schools in England, Scotland and Wales can expect pre-arranged visits from Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors tasked with ensuring that duty holders are in compliance with government guidelines and regulations for safely managing asbestos in the built environment. A poll undertaken in 2019 by the Department for Education found that nearly one in five (17.8%) of schools were not managing asbestos “in line” with government guidance. The same report also confirmed the presence of asbestos in more than 80% of the country’s schools. See: Schools face asbestos inspections from September.
 

New Mesothelioma Treatment Approved

Jul 18, 2022

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended (see: NICE final appraisal determination document) the first immunotherapy treatment for 14 years for NHS treatment of mesothelioma patients. A combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab will now be available for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in England and Wales. Commenting on this news, Professor Nick Maskell said: “Combination immunotherapy with ipilimumab/nivolumab has shown superiority over chemotherapy and the decision to approve this provides a new routinely available standard of care for NHS patients.” See: New drug treatment approved for asbestos-related cancer patients in England and Wales.
 

Isle of Man Acts on Asbestos

Jul 14, 2022

In August 2022, new regulations to protect workers on the Isle of Man from toxic exposures to asbestos will be introduced, with prohibitions on the sale of asbestos-containing building products. In addition, the Manx Government approved UK 2012 regulations introducing responsibilities to duty holders, property owners and employers to minimize occupational asbestos exposures. Currently, there are no Manx laws in force which prohibit people from working with asbestos. According to Environment Minister Clare Barber “the legal duty and guidance would protect people's health and allow the government to better monitor and manage the risks.” See: Isle of Man adopts new rules to protect workers from asbestos.
 

Save Phoenix House Campaign

Jul 13, 2022

The MP for Barrow Furness Simon Fell is leading a campaign to reverse plans to close the Barrow office of the Department for Work and Pensions in September 2023. According to Fell, staff at Phoenix House have a unique expertise in handling industrial injuries and disablement benefits claims, many of which are from people suffering from asbestos-related diseases. The appeal to the Secretary of State is supported by local people as well as members of the Asbestos Victims’ Support Groups Forum which highly values the work of the 40 staff members at Phoenix House. See: MP’s campaign to save 40 ‘vital’ civil servants in Barrow.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 13, 2022

According to Northern Ireland’s Education Authority (EA), nearly 90% of its 1,100 schools contain asbestos; most of them contain chrysotile (white) asbestos but hundreds also contain amosite (brown) asbestos and crocidolite (blue) asbestos. There were, said the EA in a response to an assembly question by SDLP assembly member Colin McGrath, “strict processes in place for asbestos management.” Asbestos is also present in other NI public buildings which were built or refurbished prior to the UK 1999 asbestos ban. See: Asbestos identified in majority of schools in Northern Ireland.
 

Increase in Mesothelioma Mortality

Jul 8, 2022

Data collected by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was published this week, documenting 2,544 mesothelioma deaths in Great Britain in 2020, a 6% increase compared with 2019. Eighty-two percent of the fatalities were male and 18% female. The majority (65+%) of mesothelioma deaths occurred in people aged over 75 years with the mortality rate increasing in this cohort; the incidence of death decreased amongst people under 65. As has been observed in the past, men employed in the construction industry were in the most high-risk category for contracting mesothelioma due to the widespread use of asbestos-containing products in this industrial sector. See: Mesothelioma statistics for Great Britain, 2022.
 

Scotland’s Asbestos Legacy

Jul 5, 2022

On Action Mesothelioma Day last week, the article cited below was featured in the Herald, a Scottish broadsheet newspaper. The author of the text reported that due to the country’s industrial heritage, there was a high incidence of asbestos cancer in Scotland. In recent years, campaigners and medical experts have mobilized new support routes for the injured including the national clinical network for mesothelioma which delivers high quality, equitable care to all of Scotland’s affected patients and their families. In addition, cutting edge research into the development of new treatment protocols is being progressed by scientists at the University of Glasgow.See: Agenda: Help us fight this pernicious cancer with links to asbestos.
 

Northern Ireland’s Asbestos Epidemic

Jun 23, 2022

A BBC investigation into asbestos issues in Northern Ireland (NI) documented 800+ asbestos-related deaths between 2009 and 2020 with an almost 60% increase in mortality in 2020 compared to 2019. Since 1972, the number of asbestos deaths has been increasing every year. Improvements in diagnosing these diseases could, said Northern Ireland's coroner, be leading to more asbestos-related diseases being listed on death certificates. The case of mesothelioma sufferer Tony Rogers was discussed at some length; the 65-year old social worker died in 2022. As a student, Mr Rogers had worked on a building site; however, there was not enough evidence to establish if that is where he was exposed to asbestos. See: Asbestos: Calls for awareness over exposure-related deaths in Northern Ireland.
 

Waltham Forest’s Asbestos Crimes

Jun 8, 2022

Despite attempts by trade union reps to raise the alarm over asbestos in the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF), officials failed to prevent exposures to asbestos occurring in council buildings. As a result, since 2011 the council has been ordered to pay compensation to four former employees totalling nearly £600,000; the amounts paid out for two other claims remain unknown. Commenting on the Council’s negligence Linda Taaffe, secretary of Waltham Forest Trades Council, said: “If LBWF had acted on matters put to them by local trade union health and safety representatives there is a good chance lives might have been saved and a huge amount of money that the authority could have put to better use would also have been saved.” See: Missed opportunities to avert asbestos risk.
 

Tory Call for Asbestos U-Turn

Jun 3, 2022

In a commentary uploaded to the Conservative Party website on June 1, 2022, Lord Hunt of Wirral, President of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health, cited updated cancer data and Parliamentary findings which quantified the UK’s ongoing epidemic of asbestos-related diseases. The Parliamentarian called on the Government to provide “adequate support for the growing number of asbestos victims… [and] remove this dangerous substance, to protect our future generations, once and for all.” See: David Hunt: Asbestos removal can form a crucial part of levelling up.
 

Ensuring that the Polluter Pays!

May 27, 2022

On May 23, 2022, MP Ian Lavery, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Asbestos Sub-Group, tabled an Early Day Motion – an EDM is a short proposal that gives MPs the opportunity to express an opinion, publicise a cause or support a position – calling on the House of Commons to support a campaign by the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum and the Trades Union Congress to hold former UK asbestos producer Cape PLC to account for damage caused to workers by occupational asbestos exposures. A national campaign is calling on Cape Holdings PLC to pay £10 million “towards the funding of mesothelioma research.” See: Cape Holdings and asbestos research EDM 93: tabled on 23 May 2022.
 

MP Calls for Plans to Remove Asbestos

May 23, 2022

A commentary uploaded on May 20, 2022 to a Labour Party website by MP Ian Lavery – Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Asbestos Sub-Group – called for the implementation of a program to remove asbestos material from the national infrastructure to protect the lives of working people. Referencing labour gains in recent local elections, Lavery called on councils to make asbestos removal a priority issue. “Labour councils,” he wrote “need investment and backing from the government to carry out this big job… in the fastest possible timeframe, because for thousands of working people it’s a matter of life or death.” See: Asbestos is a matter of life and death for working people. We need urgent removal.
 

Asbestos in the Built Environment

May 16, 2022

A report just released by the Labour Research Department, on behalf of the Trades Union Congress and the all-party parliamentary group on occupational safety and health, revealed that of 31 local authorities contacted only one had completely removed asbestos from all its buildings. Commenting on these findings, MP Ian Lavery, Chair of the parliamentary group said: “The government must provide local councils with enough funding, with an aim to make all public buildings asbestos-free.” See: Thousands of local authority buildings in England still contain deadly asbestos — more than two decades after its use was banned in Britain.
 

Mesothelioma: New Drug Treatment

May 11, 2022

A treatment for mesothelioma (the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure) which is being progressed in the UK can prolong the life of sufferers by slowing down the growth of tumors, according to data from a new trial centered around the use of a new drug called: abemaciclib. This protocol was used with some success to treat patients who had not been responding to chemotherapy or immunotherapy drugs. The patients on the clinical trial experienced few “serious side effects and were also less dependent on pain medication as a result of the treatment.” See: New treatment offers hope for asbestos cancer patients [with the same disease] that took the life of Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren.
 

Jail Sentences for Asbestos Crimes

May 6, 2022

Two employees of Ensure Asbestos Management Limited were jailed for 10 and 15 months respectively after a prosecution was brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Chelmsford Crown Court agreed with the HSE that the defendants had not protected workers from asbestos exposures during a major refurbishment project in Plymouth in February 2017. Commenting on the verdict, HSE inspector Georgina Symons said: “Workers should be supported by their employers when they raise health or safety concern. This case sends a clear message that those responsible will be held to account for their failings.” See: Asbestos removal managers jailed after cutting corners on job.
 

London’s Asbestos Shame

May 6, 2022

Speaking at a ceremony on April 28, 2022 to commemorate London’s asbestos victims, former insulation engineer Peter Auger said he had worked with asbestos for almost 60 years, as a result of which he now suffered from breathing problems and had contracted asbestosis A legal claim he made against 12 former employers was settled last year. Addressing the rally last week, 79-year old Mr. Auger said: “I feel angry. Firms haven't looked after me and treated me with disrespect... I only wanted to earn a living, I've earnt them money and the thanks they give you is one of them has given me asbestosis.” See: 'I feel angry': Retired engineer looks back on asbestos working conditions.
 

Asbestos Eradication Deadline

Apr 21, 2022

Today (April 21, 2022), a report was issued by the Parliamentary Work and Pensions Committee which called on the Government to commit to a deadline for removing all asbestos from 300,000 non-domestic UK buildings. Recognizing the deadly toll paid by workers for asbestos exposures, MPs concluded that: “We need a pan-government and “system-wide” strategy for the long-term removal of asbestos, founded on strong evidence of what is best from a scientific, epidemiological, and behavioural point of view.” Committee Chair MP Stephen Timms said: “the Government and HSE must now come up with a strategic plan which builds the evidence on safer removal and prioritises higher risk settings such as schools…” See: Set 40 year deadline for non-domestic building asbestos removal, MPs say.
 

Scotland’s Regime on Pleural Plaques

Apr 13, 2022

In Chapter 4 of the 95-page discussion paper (no. 174) by the Scottish Law Commission, published in February 2022, the subject of provisional damages and asbestos-related diseases was considered: “While accepting that each case is fact-sensitive, it is possible that the law on provisional damages as it operates in the context of pleural plaques in combination with the law on limitation and the 2009 Act may produce some inequitable results, and on any view, a high degree of uncertainty.” Interested parties were invited to give their views on whether current rules on provisional damages for pleural plaques claimants were equitable and if not what improvements should be made. See: Scottish Law Commission’s Discussion Paper on Damages for Personal Injury.
 

Legal Victory in Florida for UK Widow

Apr 6, 2022

A jury in a circuit court in Broward County southeast Florida awarded British citizen Roseann Donovan $18 million dollars in a case she brought over her husband’s death from asbestos cancer. Marine engineer Michael Donovan had worked in the boiler rooms and engineering spaces in Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships operated by the UK Ministry of Defence. Most of the vessels had been built in the 1960s and contained asbestos products which had been made in the US. See: Broward Jury Awards $18 Million to Foreign Plaintiff in Asbestos Case.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Mar 31, 2022

A report issued on March 16, 2022 by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee raised concerns about the Department for Education’s: “understanding of asbestos within the school estate. Asbestos is a significant, and potentially dangerous, problem in many schools. We have previously found that the Department did not have a complete picture of asbestos in school buildings… it has still not earmarked specific funding for asbestos management, or determined whether this is a barrier to schools engaging with the Department on asbestos risks.” The Department has been given 6 months to produce a report showing “its full understanding of asbestos across the estate…” See: Tens of millions of public money used to “prop up” poorly managed academy schools with potentially excessive levels of pay.
 

Hidden Truths in Company Archive

Mar 23, 2022

The article cited below which appeared in the online version of The Guardian on Sunday, March 20, 2022 examined information in documents belonging to Cape Asbestos and associated companies which had been preserved as a result of a lengthy legal battle by the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum (the Forum). Taken collectively, the journalist said that it was clear that Cape “withheld information on risks posed by the carcinogenic material [asbestos], playing down the dangers while lobbying the government for product warnings to be tempered.” See: UK asbestos maker withheld information on material’s risks, court papers show.
 

Asbestos Incident in Parliament

Mar 18, 2022

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – the “regulatory body responsible for promoting the cause of better health and safety at work” – has launched an official investigation into an asbestos release which took place in Parliament in October 2022 that could have affected 115+ members of staff. Although an asbestos audit of Parliament recorded around 2,500 places where asbestos was present, neither the contractors nor officials at the House of Commons had taken note of the presence of the toxic material in the residence of the Speaker of the House. The HSE was formally notified of the incident on February 10 and 81 at-risk contractor staff and 36 House authorities' staff were told on February 17. See: Health and Safety Executive Investigating Asbestos Release in Parliament.
 

Failures of Compliance with Asbestos Regs

Mar 11, 2022

A 133-page Research Report just released by the HSE, which examined the consequences of asbestos exposures to operatives working in the licensed asbestos removal industry, identified key failings at the eight sites visited between 2016 and 2019. At one of the sites “there were higher personal exposures than the other seven sites, with some 80% of the personal exposure measurements above the control limit.” On four of the eight sites visited peak results were above the control limit. It is extremely disturbing that even in the presence of HSE inspectors there were many examples of bad practice during asbestos removal work. See: Asbestos exposures to workers in the licensed asbestos removal industry.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Mar 2, 2022

A £300,000 plan to cut the bottoms off classrooms doors, which had been backed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, to improve ventilation in Scottish schools and thus protect the health of students and staff has attracted condemnation from asbestos victim support groups in Scotland. Phyllis Craig of the Glasgow-based group Action on Asbestos saying: “Asbestos can be found within doors and in different areas in schools and I would sincerely hope this is taken into consideration before any work is carried out… Asbestos exposure can have health consequences decades after exposure and this needs to be recognised and treated with the seriousness that it merits.” See: Asbestos fear over Sturgeon’s plan to cut bottom off school classroom doors.
 

Asbestos Crimes and Punishment

Mar 2, 2022

Having pleaded guilty to infringements of asbestos regulations, Essex company director Billy Hopwood was sentenced to ten months imprisonment and disqualified as a director for five years after a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). His company Ensure Asbestos Management Limited, now in liquidation, was fined £100,000 for failing to comply with asbestos survey regulations and falsifying documents. As a result of its cutting corners, the company had exposed workers to asbestos. Commenting on the case, HSE inspector Georgina Symons said: “The dangers associated with asbestos are well known and a wealth of advice and guidance is freely available from HSE and other organisations.” See: Asbestos removal company fined for failing to protect workers.
 

Asbestos in Parliament

Feb 28, 2022

A new report has revealed that restoration work at the Palace of Westminster could take up to 76 years and cost as much as £22 billion. Continued delays in addressing the situation has worsened the condition of this Grade 1 Listed World Heritage site: “Preliminary reports into the crumbling Parliament building have revealed that the degradation is worse than anticipated, while the levels of asbestos are higher than first thought.” Asbestos contamination is just one of the problems; other work is needed to modernize fire safety, renew wiring, plumbing and data systems, improve security and accessibility and carry out essential conservation work on the structure. See: Palace of Westminster restoration could take over half a century and cost £22bn.
 

Delay in Mesothelioma Data

Feb 22, 2022

On February 14, 2022, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced that the release of statistics detailing mortality in Great Britain from mesothelioma, the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure, and asbestosis during the years 1968 to 2020 had been delayed. The publication of the HSE report with this information has been rescheduled for July 2022. See: Mesothelioma and asbestosis mortality in Great Britain: 1968 to 2020.
 

Improving Maritime Asbestos Protections

Feb 22, 2022

On February 18, 2022, the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency published new guidance – MGN 669 (M+F) – updating health and safety at work asbestos regulations, pertaining to merchant shipping and fishing vessels, which detailed new procedures and rules to protect sailors and others from asbestos exposures. The regulations apply to: ships, yachts and fishing vessels owners, merchant ships, hovercrafts, and small commercially operated vessels. Duty holders include owners, officers, skippers, and professional and amateur crews. See: MGN 669 (M+F) Health and safety asbestos regulations.
 

Asbestos Exposures at Westminster

Feb 21, 2022

“A huge failure of safety systems” resulted in dozens of people being exposed to asbestos during renovation work at Parliament last Autumn (2021). The exposures occurred during an incident at Speaker’s House, the residence of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle. The individuals affected, who were engaged in fire safety work, were being notified by the authorities at the House of Commons. Whilst an investigation was carried out, construction work was suspended. According to a 2016 report, the Palace of Westminster was “riddled with asbestos.” See: Dozens warned of asbestos exposure after incident in UK parliament.
 

Mesothelioma Treatment Breakthrough

Feb 9, 2022

On February 7, 2022 mesothelioma patients in Scotland were told that they will now be able to access new immunotherapy treatments (see: New Drug Treatment Approved For Asbestos-Related Cancer Patients In Scotland) as a result of a decision by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC). Approval was given by the SMC for the use of Nivolumab – a treatment that stimulates the immune system to fight the cancer – and is administered in combination with ipilimumab. See: February 2022 decisions news release.
 

Asbestos Waste: A National Crisis

Feb 9, 2022

Three articles published on February 4, 2022 highlighted the nationwide scale of the problems caused by the illegal dumping of asbestos in the UK. The article cited below reported an incident in Northern Ireland which resulted in a successful prosecution of Portadown Recycling and Skip Hire Limited. The other two articles related to actions taken in Scotland over illegal asbestos dumping in Glasgow and 12 cases of asbestos fly tipping in Sheffield.
 
See: Company fined for unnecessary spread of asbestos material.
 

Urgent Call for Improved Asbestos Protections

Feb 7, 2022

In the run-up to World Cancer Day (February 4), the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) called for stricter asbestos safeguards, stronger asbestos management measures and improved awareness – especially amongst smaller businesses – of regulations in order to safeguard workers from the asbestos hazard. IOSH spokesperson Ruth Wilkinson said: “We know that asbestos is still all around us. This, coupled with a worrying lack of awareness about the danger it poses and how to prevent exposure, means people are being put at risk every day. This is simply not good enough.” See: “It’s time to get tough on asbestos,” says IOSH.
 

Parliamentary Asbestos Inquiry

Feb 2, 2022

An analysis of evidence given to a Parliamentary asbestos hearing on December 15, 2021 which appeared on the website of a UK news and feature website questioned the accuracy of information conveyed by Epidemiologist Professor Julain Peto who had told MPs that “there is no current evidence that teachers are more heavily exposed than anybody else.” Other aspects of his testimony that were examined in this commentary were his assertions that asbestos removal work raised the level of airborne asbestos fibers and that air measurements were not useful for “understanding the cumulative risks of exposure for occupants of buildings.” See: Supplementary comments from the ‘Airtight on Asbestos’ Campaign.
 

BBC Asbestos Claims

Jan 31, 2022

A feature article in the Observer on Sunday January 30, 2022 documented an explosion of asbestos cancer claims recognized by the BBC, noting that to date the corporation had paid out £1.64m (US$2.2m) to 11 former employees who had died from the signature asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Amongst the claimants were make-up artists, engineers, riggers, set builders, studio managers and producers who had worked at 18 BBC locations including: Pebble Mill Studios in Birmingham, Dickenson Road Studios, Manchester, BBC Scotland’s headquarters, Glasgow and Broadcasting House, Television Center, Alexandra Palace and Bush House in London. See: Families win BBC payouts over 11 asbestos cancer deaths.
 

Is HSE’s Asbestos Policy Fit for Purpose

Jan 31, 2022

The third and final session of a Parliamentary investigation by the Work and Pensions Committee into whether the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) policy for managing the country’s asbestos hazard is fit for purpose will take place on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Evidence given during previous hearings, including information about asbestos protocols of other European countries, exposed multiple failures by the HSE to take timely and effective action to protect working people from toxic exposures to millions of asbestos-containing products incorporated within the national infrastructure. See: Work and Pensions Committee to question Minister Chloe Smith and HSE officials - Wednesday 2nd February at 9.15am.
 

Asbestos in Welsh Schools

Jan 28, 2022

Guidance for Asbestos Management in Schools in Wales issued in 2014 was updated on January 21, 2022. The new 22-page document, which was issued by the Education Directorate of the Welsh Government, sets out a range of measures that schools must take to ensure “that any asbestos present in your school is managed properly.” Government resources and contacts are provided and warnings are given regarding failures to comply with the guidance which could expose pupils and staff to serious risk as well as attract financial penalties. See: Asbestos Management in Schools. Updated January 2022. Guidance document no: 279/2022.
 

New Tool for Mesothelioma Grading

Jan 25, 2022

A new method for assessing mesothelioma stages was considered in a paper by UK researchers which was published in The American Journal of Surgical Pathology. The co-authors recommended the use of a Mesothelioma Weighted Grading Scheme which used various criteria to assess the severity and type of the disease. Doctors who used this protocol for 369 patients with pleural mesothelioma found that the median survival varied considerably based on the scores: 17 months for low grades, 10 months for intermediate scores and only 4 months for high scores. See: Malignant pleural mesothelioma patients’ experience by gender: findings from a cross-sectional UK-national questionnaire.
 

Pursuer’s Ruling in Scottish Court

Jan 5, 2021

Judge Lady Wise at the Scottish Court of Session granted former council employee John Kelman leave to sue his former employer Moray Council which, it is alleged, was responsible for occupational exposures to asbestos the plaintiff sustained between 1980 and 1984 whilst working with large domestic storage heaters. Mr. Kelman was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2019 but had suffered from other conditions previously which might have alerted him to the possibility of future injuries; if so, the statute of limitations for bringing a claim had expired. In her written judgment, Lady Wise gave Mr Kelman permission to proceed and estimated that the value of the claim could be up to £200,000. See: Man allowed to pursue 'asbestos cancer' claim against Moray Council.
 

Asbestos on London Underground

Jan 4, 2022

Information accessed about asbestos-containing material on various London underground lines and in some stations was uploaded to the internet in December 2021 in reply to Freedom of Information requests. In most instances, such as the Bakerloo line, the asbestos was “typically found on rolling stock” and not in “public facing areas” (see: Pictogram). Nevertheless, asbestos-containing material was present in Pimlico underground station in areas which interfaced with the general public. See: 1972 stock Asbestos information.
 

Award for Mavis Nye!

Dec 20, 2021

The news that Mavis Nye had been named the “Most Influential person in health & safety for 2021” was greeted on December 17, 2021 with great excitement by people in the UK and abroad. Asbestos victims’ campaigners and ban asbestos advocates from Japan, India, Canada and Australia joined UK colleagues in congratulating Mavis on this tribute. Mavis, who contracted the asbestos cancer mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos fibers on her husband’s work clothes, is the country’s most high profile “mesothelioma warrior,” and both online and in person she provides support and solace for people affected by mesothelioma. Amongst the other 15 candidates for this award was Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Advisor to the UK Government. See: Dr Mavis Nye named SHP’s Most Influential person in health & safety for 2021.
 

Development Plans for Asbestos Site?

Dec 17, 2021

Reacting to news about plans to clean up the now derelict site of Europe’s largest asbestos-cement producer, one campaigner quoted the famous US baseball player Yogi Berra and said: “It’s déjà vu all over again.” The specialist remediation company ESG Trading Limited intends to completely remediate contaminated buildings and land in Rochdale which had belonged to the former Turner Brothers Asbestos company. Local people were sceptical about the firm’s insistence that the end-use for the decontaminated site was undecided, despite the fact that the cost for the clean-up was estimated at £20m. See: Plans to develop derelict site of former asbestos factory expected by end of 2024.
 

Parliamentary Asbestos Enquiry

Dec 14, 2021

On December 15, 2021, the second day of sessions by the Parliamentary Work and Pensions Committee will take place into whether or not the current asbestos policy of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is fit for purpose. Giving evidence in the first session this week will be: epidemiologist Professor Julian Peto, Assistant Professor Clare Gilham, Professor John Cherrie and Kevin Brampton of the British Occupational Hygiene Society. In the second session, testimony from experts in asbestos removal operations and occupational health and safety will be given. See: Work and Pensions Committee to question health experts and asbestos industry.
 

Update: Mesothelioma Compensation Scheme

Dec 6, 2021

Established in 2014 as a fund of last resort to pay compensation to claimants who contracted mesothelioma as a result of workplace asbestos exposures, the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS), according to its annual report, has dispensed £231.7 million (~US$307M) to 1,650 people. In 2019 and 2020, the average amount awarded per case was £144,000 (~US$191,000). The DMPS is financed by an annual levy on active employers’ liability insurers by agreement with the Government. See: Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme: annual review 2020 to 2021.
 

HSE Asbestos Prosecution

Dec 1, 2021

On November 29, 2021, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced that after the defendants had pleaded guilty to contravening asbestos regulations in 2019, Peterlee Magistrates Court had fined the Park View Academy of Church Chare, Chester Le Street and its contractors T.W. Steam & Heating Services Limited of Durham £7785.37 and £6,710.37 respectively, including costs. Following the verdict HSE inspector Ashfaq Ali said: “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.” See: School and contractor fined for unsafe removal of asbestos.
 

Insulting HSE Penalty for Toxic Exposures

Nov 24, 2021

A November 18, 2021 press release from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) announced that a construction company had been fined £300 with £8,266.40 in court costs “after disturbing asbestos and removing it without adequate precautions at a pub in Trowbridge, Wiltshire” in September 2018 during renovation work. As a result of these actions, employees and people in the local area were exposed to asbestos fibers. Speaking about the case, an HSE Inspector said the “HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those [companies] that fall below the required standards.” See: Construction company fined for unsafe removal of asbestos.
 

Parliamentary Asbestos Investigation

Nov 18, 2021

On November 17, 2021, the Parliamentary Committee on Work and Pensions opened an investigation into whether the Health and Safety Executive’s asbestos policy, which advocates managing asbestos rather than removing it from the built environment, was fit for purpose. In the first session, evidence was heard from technical and scientific experts from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. In the second session, witnesses from Mesothelioma UK, the Forum of Asbestos Victim Support Groups, the Joint Union on Asbestos Committee and a law firm detailed the human tragedies resulting from asbestos exposures with an emphasis on the repercussions of exposures to asbestos still contained in public buildings such as schools and hospitals. See: MPs to investigate hundreds of asbestos-related deaths among teachers.
 

Remediation Plans for Iconic Asbestos Site

Nov 17, 2021

News that a UK remediation company – ESG Trading – had purchased the contaminated site of what was once the world’s largest asbestos manufacturer has received a mixed reception. Speaking for many local people, campaigner and archivist of the Spodden Valley Trust educational and research body Jason Addy said that the company’s assertion that any remediation strategy would exceed statutory requirements “sounds promising”; but added: “The devil will be in the detail, especially as the PR copy already presumes this site to be an ‘opportunity to contribute to the future growth of Rochdale’.” See: Response to purchase of former Turner Brothers Asbestos site.
 

Mesothelioma Follow-up Care

Nov 17, 2021

A paper uploaded on November 10, 2021 to the website of the British Medical Journal reported findings from a study – undertaken by three National Health Service Trusts in the South of England – investigating follow-up care received by mesothelioma patients. Key stakeholders were consulted, including mesothelioma specialist nurses, mesothelioma patients and carers, and local clinical commissioning group members. Areas of particular interest which were identified included “the importance of continuity of care, the provision of timely information and the central role played by mesothelioma specialist nurses, supported by the wider multidisciplinary team.” See: Improving mesothelioma follow-up care in the UK: a qualitative study to build a multidisciplinary pyramid of care approach.
 

Update: Parliament Asbestos Enquiry

Nov 15, 2021

On November 17, 2021, the first session will be held by the Parliamentary Work & Pensions Committee which is investigating whether the current asbestos management policy of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is fit for purpose. Witnesses giving evidence during the two morning panels will include representatives of UK asbestos victims, and campaigning bodies as well as technical and scientific experts from France, the Netherlands and Germany. See: HSE’s approach to asbestos management: Work and Pensions Committee to hold first oral evidence session.
 

Déjà vu, All Over Again!

Nov 12, 2021

The acquisition of a problematic industrial site in Rochdale once owned by an asbestos manufacturer has raised the concerns of local people who have, on multiple occasions, had to expose dangerous plans by developers to build homes on this contaminated site. The 45-hectare site was the headquarters for Turner Brothers Asbestos (TBA), a company which specialized in the manufacturer of asbestos-cement building products. Toxic waste discarded by TBA is still to be found under the soil and in the Spodden River. According to a company spokesperson for the new owner of the property – ESG Trading Limited, a specialist remediation company – “no remediation work will begin without all relevant approvals being in place.” See: New owners for former Turner Brothers Asbestos site.
 

Legal Precedent Benefits Asbestos Victims

Nov 9, 2021

In an astounding legal breakthrough last week at the High Court, Scots law was applied to an English asbestos cancer case which enabled a mesothelioma widow, her children and extended family members to obtain compensation for the 2019 death of David Haggerty. The deceased had worked at the ICI factory in North Ayrshire, Scotland in the 1970s where he had been occupationally exposed to asbestos. Mr Justice Ritchie awarded Mrs Haggerty and her children over £600,000 for their losses with compensation also being paid to extended family members as allowed under Scottish law. See: English judge allows Scots law of damages in mesothelioma claim.
 

Hope for Pulmonary Fibrosis Sufferers

Nov 4, 2021

A decision by the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE) has approved the distribution on prescription of Nintedanib for people suffering from the asbestos-related condition of pulmonary fibrosis. This “game changer” could benefit over 30,000 patients. Welcoming the news, Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr Nazia Chaudhuri from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust said: “I am absolutely delighted with the NICE decision to be able to give life changing antifibrotic therapy to all patients with progressive lung fibrosis.” The drug had previously only been available to patients with specified lung conditions and people with pulmonary fibrosis paid £3,000+ to obtain it. See: Life-extending drug for chronic lung disease available on the NHS.
 

Update: Asbestos Cancer Research

Oct 28, 2021

The article cited below reported on the publication on October 14, 2021 of a paper entitled: Nivolumab versus placebo in patients with relapsed malignant mesothelioma (CONFIRM): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial in The Lancet. Research conducted by the UK authors of the paper concluded that: “Nivolumab represents a treatment that might be beneficial to patients with malignant mesothelioma who have disease progression on first-line therapy.” See: Malignant mesothelioma overall survival increased by nivolumab.
 

Asbestos on the Railways

Oct 27, 2021

The legacy of asbestos-containing material used on the UK railways remains a problem for managers as well as workers. “It is possible that any train, station or depot constructed before the year 2000 may contain asbestos,” reported an article uploaded on October 25, 2021. The article listed pieces of legislation and guidelines which assigned responsibilities for protecting workers and the public from toxic exposures including: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulations 2013 and Waste Classification WM3 2015. See: Managing asbestos on the railway.
 

Union Calls for Asbestos Eradication Program

Oct 18, 2021

The CWU trade union, representing nearly 188,000 UK communication workers, on October 14, 2021 issued a press release documenting the union’s demands for the Government to undertake the complete eradication of asbestos material from the built environment. According to the CWU’s national health, safety & environment officer Dave Joyce “an estimated six million tons of this fibrous mineral [is] present in more than 1.5 million buildings, including schools and hospitals… UK nurses and teachers are three to five times more likely to develop mesothelioma because of the asbestos in the buildings in which they work.” See: House of Commons Asbestos Inquiry – CWU calls for complete eradication of ‘this toxic fibre’ from all UK buildings.
 

Remembering Tommy Nelson

Oct 15, 2021

The funeral took place on October 13, 2021 of one of Scotland’s pioneering asbestos victims’ advocates Tommy Nelson. Tommy, with his friends Harry McCluskey and Iain McKechnie, ran one of the UK’s first charities to support former workmates who had contracted asbestos-related diseases. In an online tribute uploaded on October 14, Phyllis Craig, Director of Action on Asbestos – formerly Clydeside Action on Asbestos – said: “Tommy… put his heart and soul into making sure that those who had been diagnosed with an asbestos condition were treated with dignity and respect.” See: Tommy Nelson, asbestos campaigner and founder member of Clydeside Action on Asbestos, has passed away, aged 83.
 

Asbestos In Schools

Oct 4, 2021

The BBC and trade unions are raising the alarm over asbestos contamination of 900 schools in Wales; these properties constitute 60% of all schools in Wales. Whilst most of the properties are regularly expected, some surveys are more than ten years old. Guidance by the Welsh Government recommends that asbestos surveys should be kept up to date. David Evans, Wales Secretary for the National Education Union, who was alarmed about the presence of asbestos in schools said: “We would be keen to know what plans each local authority has in place for the safe removal of this asbestos, it is simply unacceptable in this day and age.” See: Safety worries as asbestos in 60% of Welsh schools.
 

Second Mesothelioma Nurse for Welsh Patients

Oct 1, 2021

As part of Project Cymru, an initiative to improve services for mesothelioma patients in Wales, it was announced this week that Sam Williams had been appointed by Mesothelioma UK as the second Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Wales. CNS Williams, who will join Sarah Morgan, Mesothelioma UK Senior CNS and Project Lead for Wales, will be based at the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and will be providing support for mesothelioma patients in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and South Powys. See: New Clinical Nurse Specialist appointed to support asbestos-related cancer patients in Wales.
 

Update: Mesothelioma Treatments

Sep 28, 2021

A paper just published in the New England Journal of Medicine by mesothelioma researchers working in the UK considered “how rapid advances in our understanding of the genetics and biology of malignant pleural mesothelioma could translate into more effective therapies.” The authors of this paper, who concluded that well-controlled investigations and personalized treatment plans could progress the search for improved treatments, noted the continued increases in mesothelioma rates in developing countries. See: Perspectives on the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.
 

Another BBC Asbestos Death

Sep 21, 2021

Another asbestos lawsuit has been launched against the BBC by the bereaved family of Richard Evans who contracted the asbestos cancer mesothelioma having been occupationally exposed to asbestos whilst building sets for high-profile TV programs such as Doctor Who. Mr. Evans, who died in 2019, had worked for the company for 23 years during which time he inhaled asbestos fibers from the plaster material Artex. According to his statement, Evans had “cut open bags of Artex, scooped it into a bucket and mixed it up into a thick paste, sometimes with his hands, creating a dust in the process.” He then spread the mixture on to scenery built by carpenters and painted the resulting pieces of the set. See: BBC sued for set builder’s death in claim over asbestos.
 

Mesothelioma Death on the Farm

Aug 26, 2021

Senior Somerset Coroner Tony Williams ruled that the July 2021 mesothelioma death of Frome man Andrew Bailey aged 64 was due to an industrial disease, after an inquest had heard of his occupational exposure to asbestos whilst dismantling old farmyard buildings in the Somerset area. During the course of his work, he would often be required to handle and break up asbestos-cement roofing material. He also used asbestos sheets to rebuild roofs using a circular saw to cut them to size. Such a process would have generated a massive amount of dust as well as clouds of toxic fibers. See: Frome man dies of asbestos-related cancer after working in farmyards.
 

Asbestos Lawsuit against Sheffield Council

Aug 16, 2021

Malcolm Dibnah, who worked for Sheffield Council as a painter and decorator from 1966 to 2004, has initiated a lawsuit at the London High Court against his former employer, alleging that it was occupational exposure to asbestos which caused him to contract the deadly asbestos cancer mesothelioma, diagnosed when he was 70. Mr. Dibnah’s work entailed scraping and sanding down asbestos fascias on council houses prior to painting them as a result of which he routinely inhaled large volumes of asbestos fibers. The plaintiff is claiming damages of £273,000 (US $378,000) for his impending death, 17 years prematurely because of this illness. See: Cancer victim sues Sheffield Council for £273,000 over asbestos poisoning.
 

Court of Appeal Mesothelioma Ruling

Aug 13, 2021

Litigation over the 2016 death from mesothelioma – the signature cancer caused by asbestos exposure – of businessman Martin Rix (aged 60) was finally brought to an end last week by a decision of the Court of Appeal which ruled, in a landmark decision, that his family was entitled to bring a financial dependency claim in spite of the business continuing to be profitable after his death. The Judges’ finding in Rix v Paramount was explained by Lady Justice Nicola Davies as follows: “The fact that the company has thrived since Mr Rix’s death is irrelevant for the purpose of the calculation of Mrs Rix’s dependency…” See: Dependency victory for relatives of deceased businessman.
 

Interview with UK Asbestos Campaigners

Aug 10, 2021

The husband and wife team Mavis and Raymond Nye were the subjects of a recent blog by Martin Ditkof on the ramifications of asbestos exposures at British shipyards; Mavis developed the signature asbestos cancer mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos fibers brought home on her husband’s work clothes from the Chatham Dockyards. The blog, based on extensive interviews with the couple, covered the trauma suffered by Mavis in battling such an intractable disease, as well as the treatments she has undergone and the pioneering work she has undertaken to help other victims of asbestos-related diseases. The details provided about the occupational exposures experienced by Ray as a shipwright were very informative. See: Mavis Nye: Exposure from Shipbuilding.
 

Update: Approval for Immunotherapy Drug

Aug 6 2021

An August 3, 2021 article reported that following approval on June 1, 2021 by the European Medicines Agency, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency – the agency tasked with regulating medicine, medical devices and blood components for transfusions – has also approved the use of a combination immunotherapy protocol for the first-line treatment of adults with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma. The drugs for this therapy, the first treatment option approved in 15 years, are Bristol Myers Squibb’s nivolumab and ipilimumab; this treatment has now been sanctioned in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland. See: MHRA approves first immunotherapy treatment for mesothelioma.
 

Asbestos Surprise!

Jul 27, 2021

When Simon Fadden from the Asbestos Division of the Squibb Group uploaded in early July 2021 to Linked In a series of photographs taken at a site his team had recently remediated it set off a flurry of comments all of which expressed surprise that so long after asbestos had been banned in the UK (1999), such a discovery had been made. The photos were of 50 kilogram bales of shrink-wrapped chrysotile asbestos fiber from the Canadian LAB chrysotile (white) asbestos mine. From the pictures it was clear that the toxic fiber had been in situ for some while. Commenting on the surprise, Simon wrote: “It’s not every day you are faced with such vast amounts of asbestos, especially in the product forms it was found.” See: Photograph 1, Photograph 2, Photograph 3.
 

Say No to Asbestos Gaskets!

Jul 19, 2021

A prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) resulted in a fine of £22,000 at Leeds Magistrates’ Court for Power Link Machines (UK) Ltd. which had been found guilty of breaching asbestos safety regulations. In 2018, the company was found to be using asbestos-containing gaskets in its generator sets despite having been served with a prohibition order six months earlier which required the company stop importing all asbestos items. The banned goods had been imported from China. After the hearing, HSE inspector Rachel Brittain said: “Had the company put robust checks in place to ensure that they were not importing asbestos containing materials, this incident would not have occurred.” See: £22k fine for asbestos exposure.
 

Another Mechanic Contracts Asbestos Cancer

Jul 16, 2021

A substantial settlement was achieved for 67-year old mesothelioma plaintiff Tim Reed who had been employed by Eastern Counties Omnibus Company at their Peterborough depot between 1968 and 1973. During his apprenticeship as a fitter, Reed had been exposed to asbestos contained in bus brakes and clutches. Mr. Reed was diagnosed with the asbestos cancer in 2018, 12 years after he had begun work as a rugby development coach with the Rugby Football Union. He has been forced to retire due to deteriorating health. See: Settlement for Former Rugby Development Coach with Asbestos Cancer.
 

Inquiry into HSE Asbestos Policy

Jul 14, 2021

Although the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, the incidence of asbestos-related cancer is still the highest in the world. To better understand what might be done to reduce the high level of asbestos-related diseases, the Parliamentary Work and Pensions Committee has launched an inquiry into the Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) policy and practices for managing the continued presence of asbestos in buildings. Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: “The HSE is rightly looking into how asbestos can be handled more safely and the Committee’s inquiry will help to make sure monitoring and regulations are as effective and safe as they can possibly be.” See: Health & Safety Executive approach to asbestos management examined.
 

BBC’s Asbestos Deaths

Jul 12, 2021

On April 8, 2021 the day of the demise of musician Christopher Larkin, his former employer – the BBC – admitted liability for his death. An inquest into his death ruled that Mr. Larkin had contracted the cancer mesothelioma due to “exposure to asbestos when he worked for the BBC from 1966 to 1997.” For decades, this member of the BBC orchestra had rehearsed and played at the BBC’s Maida Vale studios in West London which were, according to corporate documents, riddled with asbestos. Mr. Larkin’s widow and the family of another member of the orchestra, violinist Edwin Dodd, are suing the corporation over the demise of their loved ones. See: Musician’s widow sues BBC over his exposure to asbestos in studio.
 

Investigation of HSE’s Asbestos Policy

Jul 12, 2021

On July 9, 2021, the Parliamentary Work and Pensions Committee launched an investigation into how the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) manages the presence of asbestos in buildings; the deadline for submissions is September 18, 2021. The Committee will examine the risks posed by asbestos in the workplace, the actions taken by HSE to control them and how the HSE’s approach compares to that taken in other countries. Commenting on this initiative, Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: “Despite being banned for more than 20 years, the impact of asbestos is still devastating lives. Thousands of people die from asbestos-related illness every year.” See: Health and Safety Executive’s approach to asbestos management.
 

New Mesothelioma Data

Jul 10, 2021

Information published in July 2021 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) documented a slight decrease in the annual number of mesothelioma deaths in 2019 with total British mesothelioma deaths of 2,369 compared to 2,446 deaths in 2018. While recent years have seen a small decline in the number of male mesothelioma deaths, female deaths remained about the same (424 in 2019). According to the HSE: “Men who worked in the building industry when asbestos was used extensively in the past continue to be most at risk of mesothelioma.” See: Mesothelioma statistics for Great Britain, 2021.
 

Action Mesothelioma Day 2021

Jul 7, 2021

At noon on July 2, the Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group charity held a small in-person ceremony at St. Nicholas’s Parish Church to remember those whose lives had been taken by asbestos. The solemnity of the day was marked with a dove release and brief comments by attendees who included the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, the Mayor of Wirral, Councillor George Davies and Mayoress-Mrs. Cath Davies, and children from New Brighton Primary School. In his remarks, Liverpool’s Mayor highlighted the UK’s ongoing asbestos epidemic and called for an “international ban on the import, export and general use of asbestos.” See: Asbestos Charity Remembers Victims on Action Mesothelioma Day.
 

Asbestos Hazard in UK Schools: Update

Jul 5, 2021

To mark Action Mesothelioma Day on July 2, 2021, the Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) published a report – Continuing Government Failure Leads to Rise in School Mesothelioma Deaths – which highlighted the elevated risk in 2021 of asbestos exposure to staff and pupils working in CLASP-type schools, saying that the cancer risk is higher now than it was decades ago. Recommendations made included a call for a coordinated, phased removal of all asbestos from the educational infrastructure with a 2028 deadline for completion. Commenting on the report, JUAC Chair John McClean said: “this report must serve as a catalyst for immediate government action.” See: Asbestos in schools more likely to kill now than in the eighties.
 

Common Sense by Asbestos Master

Jun 28, 2021

A judgment handed down on June 25, 2021 by Master Davison in the case of Patricia Smith vs. W. Ford & Sons (Contractors) Ltd. rejected an attempt by insurers which would impose conditions that would delay the progress of claims by allowing cost budgeting in cases on the asbestos list. Stressing the importance of handling asbestos cases with dispatch and the need to treat all cases on the list equally, the Master dismissed arguments advanced by the defendant saying: “it seems to me that it is for that defendant to show, rather than merely assert, that costs in asbestos cases are disproportionate or not adequately controlled.” See: Judgement in the case of Patricia Smith vs. W. Ford & Sons (Contractors) Ltd.
 

Asbestos Campaign in Northern Ireland

Jun 21, 2021

An asbestos awareness campaign has been launched by Northern Ireland’s Health and Safety Executive (HSENI) which will use social media messages, television and radio adverts, and outdoor advertisements throughout Northern Ireland to inform and educate tradespeople so that they: “Always Ask for the Asbestos Register,” particularly when working on buildings constructed before 2000. HSENI’s CEO Robert Kidd said: “Exposure to asbestos remains one of the biggest threats to construction employees in Northern Ireland. On average, one asbestos-related death occurs every two weeks in Northern Ireland.” See: HSENI launches new asbestos campaign.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jun 18, 2021

On Clean Air Day 2021 (June 17), a new campaigning website was launched by the Joint Union Asbestos Committee (UK) to draw attention to the “disgraceful” hazard posed by asbestos contamination in most UK schools. Since 2001 at least 305 teaching and education professionals have died of mesothelioma, the signature cancer caused by asbestos exposure. There are no figures for the number of students affected by these exposures. Campaigners are calling for “urgent Government investment” to fund a phased removal of asbestos from all school buildings, starting with the most dangerous first. See: Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) launches new campaign website to remove asbestos in schools.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jun 18, 2021

The majority of UK schools (80+%) contain asbestos and asbestos-related deaths amongst teachers and support staff are all too common. The asbestos cancer death in 2016 of 68-year old Devon primary schoolteacher Sue Thomas spurred her daughter Lucie to raise awareness of this contamination and the hazard it posed not only to staff but also to students: “My dear mum’s diagnosis with mesothelioma was a big shock for everyone…We had no idea that teachers and pupils were so often at risk of asbestos in schools.” An online petition calling on the government to do more to eradicate the hazard, which has received more than 123,000 signatures, is being sent to the Department for Education. See: Campaign against asbestos exposure in schools.
 

Mesothelioma Care in Scotland

May 28, 2021

With the appointment by the charity Mesothelioma UK of clinical nurse Lynne Hunter, people in the South East of Scotland diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer will have the support of a medical practitioner specialised in the care of asbestos cancer patients. The priority of Nurse Hunter will be the provision of support and advice to mesothelioma patients, their families, healthcare professionals and local patient support groups. Ms. Hunter qualified as a registered nurse in 2012 and also completed a clinical decision-making course at Napier University. See: New nurse to support asbestos-related cancer patients in Scotland.
 

Asbestos at the Royal Court Theatre

May 26, 2021

Allan Olsen had worked at the Royal Court Theatre in London as a carpenter in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He died in 2020 from the signature asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. His wife Sonia Olsen is bringing a claim against the English Stage Company – the registered legal entity that occupies the Royal Court Theatre. The case is complicated by the lack of information on the Employers’ Liability insurance policies that were in existence at that time. Mrs. Olsen’s solicitor Andrew Morgan is appealing for help from members of the public who might have information about the insurance policies. See: Lawyer in the news: Andrew Morgan, Fieldfisher.
 

Guidance for Asbestos Analysts

May 18, 2021

This month (May 2021) the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published the revised Asbestos: The analysts’ guide HSG248 (2nd Edition) online. For the first time, the subject of soil sampling for asbestos was included. The guidance, which is the authoritative source of asbestos analytical procedures within Great Britain, was designed to enable analysts to comply with their legal obligations. Material in the publication has been updated in line with new analytical procedures and methodology and provides “clarification on technical and personal safety issues, especially in relation to sampling and 4-stage clearances.” See: Asbestos: The analysts’ guide.
 

Asbestos: Key Election Issue in Scotland

May 4, 2021

In the run-up to the Scottish elections this week, asbestos victims’ and trade union campaigners urged all political parties to commit themselves to a plan to eradicate asbestos contamination throughout the Scottish infrastructure. Phyllis Craig, from the Glasgow-based group Action on Asbestos, was insistent, saying: “The question of asbestos in our schools, hospitals and public buildings must be addressed by the politicians before the May elections.” Gary Smith, GMB Scotland secretary, added: “Asbestos has cost so many lives and damaged so many more, it’s outrageous that there is not a planned programme of removal.” See: Scotland’s political parties must pledge to remove potentially deadly asbestos from all of the country’s public buildings, campaigners and trade unions have said.
 

Mesothelioma Case: Coroner vs. Court

Apr 27, 2021

A ruling by a Senior West London Coroner that the 2018 death of Linda Evans had been due to “exposure to asbestos whilst resident at 8 Eliot Court, causing malignant mesothelioma,” was overruled on March 31, 2021 (see: Wandsworth BC v HMC for Inner West London)  by a verdict of the Chief Coroner of England and Wales Judge Teague, Lord Justice Popplewell and Mr. Justice Cavanagh which found: “That evidence was not sufficient to enable the coroner to conclude on the balance of probabilities that Linda Johns had contracted malignant mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos fibres while she was living at 8 Eliot Court.” See: Testing the boundaries of causation in mesothelioma deaths.
 

Support for Ukraine Asbestos Ban

Apr 23, 2021

The titanic effort Ukraine is exerting to improve the rights and conditions of its population by banning asbestos has been recognized by UK Parliamentarians who have issued their support for the Ukraine ban in a letter sent on April 20, 2021 to the Head of the Ukrainian Parliament Dmytro Razumkov. In the text of the correspondence MS Mick Antoniw (see: Ukraine Ban on Asbestos), MP Stephen Timms, MSP Anas Sarwar and MP Ian Lavery whole-heartedly endorsed “Ukraine’s determination to protect its citizens by ending asbestos use and beginning the onerous process of addressing the multitude of challenges created by the incorporation of this deadly carcinogen into the national infrastructure.” See: Stephen joins calls to ban asbestos in Ukraine.
 

Update: Promising Asbestos Cancer Treatment

Apr 20, 2021

A Scottish Sunday newspaper highlighted progress made in treating asbestos-related diseases, noting that Scotland had one of the world’s worst incidences of these illnesses due to it’s industrial history. According to researchers, mesothelioma patients in a clinical immunotherapy trial – called Checkmate 743 – had their lives extended and their quality of life improved in one of the “biggest breakthroughs in 16 years.” Commenting on the results, the Edinburgh consultant oncologist leading the Scottish part of the study Dr Melanie MacKean said: “Doctors see it as a real option for advanced mesothelioma patients for whom surgery is not the right treatment.” See: Doctors hail breakthrough drugs trial for cancer linked to asbestos.
 

Toxic Talc!

Apr 16, 2021

A year after Johnson & Johnson announced plans to withdraw its iconic talc-based baby powder from sale in North America), British Parliamentarians condemned “the hypercritical and unjustifiable action by the American pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson which in 2020 withdrew from North American markets its talc-based baby powder, found to be contaminated with asbestos fibre by Government and independent laboratories, but continued to sell that product in countries all over the world including the UK.” See: EDM (Early Day Motion) 1718: Talcum powder, asbestos contaminants and cancer.
 

New Asbestos Cancer Treatment Tool

Apr 14, 2021

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for assessing mesothelioma patients has been pioneered by researchers in Scotland who have developed a prototype AI system with the ability to recognize the tumours using an AI algorithm. This revolutionary healthcare breakthrough was achieved by the Scottish medical imaging software firm Canon Medical Research Europe in collaboration with researchers at the University of Glasgow. “Not only does it have the potential to revolutionise mesothelioma cancer care through more targeted treatment,” said one of its funders “but it may also be able to be applied to a number of other cancer types in the future.” See: AI technology used to track asbestos cancer tumours.
 

Asbestos Cancer during A Pandemic

Apr 9, 2021

Surveys of mesothelioma patients and their carers, and of mesothelioma clinical nurse specialists, examined the impact of the pandemic on patients’ lives. The researchers found that mesothelioma patients and their carers were “disproportionately affected” in a variety of ways including: interruption of treatment and examinations, disruption of communication with healthcare teams, lack of clarity over shielding and additional emotional and psychological burdens. Recommendations for improvements included: prioritizing the reinstatement of all mesothelioma services, offering patients face-to-face appointments, providing support through regular “check-in” calls from healthcare providers, etc. See: Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with mesothelioma and their carers.
 

Addressing the UK’s Asbestos Legacy

Mar 31, 2021

An article in the Morning Star newspaper discussed a conference being organized by asbestos victims’ groups to raise awareness about the ongoing hazard posed by the continuing presence of asbestos-containing products throughout the country’s infrastructure. Campaigning groups from Yorkshire and the Midlands are organizing this event, for trade union colleagues to consider steps which could be taken to prevent toxic exposures, eradicate asbestos cancer and expose inconsistencies in government schemes and actions. Interested parties were advised to register their interest to participate in the April 16, 2021 conference via an online portal. See: Asbestos: campaign against all fears.
 

Another Tragic Railway Death

Mar 31, 2021

On March 29, 2021, Coroner Peter Nieto ruled in Derby Coroners’ Court that Thomas Fitzpatrik, a Derby railway worker, had come into contact with asbestos during his employment at the Derby Carriage and Wagon Works as a result of which he contracted mesothelioma, an industrial disease. Mr. Fitzpatrick died, aged 62, on January 30, 2021, having been diagnosed in July, 2020. He had worked for British Rail as a forklift truck driver at a railway repair workshop off Litchurch Lane. It has long been acknowledged (see: UK Rail Trade Unions: Action on Asbestos) that people who worked on the railways or in workshops building or repairing rolling stock were at an elevated risk of being exposed to asbestos. See: Former Derby railway worker killed by asbestos exposure.
 

AI in Mesothelioma Research

Mar 30, 2021

Promising results announced on March 26, 2021 regarding genomics research conducted under the supervision of Professor Dean Fennell, Chair of Thoracic Medical Oncology at the University of Leicester and Director of the Leicester Mesothelioma Research Programme, using artificial intelligence (AI) to study mesothelioma could, it was suggested, improve patient outcomes. Explaining the nature of the study, Professor Fennell said: “this initial work shows us that mesotheliomas follow ordered paths of mutations during development, and that these so-called trajectories predict not only how long a patient may survive, but also how to better treat the cancer – something Leicester aims to lead on internationally through clinical trial initiatives.” See: AI used in battle against asbestos-linked cancer.
 

Export of Toxic Ships to Asia

Mar 29, 2021

On March 26, 2021 the NGO Shipbreaking Platform issued a press release condemning the export of toxic cruise ships – the Marco Polo and the Magellan – from the UK to the notorious Alang shipbreaking beach in India. Under EU Waste Shipment Regulations, the Basel Convention and national laws, sending end-of-life ships from Europe to non-OECD countries was banned as they contained large amounts of carcinogenic material and hazardous products which contained asbestos. See: NGOs call upon authorities to sanction [prevent] illegal exports of cruise ships.
 

New Compensation Scheme in Guernsey

Mar 24, 2021

Under a new scheme operating on the island of Guernsey – under the auspices of the Employment & Social Security Committee – people who contract diffuse mesothelioma, the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure, in Guernsey or Alderney can apply to the state for a lump sum compensation payment of up to £100,000. Relatives of people who died from this disease since January 1, 2020 can also bring claims as long as the deceased was: exposed to asbestos on the island, “ordinarily” a resident on the island and had his/her disease confirmed by a specialist consultant. See: Mesothelioma Compensation Scheme Open for Applications.
 

Mesothelioma Scheme Wins Top Award

Mar 19, 2021

On March 17, 2021, the UK charity Mesothelioma UK won first prize in the category Military and Civilian Health Partnership of the HSJ Awards 2020 for its “Mesothelioma UK Supporting our Armed Forces campaign.” The initiative was launched in 2017 in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Health and Social Care and was, said the judges “an all round package of care based on a well researched evidence base which has also influenced government policy in the sector.” See: WINNER: Mesothelioma UK – Mesothelioma UK Supporting our Armed Forces.
 

Mesothelioma Treatment Breakthrough?

Mar 18, 2021

Following exceptional results from the UK’s CheckMate-743 immunotherapy drug trial, the National Health Service (NHS) announced that it would make the new protocol available to NHS patients with the signature asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. The clinical trial treated patients with the drug Nivolumab (Opdivo) in combination with Ipilimumab (Yervoy) which worked to boost the patient’s immune system and attack the cancer. In the case of mesothelioma patient Michael Conway, his tumors shrank from 21mm and 29mm to just 5mm and he has survived two years beyond his original prognosis date; he is continuing to do well. See: NHS to offer immunotherapy treatment, after builder with asbestos cancer sees tumour shrink to 5mm.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Mar 16, 2021

A commentary on the status of asbestos in UK schools highlighted some disturbing facts including: asbestos is in 80% of all schools; the Committee of Carcinogenicity acknowledged that younger lungs were more vulnerable to asbestos; the incidence of asbestos cancer mortality was elevated amongst teachers. Despite legislation mandating measures to address this toxic situation, school officials and staff had neither the expertise nor resources to implement them; the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) did not have the capacity “to get on top of the problem.” The author concluded that to protect children, a government-led, HSE-supported nationwide drive to provide appropriate training and resources was urgently needed. See: Asbestos in Schools – A View from the Inside.
 

Parliament Debates Mesothelioma Scheme

Mar 5, 2021

On the afternoon of March 2, 2021, there was a one-hour debate in the House of Commons on the Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations 2021. The motion to approve the regulations was approved after an informative debate by MPs who raised pertinent issues. Amongst the Parliamentarians to take part were MPs: Vicky Foxcroft, Chris Stephens, Stephen Timms, Martin Docherty-Hughes, Wendy Chamberlain, Beth Winter, Kim Johnson, Christine Jardine and Jim Shannon. During the debate, tribute was paid to asbestos victims support groups in Scotland and England including Clydeside Action on Asbestos, Clydebank Asbestos Group and the Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group. See: Hansard. Parliamentary Debate. March 2, 2021.
 

Illegal Dumping of UK Ships

Mar 4, 2021

The BBC has reported the scrapping on Indian shipbreaking beaches of two UK cruise ships. At least 13 other UK ships had been similarly disposed of in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh since the start of last year, according to an investigation conducted by the TV program: File on 4. Despite protocols prohibiting the transnational dumping of toxic waste, ships acquired by cash buyers routinely wind up on the unregulated recycling beaches of south Asia. Workers have few, if any, rights and no protection from the toxins including asbestos which are on board the vessels. See: UK cruise ships scrapped in India's 'ship graveyard'.
 

Asbestos in Schools: Helpful Advice

Feb 22, 2021

An informative commentary highlighted the presence of asbestos contamination throughout UK schools and provided useful resources and links for concerned individuals, including advice for dealing with contractors and tradespeople. The author recommended that: “Staff, pupils, students and their parents or carers should be given relevant information to help them understand the risks and should be advised to consult their doctor.” In the event of an unexpected mishap or accident all work should cease; everyone should be evacuated; expert advice should be sought about remedial action including the need to report the incident to the Health & Safety Executive. See: How can you tackle the issue of asbestos in your school?
 

Asbestos Prosecution by HSE

Feb 16, 2021

Last week, a Manchester Magistrates’ Court fined a construction company and a property management company for failing to manage asbestos safely during a refurbishment of a former office block in Stockport in August 2018, despite the existence of a May 2018 asbestos survey which had identified the presence of asbestos- containing materials. This case was the result of a prosecution by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Commenting on the verdict, HSE Inspector Phil Redman said: “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.” See: Construction firms fined due to unsafe removal of asbestos.
 

New Appointee to Support Asbestos Victims

Feb 12, 2021

Patients with asbestos-related diseases in the East Midlands will now have access to a specialist clinical nurse, with the appointment of Louise Nelson, an experienced oncological nurse, to a University of Leicester-based post. Ms. Nelson, who had worked for the last 12 years as a research nurse at a cancer clinical trials facility, will provide nursing care and support for asbestos cancer patients treated at the University of Leicester Hospital and work with colleagues across the East Midlands to promote equitable access to mesothelioma specialist support and treatment. See: New asbestos-related cancer nurse specialist appointed for Leicester and Leicestershire.
 

Parliamentary Asbestos Debate

Feb 9, 2021

A February 10, 2021 House of Lords debate on draft legislation – The Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 – could, if approved, increase amounts payable to sufferers of the asbestos cancer, mesothelioma by 0.5 percent from 1 April 2021, in line with inflation, and also proportionately increase the level of other disability benefits. Although there is no statutory obligation to uprate government payments for mesothelioma, since 2004 they have been increased annually in line with inflation. The House of Commons debate on the legislation has not yet been scheduled. See: Mesothelioma and pneumoconiosis: Uprating compensation payment rates.
 

Toxic Talc: Commentary

Feb 4, 2021

A feature on an Isle of Wight news portal examined whether talcum powder and products containing talcum powder, such as cosmetics, were safe for use. Having discussed the properties, constituents and applications of talcum powder, the text considered findings by government agencies and laboratories linking use of talcum powder to various forms of cancer. The author concluded that: “Talcum powder has been used for generations for its ability to absorb moisture. However, asbestos-contaminated talcum powder can lead to cancer in human beings. Consumers should be careful in buying and [sic] cosmetic products.” See: Can Talcum Powder Really Cause Cancer?
 

Mesothelioma Treatment: Update

Feb 2, 2021

The immunotherapy drug nivolumab has been found to increase survival and stabilize disease in patients with relapsed mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. According to data presented on January 30, 2021 at an international lung cancer conference by researchers involved in the UK’s CONFIRM trial, patients treated with this drug lived an average for 9.2 months compared to 6.6 months for those who had received a placebo. This finding has been hailed as a “major breakthrough” and “game-changer” by clinicians and patients. See: Immunotherapy improves survival for people with aggressive, asbestos-linked lung cancer.
 

Maritime Asbestos Contamination

Feb 1, 2021

A commentary by a legal expert warned of a tsunami of future asbestos litigation arising from toxic exposures on ships despite the International Maritime Organization’s 2011 ban on its use. According to author David Osler, asbestos “is widespread on ships built prior to 2002, when the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea introduced a ban with some limited exceptions.” Asbestos contamination can often be found in vessels’ “pipework flange gaskets, woven packing and gasket materials, hand pumps, isolation valves and stores.” As the cost of asbestos removal can be “prohibitive,” shipowners often delay taking action on identifying and addressing the issue. See: Hazmat study finds asbestos ‘on most ships’.
 

Iniquitous Inland Revenue Policy

Jan 29, 2021

The Inland Revenue has recently changed its policy regarding the provision of work history information, starting in 1961, to the relatives or legal representatives of deceased applicants. This information is required by former employers or insurance companies when considering a claim brought for occupational asbestos exposure. Legal experts are calling for the Inland Revenue to reverse this policy, with one solicitor warning that: “No first hand evidence from the [deceased] victim and no proof of employment will lead more and more to families being uncompensated by negligent employers.” See: HM Revenue policy change causes serious barriers to mesothelioma justice and must be reversed.
 

Court of Appeal Victory

Jan 25, 2021

On January 18, 2021, the Court of Appeal handed down a unanimous verdict in the case of Deborah Head vs The Culver Heating Co. Ltd. which overturned a “manifestly unjust” nil award for the mesothelioma death of Michael Head, a successful businessman. The April 2019 judgment by Judge Melissa Clarke did not provide compensation for the “lost years claim” considering that income to be investment and not earnings. The Court of Appeal disagreed, finding that all of Mr. Head’s income should be treated as earnings which were recoverable by his Estate. See: Appeal successful in Head v Culver Heating Co Ltd.
 

Government Evasion on Veterans’ Rights

Jan 14, 2021

In a Written answer to a Parliamentary question by MP Stephen Morgan (Dec 30, 2020) to the Ministry of Defence, on Jan 11, 2021 Johnny Mercer MP and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State affirmed the government’s commitment “to helping forces heroes diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung caused by asbestos.” Although, said Mercer, the government would “support access to compensation for veterans affected by the cancer through either its war pensions scheme or armed forces compensation scheme,” he made no mention of veterans suffering from lung cancer who were exposed to asbestos pre-1987 and continue to be disadvantaged by government policies. See: British veterans left with cancer after military service to be supported, minister says.
 

Mesothelioma in UK Military Cohort

Jan 8, 2021

The first paper examining the mesothelioma experience of UK military veterans has highlighted significant issues including the difficulty of navigating military, health and civil systems, and the influence of the military experience on sufferers’ coping strategies. The paper, which was based on research undertaken by co-authors for The Military Mesothelioma Experience Study, noted “specific challenges and care needs related to veterans with mesothelioma.” Following on from the project, a report with recommendations regarding care and support of veterans living with mesothelioma is being compiled. See: Living with mesothelioma: A qualitative study of the experiences of male military veterans in the UK.
 

Guernsey Mesothelioma Scheme!

Jan 4, 2021

In a media release dated December 31, 2020, the government of the Bailiwick of Guernsey – including the islands of Guernsey and Alderney – announced the launch of a scheme on January 1, 2021 for residents who contract diffuse mesothelioma. Plans to implement this scheme were approved in June 2020 by the Committee for Employment & Social Security (the Committee). Welcoming the support for asbestos-injured islanders, Deputy Peter Roffey, President of the Committee, said: “Mesothelioma is a terrible disease, but I'm pleased that, at last, we can introduce this payment scheme for people who have contracted diffuse mesothelioma through exposure to asbestos in Guernsey or Alderney.” See: Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme Launched.
 

Mesothelioma Treatment Research: UK

Dec 23, 2020

A 2020 report by the National Mesothelioma Audit – based on data from 2016 to 2018 – revealed that the Northumbria Healthcare NHS (NHCT) Foundation Trust performed poorly in histopathological confirmation of tissue samples, treatment rates and survival rates 12 months post initial diagnoses. An analysis of NHCT’s malignant pleural mesothelioma cases over a 10-year period showed a variability in practices and failures to comply with best practice recommendations. The report recommended that a regional mesothelioma multi-disciplinary team be established and that comprehensive data be collected to monitor its effectiveness. See: A review of malignant pleural mesothelioma in a large North East UK pleural centre.
 

Asbestos Cancer Care: Update

Dec 14, 2020

News that specialist nurses have been appointed to treat asbestos cancer patients in two UK asbestos hotspots has been warmly welcomed. Angela Goldfinch and Simon Bolton will provide advice, care and support for mesothelioma patients at Broomfield Hospital under the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and multiple hospitals serving communities in North and West Yorkshire, respectively. The new roles are funded by Mesothelioma UK – a national specialist resource centre, specifically for the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma – in partnership with charity organizations and selected law firms. See: Asbestos-related cancer nurses appointed for opposite ends of country.
 

UK Asbestos Resource: Update

Dec 8, 2020

Strathclyde University, a public research university in Glasgow, has become the repository of several unique asbestos archives including collections from: the world’s first asbestos victims’ campaigner Nancy Tait; the Cancer Prevention Society; environmental activist Alan Dalton; investigative journalist Laurie Flynn and corporate records from the UK’s asbestos giant Turner & Newall plc which were disclosed during litigation brought by the Chase Manhattan Bank. In a recently uploaded essay, Strathclyde Masters student Michael Canning highlighted “the presence of the voices of the victims of asbestos-related disease…” in the collection. See: Archives and Special Collections: Asbestos.
 

New Resource for Scottish Patients

Dec 3, 2020

A new online resource has been launched this week by the Scottish Mesothelioma Network (Network) for victims of asbestos-related cancers, an initiative that aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for Scottish mesothelioma patients. Due to its industrial legacy of widespread asbestos use in shipyards, factories and other workplaces, the rates of asbestos cancer in Scotland are amongst the highest in the world. The Network’s new website provides a range of information on disease, treatment options, specialist centers, patient pathways and reputable online sources of information. It also lists various routes to accessing compensation and provides details of asbestos victims’ support groups in Scotland. See: The Scottish Mesothelioma Network.
 

Armley’s Deadly Legacy

Dec 3, 2020

Decades after the Armley asbestos factory ceased operations in Canal Street, environmental contamination remained in homes and buildings in the streets near the old J. W. Roberts factory. A report by an independent charity confirmed the extent of the problem in Armley, finding that 90% of homes tested were still contaminated with blue (crocidolite) asbestos. It is little wonder that Armley had been dubbed “the UK’s deadliest district.” “There is a decontamination procedure,” the report noted “but this costs £7,500 per house, which most residents cannot afford.” See: The asbestos disaster of Armley and the looming fear of death.
 

Mesothelioma Scheme: Update

Nov 30, 2020

The 24-page annual review of the UK Government’s Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) for 2019 to 2020 was published last week by the Department of Work & Pensions. Since the scheme launched in 2014, 1,500 mesothelioma sufferers have received compensation of £205.2 million. This past year, the average payment to applicants was £144,000, a decrease of £4,000 on the previous year. The DMPS provides compensation to mesothelioma sufferers who were negligently exposed to asbestos at work but were unable to obtain compensation from their former employer or their former employer’s insurer. See: Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme: annual review 2019 to 2020.
 

Research Center Opens in Sheffield

Nov 26, 2020

This week the Mesothelioma UK Research Center-Sheffield – for investigating new protocols and treatments for people suffering from the signature asbestos cancer mesothelioma – opened at Sheffield University (see: Launch of mesothelioma research centre). According to the Center’s co-director Professor Angela Mary Tod, the ultimate goal of the Center is to find a cure for the aggressive and deadly cancer which kills 2,500+ people in Britain every year. The Center, the first of its kind in the UK dedicated to patient experience-based and supportive care mesothelioma research, is sponsored by national charity Mesothelioma UK. According to its Head of Services Liz Darlison MBE, the opening of the Center was the culmination of years of work. See: Mesothelioma lung cancer centre set for Sheffield.
 

Online Premiere of Asbestos Drama

Nov 26, 2020

A filmed version of an award-winning play by Francis Poet entitled Fibres, about the life of a former Scottish shipyard worker who is suffering from asbestosis, will be premiering online at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25. The play – a co-production of Stellar Quines Theatre Company and the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow – toured Scotland in 2019. The protagonist Jack had been occupationally exposed to asbestos at the Clyde shipyard; his wife Beanie had washed the contaminated clothing he brought home. Viewers are requested to book in advance for free tickets and, where possible, consider making a donation. See: Fibres.
 

Gendered Experience of Mesothelioma

Nov 23, 2020

The results of a report just published entitled “Gendered Experience of Mesothelioma Study” by Mesothelioma UK and the University of Sheffield will inform policies and treatments adopted by healthcare professionals and policy makers. Amongst the key findings were: high risk occupations for men differed from those for women; women and younger men had lower levels of asbestos awareness; gender differences existed in the experiences and support provided at the time of diagnosis; patients’ capacity to cope with their diagnoses and subsequent treatment was affected by gender expectations. See: New report on gender differences in the experience of asbestos-related cancer.
 

UK Asbestos Prosecution

Nov 19, 2020

On November 16, 2020, the website of the Health & Safety Executive announced that the Bristol company Prestige EA Ltd. had been fined for failing to correctly conduct and complete an asbestos survey at a domestic construction project in 2017. Prestige EA Ltd. had been commissioned to advise and manage the development of a property into four flats above a retail unit but undertook the wrong type of asbestos survey. The company, which is now in liquidation, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £2,000 with costs of £3,000. See: Building contractor fined for asbestos failings at a domestic property construction project.
 

Update: Asbestos at Grenfell Tower

Nov 13, 2020

A briefing was published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on November 10, 2020 based on a meeting with local people that took place weeks earlier about asbestos removal in and around the site of Grenfell Tower. The panel of speakers informing the discussions included a site manager, civil servants and a health and safety specialist. Certified specialist operatives using state-of-the-art techniques were working to remove chrysotile and amosite asbestos from Grenfell and nearby buildings on the estate. A “robust regime of air monitoring” is ensuring that there “is no increased risk [to local people] as a result of the works…” See: Asbestos removal in and around Grenfell Tower: summary and Q&A from the 21 September event.
 

Swindon Mesothelioma Claim

Nov 13, 2020

A personal injury case over the 2018 mesothelioma death of Terry McLaughlin – a man who taught art in Swindon schools from 1979 till 1993 – has resulted in his widow receiving compensation from the insurers of Wiltshire County Council. Commenting on the outcome of the case, Mrs. McLaughlin’s solicitor Lorna Webster said: “The disregard given to Terry's health by the council is shocking. Sadly we are seeing more and more cases like Terry's, where the contact with asbestos happened in an occupation not immediately linked to asbestos exposure.” See: Swindon teacher's widow gets asbestos compensation.
 

UK Asbestos Data: Update

Nov 6, 2020

Data released this month by the UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed the status of the national asbestos epidemic as of 2018; the number of deaths that year from asbestos-related cancers and diseases was 5,000 with 2,446 deaths from malignant pleural mesothelioma and the same number estimated from asbestos-related lung cancers. Occupational lung diseases accounted for around 12,000 of the 13,000 total annual deaths estimated to be linked to hazardous exposures at work. See: Health and safety at work Summary statistics for Great Britain 2020.
 

Asbestos Management in Schools

Oct 16, 2020

On October 14, 2020, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) issued new guidance about “Asbestos Management in Schools.” The HSE upload used case studies to illustrate actions that must be taken prior to the commencement of replacement, refurbishment or demolition work that could disturb asbestos at schools or colleges. Mandatory measures covered in the HSE document included the compilation of an asbestos survey, the use of certified asbestos removal operatives, updating of existing asbestos registers and asbestos management plans, and the safe and approved disposal of asbestos-containing waste generated by the work. See: Asbestos management in schools.
 

Mesothelioma Treatment: Update

Oct 16, 2020

Norwegian biopharmaceutical company Bergenbio announced that treatment had started in a clinical trial assessing the efficacy of bemcentinib for patients with relapsed malignant mesothelioma as part of a UK trial sponsored by the University of Leicester and supported by the British Lung Foundation. According to Director of the Leicester Clinical Trials Unit, Professor Anne Thomas, Professor Dean Fennell and Dr Matthew Krebs were leading the research team and the commencement of treatment represented “the culmination of three years' work. The ultimate output of this study will,” he said “be the potential to provide benefit to the MPM population.” See: Bergenbio: Announces First Patient Dosed with Bemcentinib in Relapsed Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Investigator Sponsored Phase IIA Study.
 

Wales Update: New Mesothelioma Project

Oct 12, 2020

A two-year project has been launched by Mesothelioma UK to support patients suffering from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, in Wales. The initiative, which is being funded by a grant from the Burdette Trust for Nursing, will be led by Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist for Wales, Sarah Morgan who said: “Many cancer patients and cancer services have been badly affected by the recent pandemic and none more so than the mesothelioma patients and services. The need for an All Wales approach to specialist services for mesothelioma has never been more urgent.” See: New project to support asbestos cancer patients in Wales.
 

Asbestos Prosecutions

Oct 7, 2020

On October 1, 2020 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released an article reminding duty holders of their obligations under The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. The HSE publication cited prosecutions which resulted in substantial financial penalties for companies breaching provisions of the CAR: Newnham College Cambridge pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 5 and 16 of the CAR 2012 and was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,450.28; Labform Ltd. was fined £22,400 plus £11,700 costs for four breaches of the CAR 2012. See: Two prosecutions by the HSE highlight what asbestos refurbishment and asbestos demolition surveys do and why they are needed.
 

Addressing Scotland’s Asbestos Legacy

Oct 5, 2020

Clinical Nurse Specialist Carolyn MacRae has been appointed the leader of a team of specialist asbestos cancer nurses for Scotland in a post funded by Mesothelioma UK and the Glasgow-based campaigning group: Action on Asbestos. Welcoming this news, Mesothelioma UK’s Head of Nursing Lorraine Creech said: “Our partnership working with the Macmillan Scottish Mesothelioma Network has been the springboard for this role and we now have five Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialists and one Pleural Specialist Nurse in an affiliated role throughout Scotland. We also have a further post in the planning stage.” See: UK Team Leader appointed in Scotland for asbestos-related cancer patients.
 

Grenfell Tower: Asbestos Fallout

Oct 2, 2020

A document entitled Health Risk Assessment of asbestos air quality monitoring results: Grenfell Tower, which was published on September 17, 2020 by Public Health England, examined the potential health risks posed by airborne asbestos in the aftermath of the June 14, 2017 fire. According to the report “on the basis of the monitoring data provided, it is considered by Public Health England that any additional risks to public health from the storage and movement of the bags of material would be low. The monitoring indicated that the risks from asbestos fibres on-site are not distinguishable from expected levels in the environment.” See: Health Risk Assessment of asbestos air quality monitoring results: Grenfell Tower.
 

Asbestos Diseases in Healthcare Sector

Sep 28, 2020

A new study by the University of Sheffield has highlighted the repercussions of the asbestos contamination of UK healthcare facilities and recommended that NHS staff and others employed in these premises be provided with training regarding the hazards of asbestos exposures. These actions would prevent avoidable exposures and reduce the incidence of asbestos cancers amongst healthcare workers. Welcoming this publication, Liz Darlison of Mesothelioma UK said: “Mesothelioma UK will ensure that this research raises awareness of the risk of exposure to healthcare staff and hopefully, improve the treatment and care given to them by medical teams and support agencies.” See: Include asbestos risk awareness in NHS staff training, study recommends.
 

Grant for UK Mesothelioma Charity

Sep 24, 2020

Mesothelioma UK, a charity supporting victims of asbestos cancer, has been awarded a £10,000 grant by The Burdett Trust for Nursing to develop a Mesothelioma Multi-Disciplinary Team in Wales and support work of clinical nurse specialists in delivering care to mesothelioma patients. Welcoming this donation, Mesothelioma UK’s Head of Nursing Lorraine Creech said: “This funding will help us to establish a better provision of specialist support and expertise for patients in Wales where there is currently no multi-disciplinary team for mesothelioma. The project in Wales will help to us to achieve our aim of ensuring equitable access to first-class treatment and care for all patients in the UK.” See: The Burdett Trust for Nursing awards grant to Mesothelioma UK.
 

Mesothelioma during Covid-19 Pandemic

Sep 21. 2020

A second study on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on mesothelioma patients was published earlier this month by the UK charity Mesothelioma UK. Whereas the first study (May 2020) was based on feedback from patients and carers, this one was informed by the experiences of 20 Mesothelioma UK Nurses. This is an extremely interesting document which should be of interest not only to the mesothelioma community but also to a variety of experts studying the knock-on effects of the epidemic. Among the more chilling findings expressed was “Fear about contracting COVID, about not being considered eligible or worthy of COVID treatment and continual worry about their mesothelioma progressing whilst treatments were disrupted.” Download (PDF): COVID Impact Survey 2 - Sep 2020.
 

Victim’s Verdict

Sep 15, 2020

The Royal Courts of Justice (London) handed down a claimant’s verdict on September 7, 2020 in a case brought by the widow of Martin Rix, a one-time carpenter and shopfitter who died of mesothelioma aged 60 in 2016. The defendant’s legal team argued that because of the ongoing financial success of the business Mr. Rix had created, his widow was not entitled to bring a claim for financial dependency arising from her husband’s death; Mr. Justice Cavanagh disagreed. See: High Court Decision September 7, 2020 in the case of Unice Rix vs. Paramount Shopfitting Company Ltd.
 

Scotland’s Asbestos Legacy

Sep 10, 2020

A 7-minute extract entitled A Mug’s Game performed by Jonathan Watson tells the story of a Scottish electrician exposed to asbestos throughout his career at a Clydebank shipyard. The work was taken from the play “Fibres” by Frances Poet and can be accessed on YouTube. It is part of Scenes for Survival, a new season of 50+ digital artworks created in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and is well worth watching. The performance is outstanding and the script tells a tale which needs to be heard. See: A Mug’s Game [an extract from the play Fibres by Frances Poet].
 

Mesothelioma Research: Update

Aug 25, 2020

Scottish scientists investigating the causation of the asbestos-linked cancer malignant pleural mesothelioma last week called for urgent support for re-establishing research protocols after work had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dr Carsten Hansen from the Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh: “Although we took great care in safeguarding our experiments and newly generated cellular model systems, unfortunately the timing of the complete lockdown meant that we lost a few critical cell lines that we now need to re-establish.” 200 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in Scotland every year. See: Groundbreaking research into lung cancer caused by asbestos needs to recommence scientist says.
 

Asbestos Hazard at Sea

Aug 17, 2020

An improvement notice has been served by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on Diamond Offshore Drilling UK Ltd. giving the company until October 1, 2020 to rectify infringements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 on the Ocean Valiant North Sea oil rig (see: HSE Notice served on Diamond Offshore Drilling). The offences which took place resulted from an incident on September 2, 2019 during which chrysotile asbestos fibers were dispersed following maintenance work. See: Diamond Offshore warned over spread of ‘asbestos debris’ on North Sea rig.
 

Victim’s Verdict

Jul 29, 2020

In a scathing verdict handed down in the High Court on July 27, 2020, which lambasted the behaviour of legal advisors working for the Ministry of Defence, Judge Allan Gore QC found for the widow of shipyard worker Bhanu Sivaji who died in 2015 from mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure at the Sembawang naval dockyard in Singapore between 1953 and 1968. Mr. Sivaji’s place of work had been operated by the Ministry of Defence. The Judge, who was highly critical of the delays in bringing the case to court and the elevated legal costs which ensued, granted the Claimant’s applications to amend the Particulars of Claim and the Claim Form. See: Shiji SIVAJI vs. Ministry of Defence.
 

Mesothelioma Care in Kent

Jul 27, 3030

It was announced last week that Toni Fleming had been appointed to fill a new post for a specialist nurse in the asbestos cancer hotspot of East Kent. Nurse Fleming – who has a background in the treatment of lung cancer and mesothelioma patients – was named the Mesothelioma UK clinical nurse specialist for East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. This post is being fully funded for a period of two years by the Mavis Nye Foundation, set up in 2017 by the UK’s longest surviving mesothelioma patient. See: New asbestos-related cancer nurse specialist for East Kent.
 

Action on Asbestos in Wales

Jul 15, 2020

On July 14, 2020 the Workforce Partnership Council – a tripartite social partnership structure of trade unions, employers and the Welsh Government – published a joint statement on managing asbestos in public buildings in Wales “in recognition of the serious health hazards associated with exposure to asbestos and the importance attributed to the safe identification and management of asbestos wherever it is found in public buildings.” Acknowledging the UK’s epidemic of asbestos-related mortality, the Welsh Government pledged to help raise awareness of the asbestos hazard which continues to endanger both members of the public and working people. See: Joint statement on managing asbestos in public buildings by the Welsh Government.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 3, 2020

The announcement by the Prime Minister that £1 billion would be invested in renovating and rebuilding the UK’s educational infrastructure led to calls for action on the asbestos contamination of most UK schools. “It's shameful,” said MP David Morris “that teachers and pupils are still at risk from asbestos-riddled schools that should have been torn down long ago.” In an article on the website of Tes – a publication for education professionals – Morris pointed out: “Teachers in the UK are five times more likely than average to develop mesothelioma, the fatal lung disease most closely linked to the material. Meanwhile, exposure to asbestos in the earliest decades of a child’s life doubles their risk of the same outcome.” See: £1bn school building fund must expel asbestos forever.
 

Mesothelioma Incidence: Update

Jul 2, 2020

Annual figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on July 1, 2020 reported that in 2018 there had been 2,446 deaths from the signature asbestos cancer mesothelioma in Great Britain; 90+% of mesothelioma claimants lodged claims for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefits. Also published on July 1, 2020 by the HSE was a 12-page report entitled Mesothelioma statistics for Great Britain, 2020 which noted that: “In Great Britain mesothelioma death rates for both males and females follow an upward trend over time with a levelling-off over recent years.” See: HSE releases annual workplace fatality figures for 2019/20.
 

Mesothelioma: Psychological Impact

Jul 2, 2020

A peer reviewed article uploaded on June 28, 2020 by British researchers reviewed evidence on the psychological effects of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma on patients and their carers and made recommendations regarding further research. The co-authors identified key findings including: the importance of carefully timed interventions, the need to address difficult feelings such as those arising from knowledge about the exposures which caused the disease and effective measures to improve information sharing and communication. There was, the paper concluded an “urgent need for more nuanced research.” See: What are the psychological effects of mesothelioma on patients and their carers? A scoping review.
 

Call for Action on Toxic Powder

Jun 18, 2020

A press release issued by the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK (the Forum) on June 17, 2020 highlighted the ongoing hazard posed to UK citizens by the continuing sale of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) talc-based baby powder, a product which has been withdrawn from US and Canadian markets. Condemning the double standards implicit in J&J’s actions, Forum Chair Joanne Gordon asked: “Would busy UK families be aware of the controversy over the continuing sale of J&J’s toxic talc-based baby powder or be in the position to make an informed choice about the risks posed by using a product that might contain asbestos fibres?” See: Health Alert: Asbestos in Baby Powder.
 

Victory in Mesothelioma Case

Jun 17, 2020

A settlement was reached in Hemms v the Trustees of the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion and Bath and North East Somerset Council despite an earlier verdict in Bannister v Freemans PLC in which the judge had advocated a statistical approach to whether asbestos exposure had increased the claimant’s risk of mesothelioma. Solicitor Patrick Walsh, who represented the deceased mesothelioma victim Gordon Hemms, said: “This case illustrates the fact that a substantial settlement in a low dose asbestos exposure case can be achieved if the claim is pursued vigorously and the right expert witnesses are instructed by the claimant.” See: Claimant asbestos lawyers advised to resist approach that succeeded in Bannister v Freemans PLC.
 

Guernsey Compensation Scheme

Jun 5, 2020

On June 4, 2020, the States of Guernsey – the parliament of one of the British Channel islands – approved an initiative to pay compensation to all sufferers of the signature asbestos cancer mesothelioma. The scheme, which will be rolled out in 20201, will cost Guernsey £100,000 a year. Attempts by the Policy and Resources Committee to delay the implementation of the scheme were overcome with one opponent claiming that such a delay was “unnecessary, destructive and cruel.” Jersey, another Channel Island, agreed to pay mesothelioma sufferers compensation in 2018. See: Asbestos-related cancer compensation scheme approved in Guernsey.
 

UK Mesothelioma Audit

May 30, 2020

On May 28, 2020, the fourth UK National Mesothelioma Audit was published by the Royal College of Physicians; the research and publication of this work was commissioned and funded by Mesothelioma UK. Based on data sourced from ~7,000 mesothelioma patients in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Guernsey, the authors noted: “improvements in survival, clinical nurse specialist assessment, pathologic subtyping and multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion, with particular note of a doubling of referrals to the national peritoneal mesothelioma MDT since the last report published in 2018.” See: National Mesothelioma Audit report 2020.
 

Asbestos Exposure at the Bakery

May 26, 2020

On May 20, 2020, a Coroner’s Court in Oxford ruled that the death in February 2020 of 61-year old Kevin Manley from epithelioid mesothelioma had been caused by exposure to asbestos whilst working for the Tip Top company in the 1970s. During his employment, the deceased had used heat-proof asbestos safety gloves whilst working with an industrial oven; Mr. Manley had been reassured by his manager that although the gloves were made from asbestos, they were not dangerous “because the substance was in cloth form.” The Coroner concluded that the cause of Mr Manley’s death was industrial disease. See: Banbury ‘Tip Top’ Bakery worker died after asbestos poisoning from gloves.
 

Longer Waits for Asbestos Justice

May 14, 2020

A Scottish campaigner has warned that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the struggle for justice by those suffering from asbestos-related diseases. While the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) was, Phyllis Craig said, prioritising appeals, family law and commercial cases in the civil courts, delays were being experienced by asbestos claimants, many of whom were suffering from deadly diseases. Craig told journalists that, as a result, victims “may not get justice in their lifetime the way things are with the courts.” She urged the SCTS to rethink its procedures and prioritise “asbestos cases over appeals and commercial actions.” See: Asbestos campaigner fears victims may die before justice.
 

COVID-19 and Asbestos-Related Diseases

Apr 27, 2020

A commentary addressing the many questions being asked by UK victims of asbestos-related diseases during the ongoing coronavirus epidemic was uploaded by HASAG Asbestos Disease Support on April 25th. The posting covered key areas of interest, including keeping safe and in good spirits, obtaining food and medical supplies and accessing medical treatment and legal services; the inclusion of contact details for trustworthy associations and sources of information was both relevant and timely as was the assurance that: “Any paused treatment will not be down to hospital capacity issues. It will be based on a risk versus benefit analysis, with a pause in treatment being the best clinical option for you.” See: COVID-19 and Asbestos Related Diseases.
 

Guernsey Mesothelioma Scheme

Apr 9, 2020

From January 1, 2021 a statutory scheme – modelled on one adopted in Jersey – will be operational on the island of Guernsey to pay compensation to sufferers of the asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. Legislation to implement this scheme was approved by Guernsey deputies in 2019. According to a spokesman for the island’s Employment & Social Services, the annual cost of the lump sum compensation payments, which could be awarded to patients or surviving family members, is expected to be around £100,000. Asbestos exposures resulted in the deaths of 19 people and contributed to the deaths of four others on Guernsey between 2005 and 2015. See: Mesothelioma compensation could cost £100,000 a year, says ESS.
 

Asbestos Trade Deal?

Apr 6, 2020

Last week, the Member of Parliament for Wirral West and the Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Labor’s Margaret Green called on the government to reaffirm the UK ban on asbestos after the Brexit transition period ended on December 31, 2020. She expressed concerns over the possibility of lowered standards which might allow under a trade deal with the US – a country with no ban on asbestos – the import of products containing asbestos including clutches, brakes, building materials, heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets and coatings. See: Margaret Green fears return of asbestos in US Trade deal.
 

Post- Brexit Asbestos Concerns

Mar 26,2020

On March 24, 2020 – the day before Parliament adjourned – a written answer to a question (HL2312) submitted on March 9, by Lord Alton of Liverpool regarding the UK prohibitions on the use, sale and imports of asbestos and asbestos-containing products was provided by Lord Goldsmith, Minister of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In his response (HL2312), Goldsmith wrote: “The Government has no plans to revise these restrictions [as per the EU’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & Restriction of Chemicals Regulation] or alter the way asbestos is regulated in the UK.” See: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs written question – answered on 24th March 2020.
 

Asbestos Concerns over Trade Deal

Mar 23, 3030

Global Justice Now, a UK NGO, has raised concerns about the potential health hazards posed by a UK–US trade deal highlighting the lower safety standards for cosmetic products in the US. Tests by the US Food and Drug (FDA) Administration in 2019 and 2020 revealed asbestos contamination of several cosmetic products, including makeup targeted at children. Most recently, on March 9, 2020, the FDA revealed findings of the presence of asbestos fibers in cosmetics (see FDA report on cosmetics tested for asbestos).
See: US trade deal ‘could flood Britain with toxic cosmetics.
 

Asbestos Exposé

Mar 20, 2020

In the 3rd episode of a BBC series entitled: Beauty Laid Bare, the harmful ingredients found in everyday items used by teenagers taking part in the program were revealed; the presence of asbestos fibers in goods sold by mainstream manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson, Claire’s Accessories and MUA came as a shock to the youngsters. US scientist and whistle blower Sean Fitzgerald explained the test results of products used by the teenagers, who were baffled about the failure of oversight by U.S. government agencies to prevent the marketing and sale of contaminated goods to members of the public. See: Beauty Laid Bare, Series 1: 3: The Ingredients.
 

UK Asbestos Ban: Status

Mar 11, 2020

On March 9, 2020 a series of Parliamentary questions was submitted by Lord Alton of Liverpool one of which asked the Department for Work and Pensions (HL 2312): “To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to (1) maintain the total prohibition on the use of asbestos, and (2) rule out any instance of permitting products containing up to one per cent of asbestos as per regulations in the United States, after December 2020.” See: Hansards. Written Questions and Answers, March 9, 2020 by Lord Alton of Liverpool.
 

Asbestos in Healthcare

Mar 10, 2020

In response to a Parliamentary question posed by MSP Monica Lennon [see: Question S5W-27540 on 20/02/2020), the Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman admitted that the Government had no data about the asbestos contamination of the NHS estate in Scotland. In view of the lack of data, Health Facilities Scotland had been instructed to undertake a survey and report back by the end of April. Freeman admitted that: “The Scottish Government recognise the hazard of asbestos and the risks to health that it poses.” See: Health Secretary has no idea how many Scottish hospitals are riddled with asbestos.
 

Mesothelioma Debate

Mar 4, 2020

A debate in the House of Lords on March 3, 2020 examined the ongoing epidemic of asbestos cancer in the UK and delineated measures which had improved the situation for mesothelioma victims including an increase in research funding from public and private sources. Praising the work of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK and the Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group, Lord Alton highlighted the injustice of the situation whereby mesothelioma claimants receive more from a government scheme then do bereaved relatives: a victim aged 77 making a claim based on a 100% IIDB award receives £14,334 whereas a surviving partner receives £7,949. See: Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.
 

Mesothelioma Data

Mar 4, 2020

An analysis of mesothelioma data produced by the Health and Safety Executive in 2017 revealed that while male deaths were decreasing the number of deaths in women had risen, with multiple cases being identified from toxic occupational exposures experienced in public buildings. Commenting on the new data, one legal expert expressed sadness at the emerging trend in: “certain female-dominated professions, like teaching, social care and nursing” and warned of “a new wave of asbestos-related deaths – this time among women…” See: Rise in female mesothelioma deaths sheds new light on asbestos risk.
 

Asbestos in Marble and Stone

Feb 28, 2020

New guidelines issued by the Health and Safety Executive highlight the hazard posed by the presence of asbestos fibers in marble and basalt products and provide advice for people supplying, working or using these types of material. The 10-page document cites various pieces of legislation relevant to this subject including: the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. See: Asbestos in some types of marble and other stone: assessing the risk.
 

Asbestos in Makeup

Feb 21, 2020

A BBC 3 documentary entitled: Beauty Laid Bare revealed that an eye shadow product marketed by the cosmetics company MUA had tested positive for asbestos. US analyst Sean Fitzgerald tested samples from a MUA product called “Silent Disco” three times to confirm the findings. The company asserted that “all their products rigorously comply with all EU safety standards on contaminants and that they keep a full record of test results. They said they have carried out more recent tests on this exact batch of products which show no trace of any contamination.” Nevertheless, the sale of “Silent Disco palette” was discontinued over a year ago. See: Investigation finds asbestos in makeup palette made by popular brand MUA.
 

Asbestos in Healthcare Facilities

Feb 11, 2020

Kate Richmond, a 44-year old doctor with cancer caused by exposure to asbestos in UK hospitals, has condemned the failure of the National Health Service (NHS) to protect staff, warning of a “hidden epidemic of asbestos cancers among NHS staff and patients because hospitals have failed to properly handle toxic material.” Richmond won her legal case against the NHS which had, her lawyers argued, negligently exposed her to asbestos whilst she was a medical student and a junior doctor in Coventry. According to HSE data, between 2011 and 2017, 128 people working in health and social care died from mesothelioma, the same cancer Richmond contracted. See: Dying doctor warns of asbestos ‘hidden epidemic’ caused by NHS failures.
 

Asbestos Conviction

Feb 6, 2020

A January 31, 2020 press release issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) detailed the conviction of Barry Patchett, trading as BSN Demolition, for contravening Regulations 7(2), 11(1) and 12 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Patchett was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for one year, and ordered to pay costs of £1,000. Commenting on the case, HSE inspector Stuart Whitesmith said: “Asbestos is not just a problem of the past; it can be present today in any building or industrial process plant built or refurbished before the year 2000. In this case, Mr Patchett failed to follow basic safe working practices required by the Regulations.” See: Employer sentenced for failing to implement safe working practices for the removal of asbestos.
 

Mesothelioma Treatment: Update

Jan 31, 2020

The National Mesothelioma Audit organisational audit report 2019, which was released on January 21, 2020 by Mesothelioma UK and the Royal College of Physicians “is the first organisational report produced by the National Mesothelioma Audit (NMA).” The report, which examined the current situation in the UK regarding mesothelioma multidisciplinary team (MDT) services, concluded that patients referred to a specialist mesothelioma MDT “were significantly more likely to benefit from access to a mesothelioma-specific clinical nurse specialist and on-site access to mesothelioma clinical trials.” See: National Mesothelioma Audit organisational audit report 2019.
 

Asbestos Charity Faces Funding Crisis

Jan 13, 2020

Glasgow City Council has turned down an application from the renowned charity Action on Asbestos – formerly called Clydeside Action on Asbestos – due to an administrative error. Once this mistake was spotted, the charity sent the appropriate document to the Council and resubmitted the application but by then the decision had been made. The £50,000 grant which had been awarded in previous years had been the only source of public funding for this organization which had supported asbestos victims not only in Glasgow but throughout Scotland for over thirty years. See: Glasgow asbestos charity fears for future after council refuses to consider its funding application.
 

MoD Asbestos Scandal

Dec 16, 2019

The British trade union “Unite” issued a strong condemnation of negligence by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) which resulted in thousands of civilian staff and members of the military being exposed to asbestos contained in parts used in Sea King helicopters and elsewhere throughout the MoD. In correspondence to Unite, the defence minister Annabel Goldie wrote: “Regrettably, this work exposed failings beyond Sea King, and it is now clear that ACM (asbestos-containing materials) have not been properly identified and tracked across a range of equipment platforms.” See: MoD faces criticism as it admits widespread asbestos failings.
 

Toxic Ship

Oct 23, 2019

It has been reported that the Portuguese cruise ship MV Funchal bought at auction in December 2018 by a UK company called Signature Living (see: Asbestos Vessel Cruising to london?) is now being towed to Liverpool. At the time of the sale, it was believed that the ship contained about 100 tons of asbestos, including products containing chrysotile, amosite and tremolite fibers, in friable condition. It is unknown whether the asbestos has been removed. According to a facebook upload, the company plans to refurbish the ship for use as a hotel in the UK. See: MV Funchal.
 

New Scottish Asbestos Play

Oct 14, 2019

As the number of cases of asbestos-related disease continues to rise in Scotland, a play – “Fibres” – has been premiered that explores the repercussions for a shipyard worker and his wife of occupational asbestos exposures. The work by Glasgow-based playwright Frances Poet was staged by the Glasgow Citizens Theatre and Stellar Quines, a women’s theatre company, and directed by Jemima Levick. Although asbestos is banned in the UK, millions of tonnes of asbestos-containing products remain in hospitals, schools, social housing, private homes, public and commercial buildings. For details of upcoming performances of Fibres see: citz.co.uk.
 

New Mesothelioma Scheme on Jersey

Oct 1 2019

People on the island of Jersey with diffuse mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, and relatives of those who died from mesothelioma will now be eligible for one-off lump sum payments from the Jersey Government. The new scheme, which was first mooted in a well-supported e-petition to the government, was approved by the States Assembly. The size of the compensation award is dependent on an applicant’s age at the time of diagnosis and ranges from £92,259 for an individual aged 37 and younger to £14,334 for someone 77 and over. See: Islanders diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer to get government compensation.
 

Asbestos on the Farm

Sep 24, 2019

An inquest into the death of a 75-year-old Dorset farmer was opened in Bournemouth on September 20, 2019. Mary Elcock had received multiple exposures to asbestos throughout her childhood and later life. She was diagnosed with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma on July 26, 2019 and died on September 11. According to a coroner's officer Ken McEwan, the deceased grew up on a farm which had asbestos roofs and in later life lived at a farm in Wimborne which had demolished its asbestos buildings in 1975. According to one UK expert, there remains: “[a] massive job to do to effectively manage asbestos, particularly on farms.” See: Asbestos danger highlighted as farmer dies from exposure.
 

Mesothelioma UK Publication

Sep 24, 2019

The 24-page Autumn 2019 issue of Mesothelioma Matters Magazine published by Mesothelioma UK contains feature articles which detailed developments pertinent to members of the UK mesothelioma community including information about: the recruitment of new specialist mesothelioma nurses; activities held on the UK’s Annual Action Mesothelioma Day; outreach work to support asbestos-injured veterans; fund-raising initiatives; upcoming events; and work by civil society partners to raise awareness of the hazard posed by occupational exposures to asbestos remaining within the country’s infrastructure. See: Mesothelioma Matters Magazine, Autumn 2019.
 

Ministry of Defence

Sep 18, 2019

New rules published last week by the Ministry of Defence could significantly impact on the rights of service and civilian personnel to bring claims for occupational asbestos exposures. The previous regime which mandated that incidents of asbestos exposure be documented has been updated to eliminate this requirement. According to trade union official Rob Miguel: “There is little difference between the old and new guidance apart from the very worrying change that if a worker is exposed to asbestos, copies of the form detailing that exposure will no longer be supplied, preventing the worker retaining a copy or passing one onto his GP.” See: New Ministry of Defence asbestos guidance described as ‘very worrying’.
 

20 Years after the UK Ban

Sep 5, 2019

Recent articles in the Morning Star newspaper highlighted the human and societal costs of the United Kingdom’s 100+ years love affair with asbestos, citing Health and Safety Executive data which revealed an ongoing deadly epidemic currently killing 5,000 people every year. In light of this devastation, the author deplored the fact that UK-based companies were continuing to profit from global asbestos sales. The David and Goliath legal battle mounted by June Hancock, an asbestos cancer victim, against a subsidiary of the British multinational Turner & Newall Ltd. was remembered in a second article (see: The Woman Who Took on the Armley Asbestos Tragedy). See: Asbestos – a Bloody Anniversary!
 

UK Mesothelioma Compensation

Sep 2, 2019

A scheme set up by the UK government in 2014, and paid for by a levy on the insurance industry, to provide compensation for people who contracted diffuse mesothelioma from occupational exposures and whose former employers could not be traced has, to date, paid out £172.6m. Official statistics published on August 29, 2019 reported that: in the financial year 01 April 2018 to 31 March 2019, 370 applications were received; excluding pending applications, 79% of applications received were successful; 92% of applicants were male – 68% of successful applicants (68 per cent) were aged between 65 and 79. See: Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme Official Statistics.
 

Asbestos Scheme in Jersey

Aug 14, 2019

A scheme – the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme – which will be operational from October, 2019, has been announced by the Government of Jersey to compensate Jersey residents who contract mesothelioma, the signature cancer associated with exposure to asbestos. Eligible claimants could receive a one-off payment of up to £92,000 but amounts are dependent on the age of the applicant, with older people receiving less; a person aged 70 would be entitled to £17,961, claimants aged 77 or over would receive £14,334. This scheme is a result of campaigning by asbestos victims; a 2018 e-petition attracted over 1,300 signatures. See: Up to £92K for sufferers of asbestos disease in Jersey.
 

MoD Asbestos Contamination

Aug 12, 2019

Although personnel from an MoD (Ministry of Defence) site in Ashchurch, Gloucestershire where asbestos had been found have been put on “indefinite leave”, 20+ guards are still patrolling the military site. According to trade union official Caren Evans: “Requiring MoD guards to continue to patrol a site which is otherwise shut down owing to asbestos contamination is alarming. Workers have to change their boots, clearly indicating a risk of further contamination. No worker should be placed in harm’s way. Changing boots does not protect workers from breathing in asbestos, which can have fatal consequences.” See: No response from MoD on worker asbestos exposure.
 

The Lancet’s Asbestos Editorial

Aug 5, 2019

Citing the latest mesothelioma mortality data from the UK’s Health and Safety Executive, an editorial in the latest issue of The Lancet (August 2019, Vol. 20) – the world’s oldest and most prestigious medical journal – condemned national governments which had failed to protect human health by banning asbestos and warned that in nations such as the US, Russia, China and others which are still using or producing asbestos “we can only expect the incidence of asbestos-related mesothelioma and diseases… to continue to rise unless governments act to address this highly preventable cause of premature death.” See: Asbestos exposure: the dust cloud lingers.
 

Supreme Court Victory

Jul 30, 2019

On July 29, 2019, the Supreme Court issued a verdict granting public access to court documents in a case involving a British subsidiary of a former asbestos multinational. The judgment in the case of Cape Intermediate Holdings Ltd v Dring (for and on behalf of Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK) can be accessed at Cape Intermediate Holdings v Dring Judgment and a press summary at Press Summary. In lead judgment, Lady Hale wrote: “The default position should be to grant access to documents placed before a judge and referred to by a party at trial unless there was a good reason not to do so.” See: Supreme Court ruling grants public access to court documents.
 

Asbestos and the Army

Jul 26, 2019

Up to 1,000 of the 2,600 people diagnosed in the UK with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma every year are Armed Forces personnel; asbestos was commonly used in military vehicles, ships and buildings. To provide those affected with support, Helen Wilkes has been designated as the country’s first clinical nurse specialist to assist serving personnel and veterans affected by asbestos-related diseases. Information she will be providing under the nationwide programme will include material on benefits available, treatment options and the latest clinical trials. This Government-funded initiative is also supported by funding from two mesothelioma charities. See: UK's First Asbestos-Related Cancer Nurse To Focus On Military Patients.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 18, 2019

Following the publication by the Department of Education of data on the “management” of asbestos in schools, teaching unions – the Association of School and College Leaders and the NASUWT – called for a phased asbestos removal program in schools. According to the asbestos survey, to which ~85% of schools responded (19,522), almost one in five schools are failing to comply with UK guidelines for managing asbestos. Speaking on behalf of the NASUWT Chris Keates expressed concern: “that in a significant number of schools, asbestos is still not being managed safely.”...“The Government is,” she said “simply not doing enough to protect staff and pupils.” See: ‘Stopgap’ attitude to asbestos in schools must end.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 18, 2019

On July 16, 2019 the Department for Education uploaded information about asbestos in schools including: The Asbestos Management Assurance Process (AMAP) Report, a list of participating schools and responsible bodies (up to 19 June 2019) and 2017 asbestos data collection. The conclusion of the AMAP Report, predictably, downplayed the hazard posed by asbestos remaining in the majority of UK schools concluding: “The analysis has revealed good practice in the majority of schools, but some gaps in the management of asbestos in some schools. We will be verifying responses and addressing points of concern with schools and their responsible bodies, and where appropriate share information with the HSE.” See: Asbestos data collections.
 

Kent’s Asbestos Legacy

Jul 16, 2019

Campaigners highlighted the incidence of asbestos-related disease in Kent due to occupational exposures at the Chatham dockyards and the presence of asbestos in local schools at a conference this month (July 2019) in Chatham. Seventy percent of Medway’s schools still have asbestos-containing products in the walls, ceilings, floors and window frames. According to former physics teacher and campaigner John Reeves: “Just slamming a door or putting a drawing pin into a wall can send deadly particles spinning through the air in classrooms.” The HSE advice to leave these products undisturbed is, he said, “rubbish”. See: Thousands of Medway's children and teachers at risk from asbestos in schools.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 11, 2019

In a new article by Professor Andrew Watterson – who has studied the global costs of asbestos use for a number of years on behalf of the World Health Organization – the hazards posed by the asbestos contamination of UK schools is reaffirmed and readers are reminded that there is no safe levels of exposure to asbestos, an acknowledged carcinogen. The author concludes that: “Managing and maintaining asbestos in schools looks likely to continue being a problem, so the commitment to high-quality asbestos removal as the best solution to such a serious health hazard seems the best precautionary approach.” See: Asbestos in schools: what you need to know.
 

Specialist Care for Mesothelioma Patients

Jul 10, 2019

In a bid to speed up diagnosis and treatment of patients in Scotland with mesothelioma, a new plan has been implemented for all patients referred to the Scottish Mesothelioma Network. Under the scheme, patients will be provided with access to a dedicated mesothelioma clinical nurse specialist, who will deliver enhanced support locally for patients and carers. Network staff, based in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Dundee and Aberdeen, will communicate at weekly multi-disciplinary team meetings to discuss patients’ progress and consider treatment options. See: All Scottish mesothelioma patients to get dedicated nurse specialist.
 

UK’s Asbestos Crisis

Jul 9, 2019

An article in The Guardian Online’s edition of July 7, 2019 reported that: “The death toll from asbestos exposure has reached crisis levels in Britain … as people pay the price for ‘criminal failings by industry and government’ made decades ago.” The article quoted the latest HSE mortality statistics: 2,523 Britons died from mesothelioma, the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure, in 2017; mesothelioma rates doubled between 1995 and 2017. Interviews with mesothelioma sufferers Mavis Nye and John Chapman personalized the human tragedies behind these statistics. See: Britain’s death toll from asbestos at crisis level, figures reveal.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 9, 2019

An article which discussed the hazard posed by the presence of asbestos-containing products in UK schools detailed the campaign by trade unionists and health and safety activists for a phased removal of asbestos from schools. The article reported comments from “leading cancer expert” Professor Julian Peto that “the campaign to get asbestos removed from all schools in the UK is unnecessary and could cause more deaths.” Disputing Peto’s position, Chairperson of the Asbestos in Schools Group said: “There’s no central database of where asbestos is and what condition it’s in, so he’s making a presumption based on what?” See: Leading cancer expert says campaign to remove asbestos from schools could cause more deaths.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 5, 2019

In a somewhat bizarre coincidence, a front page article about the UK’s asbestos in schools scandal appeared in The Guardian newspaper on Action Mesothelioma Day (July 5), a day when asbestos victims’ groups and charities throughout England, Scotland and Wales will be holding information sessions, public rallies, ecumenical services and other activities to remember those whose lives have been lost due to asbestos exposures. The article reported that 700 schools, attended by thousands of students, had been reported to the Health and Safety Executive over concerns that they were failing to manage asbestos safely. See: Revealed: the asbestos risk at hundreds of schools.
 

British Asbestos Mortality

Jul 5, 2019

Data released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on July 3, 2019, reported a provisional estimate for the number of British deaths from mesothelioma in 2017 as 2,523 [Annex I, page 13]. In 2016, there were 2,595 mesothelioma deaths; the 2017 figures show a fall in mortality of 72 or ~3%. It is premature to conclude that this decrease is symbolic of a long-term trend. Based on previous HSE guidelines, this figure suggests that when combined with other asbestos-related deaths, more than 5,000 people per year are dying from these avoidable diseases. See: Workplace fatal injuries in Great Britain, 2019.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 4, 2019

An article in the Mirror newspaper on July 1, 2019 reported that a recent investigation had revealed that pupils and staff at more than 5,200 primary schools in England remained at risk of asbestos exposures. In addition to the 13 local authorities which reported that they did not have asbestos audits of schools under their control, academies and free schools were exempted from the survey as they were not required to report to their local education authority on asbestos. Since 1980, 319+ teachers have died from the asbestos cancer, mesothelioma; 65% of these deaths occurred since 2001. See: Asbestos danger at 5,000 primary schools puts children and teachers at risk.
 

20th Anniversary of Britain’s Asbestos Ban

Jul 2, 2019

A special issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter was published for Action Mesothelioma Day 2019 which examined data, developments and grassroots initiatives in the twenty years since Britain banned asbestos. The eight-page essay included an original timeline listing landmark events from 1898 till 2019, such as the first factory inspector’s report about the “evil effects” of occupational asbestos exposures, the publication of key research papers and the formation of asbestos victims groups and asbestos charities in England, Scotland and Wales. See: British Asbestos Newsletter. Spring/Summer 2019, Issue 109.
 

UK Mesothelioma News

Jul 1, 2019

The Summer 2019 issue of Mesothelioma Matters was uploaded on June 28, 2019 by Mesothelioma UK in time for the week-long activities marking Action Mesothelioma Day to be held between June 28 and July 7, 2019. The 28-page publication covers a wide range of subjects, including the very latest news about UK mesothelioma clinical trials, the use of new therapies such as cannabis oil to treat symptoms, the events being planned to mark Action Mesothelioma Day 2019 and topical features authored by legal as well as medical and nutritional experts. Information on the work of asbestos victims’ groups is included as is news of awards given for mesothelioma research projects. See: Mesothelioma Matters.
 

Clarity for Reinsurers

Jun 6, 2019

A unanimous verdict handed down by the Court of Appeal on April 17, 2019 in the case of Equitas Insurance Limited v Municipal Mutual Insurance Limited [2019] was the first to provide the reinsurance industry with guidance on the allocation of mesothelioma liabilities. The Court ruled that claims for losses must be allocated on a pro rata basis by reference to time on risk to avoid the practice of “spiking”: choosing to bring a claim against the reinsurance policy which would yield the maximum payout. See: UK: Reinsurers entitled to reject “spiking” of mesothelioma losses.
 

Liverpool: Action on Asbestos

May 20, 2019

For years, Liverpool has been an asbestos hotspot with a high incidence of asbestos-related disease amongst dockyard workers and people employed in the construction and ship repair sectors. On May 16, 2019, the Liverpool Trade Union Council unanimously approved a motion proposed by the Merseyside Pensioners Association deploring the action of vested interests at the Rotterdam Convention in May 2019 which blocked the listing of chrysotile asbestos; demanding that the Chemical Review Committee’s recommendations be adopted; urging all Parties to support reforms to the Convention; and issuing calls for a demonstration outside the Russian Embassy on or near the 24th November (the 20th anniversary of the 1999 UK asbestos ban).
 

Asbestos in Beer!

May 14, 2019

The reasons for the increase in UK incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma over the last 50 years and a male to female ratio of > 4:1 were explored in a paper uploaded on May 9 to the website of The British Journal of Cancer. The authors explored the hypothesis that asbestos ingested in beer brewed using asbestos filtration, an unregulated and popular commercial practice during the 1970s, might be the explanation and concluded that: “Asbestos ingestion, either from beer consumed before around 1980, or from occupational exposure, seems a plausible causative factor…” See: Ingested asbestos in filtered beer, in addition to occupational exposure, as a causative factor in oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
 

Mesothelioma Mortality: New Data

May 13, 2019

According to data released on May 9, 2019 by the Office of National Statistics, there was a 1% reduction in the number of mesothelioma deaths in England and Wales in 2017 compared with 2016 (2,279 from 2,313). There were, however, significant increases in mortality in: Merseyside (+16%), Greater Manchester (+12%), the East Riding of Yorkshire (+56%), North Yorkshire (+16%), South Yorkshire (+8%), Kent (+13%), Essex (+12%) and Wales (+17%). See: Mesothelioma deaths by local authority, England and Wales, registered between 2015 and 2017.
 

MoD’s Asbestos Scandal

May 7, 2019

The Unite union has criticised the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for failing to provide details about 1,000 workers who may have been exposed to asbestos whilst working on Sea King helicopters and for failing to detail steps taken to identify at-risk personnel. According to the MoD, many of those who worked on the fleet since 1969 were external contractors; there is no central record of their names. Commenting on this situation, Unite national officer Jim Kennedy said: “The MoD is more interested in covering up its failings then ensuring that workers who may have been exposed to asbestos are notified about their contamination.” See: MoD criticised for failing to reveal workers potentially exposed to asbestos.
 

Recognition for British Campaigners

May 3, 2019

On April 15, 2019 it was announced that honorary doctorates would be bestowed by Kent University on Mavis Nye, a mesothelioma sufferer, and her husband Ray who have been campaigning actively to raise asbestos awareness ever since she was diagnosed with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. The presentation will take place on July 9, 2019 at Rochester Cathedral. Commenting on this news, Mavis wrote: “It is an honour – a huge honour but I don’t do all this work for honours. I just want asbestos awareness and a cure for Mesothelioma so if I’m playing a small part alongside so many activists then I am fulfilling my part in a larger world.” See: A Diary Of A Mesowarrior Living With Mesothelioma.
 

Victory in Asbestos Case

Apr 12, 2019

A judgment was handed down in the High Court in London on April 10 (see: Dr Robin Rudd v (1) John Bridle and (2) J&S Bridle Limited) in a case brought by Dr Robin Rudd – one of the UK’s leading medical experts on asbestos-related diseases – against John Bridle, pro-asbestos advocate and former asbestos businessman, who the judge said was “dishonest and obstructive throughout the proceedings.” In 2014, Bridle had lodged a complaint – later dismissed – against Dr Rudd with the General Medical Council “alleging that Dr Rudd had falsified the risks to health associated with chrysotile asbestos in expert reports.” Bridle has been ordered to provide all personal data relating to Dr Rudd and disclose the names of the recipients of the data. See: Landmark Judgment on Data Protection Act 1998.
 

House of Lords’ Asbestos Statement

Apr 5, 2019

In a written answer issued on April 4, 2019 to a question asked on April 1 by Lord Alton regarding the country’s ongoing epidemic of asbestos disease – which is claiming 5,000 lives every year – Baroness Buscombe, on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions, wrote: “employers and employees [need] to remain vigilant when undertaking work which may disturb asbestos. The Health and Safety Executive and Local Authority inspectors will continue to take action in cases of non-compliance with the law…” See: Asbestos: Industrial Diseases: Written Answer – HL14926.
 

Asbestos in Water Delivery System

Apr 1, 2019

Residents of the picturesque village of Cranleigh, 40 miles south of London, are taking action over the presence of asbestos in 30% of the pipes in the water delivery system; up to 20% of the water provided to consumers in England and Wales flows through 37,000 km of aging asbestos cement pipes. The fact that these pipes have reached the end of their 50-70 year lifespan has raised concern in Cranleigh over the potential for contamination of the water delivered through them; according to a US expert: “the ingestion of asbestos causes gastrointestinal tract and kidney cancers.” Campaigners are urging Thames Water, the regional supplier, to replace the toxic pipes. See: Testing the water: asbestos in old pipes raises a call for action.
 

Laboratory Asbestos Exposure

Mar 27, 2019

The family of Elizabeth Griggs, who died in April, 2017 from the signature asbestos cancer mesothelioma, has launched a legal action claiming that exposure to asbestos materials associated with bunsen Burner use – primarily asbestos mats and impregnated gauzes – which she handled whilst employed at the Wells Cathedral School in Somerset as a lab technician between 1969 and 2001 caused her illness. According to the Health and Safety Executive, up to 2018 asbestos-containing wire gauze [for use with Bunsen burners] had been on sale for a number of years, despite the asbestos ban adopted in 1999. See: Science lab technician's family launch legal action to find out if she was killed at 79 by asbestos from school Bunsen burners.
 

Scotland’s Asbestos Legacy

Feb 20, 2019

The (online) Guardian article referenced below (in the context of health inequalities in Scotland) points to the deadly effects of the widespread and uncontrolled use of asbestos in the construction industry and shipbuilding on generations of workers and their families – “the families of (asbestos) victims are still fighting against the avarice and inhumanity of the corporate insurance industry” – and the ongoing hazard posed by the presence of asbestos-containing products in 1,600 schools and educational institutions. The author draws particular attention to the decades of campaigning and victim-support work undertaken by the Glasgow-based victims’ group Clydeside Action on Asbestos. See: Asbestos has haunted Scotland for decades – our children are still at risk.
 

Parliamentary Mesothelioma Debate

Feb 6, 2019

On February 6, 2019, Sarah Newton, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, moved that the draft Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations 2019, laid before the House of Commons on January 15, be approved – they were. The 2019 regs increase the rates of payments set out in the Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) Regulations 2008 by 2.4%; the last uprating for the rates of payment had been on April 1, 2018. MPs – including Dennis Skinner, John Woodcock, Mike Amesbury, Ann Clwyd, Tracy Crouch, Peter Grant and Paul Scully – debated the motion. See: Hansard: House of Commons debate – Social Security.
 

Mesothelioma: Personalized Treatment

Feb 1, 2019

The Mesothelioma Stratified Therapy (MiST) trial, into the use of personalized treatment for mesothelioma, has opened in Leicester Hospital under the aegis of Professor Dean Fennell, Chair of the Mesothelioma Research Programme at the University of Leicester and scientific lead for the MiST trial. Explaining the rationale for the new protocols, Professor Fennel said: “By matching new drugs to the individual’s type of mesothelioma, for the first time, we have an unparalleled opportunity to rationally choose drugs most likely to control a patient’s mesothelioma. We hope that MiST will accelerate advances in extending survival and quality of life for patients with this aggressive cancer.” See: Treat mesothelioma: Medical trial opens to treat asbestos-related cancer.
 

Mesothelioma Compensation

Jan 25, 2019

In a written statement to Parliament on January 23, 2019, Sarah Newton, Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, announced that active UK insurers will be required to pay a levy of £39.8 million for the year 2018-19 by the end of March 2019 to finance the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) – a scheme of last resort for sufferers unable to trace their employer or their employer’s insurer – under which 1,000 mesothelioma sufferers have been awarded compensation totalling £133.8m since April 2014. See: Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (Levy) 2018-19 . Department for Work and Pensions written statement –23rd January 2019.
 

Alert: Asbestos in Schools

Jan 23, 2019

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is “seriously concerned” about an information vacuum regarding asbestos in schools after 23% of schools in England failed to comply with a 2018 request from the Department of Education (DfE) to report how much asbestos remained in their buildings and what measures were in place to manage it. The PAC told MPs that schools which had not reported back should be “named and shamed”. Commenting on this situation on behalf of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney said: “Failure to provide the DfE with information about management of asbestos in schools is putting lives at risk.” See: Schools failing to report asbestos details.
 

Asbestos Espionage

Dec 31, 2018

A covert operation mounted by an international corporate surveillance agency to infiltrate the ban asbestos network has resulted in substantial damages being paid by K2 Intelligence. Two years into a legal case brought by five of the campaigners targeted, the company agreed to settle the case but only after the court had heard details of the undercover methods used to gather information about the methods, funding and plans of the activists and the roles played by the spy Rob Moore, who introduced himself as a maker of documentary films, and his K2 handler Matteo Bigazzi. See: I Spy.
 

Asbestos Legacy

Dec 21, 2018

Decades of asbestos manufacturing left a deadly legacy in Spodden Valley, where the 72-acre contaminated site of the world’s largest asbestos factory continues to pose an imminent health hazard to local people. Although production ceased long ago, the waste dumped on the site and the pollution it caused remain, as shown by results from air and soil tests conducted in 2013. Since 2011, the land has been owned by “a mysterious offshore company based in a tax haven.” Information from a survey they commissioned in 2016 has yet to be released to the Council or the public even though it has already been received by the land owner. See: The Secret of Spodden Valley.
 

Asbestos in Hospitals

Dec 13, 2018

Information received pursuant to Freedom of Information requests made to all 243 NHS trusts in Britain by the BBC confirmed that “about” 9 out of 10 NHS trusts have hospitals containing asbestos.” The BBC identified 352 legal claims against health trusts made between January 2013 and December 2017 by people who had developed asbestos-related diseases from exposures in NHS buildings. The trusts say those claims resulted in payouts of ~£6.8m; three law firms told the BBC they had secured compensation of more than £16.4m in the same period for asbestos exposures in healthcare settings. MP Jo Stevens, chair of the Parliamentary Asbestos Sub-Group, is urging action to prevent more toxic exposures in hospitals. See: Nine out of 10 NHS trusts have asbestos in hospitals.
 

Sea King Asbestos Scandal

Dec 6, 2018

On December 5, 2018, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a media release updating the extent of asbestos-containing products present on Sea King helicopters and now admits that they are still contaminated: “the risk remained that asbestos-containing components could still be fitted to Sea King aircraft. Action has been taken to remove these components from the supply chain.” Veterans, former and current civilian employees and serving members of the armed forces are advised of what action they can take if they have concerns about asbestos exposures on these aircraft. See: Sea king helicopters, asbestos.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Dec 3, 2018

On November 21, 2018 MP Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) tabled a Parliamentary question to the Secretary of State for Education asking “what steps his Department is taking to assist with the removal of asbestos from schools in England.” The response received on November 26 reinforced public concern regarding the health emergency posed by widespread asbestos contamination of schools: “While asbestos will be removed over time from the school estate as part of any rebuilding or refurbishment programme, the Department has not committed to the phased removal of all asbestos by a specific date.” See: Schools: Asbestos:Written question – 194035.
 

Compensation in Jersey

Nov 22, 2018

Politicians in Jersey’s States Assembly have unanimously approved a plan to pay statutory compensation to people who contract mesothelioma, after a campaign begun by mesothelioma sufferer Brian Coutanche, who died in July 2018. Mr Coutanche experienced multiple incidents of asbestos exposure during his career in the construction industry for the States of Jersey. Mesothelioma widow June Summers Shaw, who launched a petition calling for a mandatory mesothelioma compensation scheme on Jersey, welcomed the news, telling a reporter: “Mesothelioma has no viable treatment and no cure. Life expectancy is 12-18 months.” See: Jersey to introduce mesothelioma compensation scheme.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Nov 13, 2018

On November 12, 2018, schools minister Nick Gibbs admitted that the failure of schools to submit information about asbestos management at their premises has pushed back publication of the school asbestos survey until Spring 2019, too late for this information to influence the comprehensive spending review which will allocate funds for schools in 2020. He said: “Seventy-seven per cent of schools have responded so far, but we expect all state-funded schools and academies to participate, so we have re-opened the assurance process from today until February 2019, to give them a further opportunity to do so.” See: DfE re-opens asbestos survey after thousands of schools fail to respond.
 

Asbestos Espionage!

Nov 9, 2018

Legal proceedings brought by ban asbestos campaigners in London have ended with the campaigners receiving substantial damages and costs from K2 Intelligence Ltd. (K2) whose Executive Managing Director Matteo Bigazzi hired an operative Robert Moore to spy on them for clients representing asbestos interests in Kazakhstan. For over a year, K2 refused to reveal the identities of their clients but in March 2017, they were named as: Wetherby Select Ltd., a holding company registered in the British Virgin Islands, and Kazakh national Nurlan Omarov and US citizen Daniel Kunin, both of whom were “directly involved in Kazakhstan’s asbestos industry.” See: Corporate intelligence agency pays substantial damages over claim for spying [English original] or [version Française].
 

National Asbestos Epidemic

Nov 5, 2018

An 18-page document published on October 31, 2018 by the Health and Safety Executive entitled “Asbestos-related diseases in Great Britain, 2018” provided updated data for mesothelioma and asbestosis Industrial Injuries Disablement (IIDB) cases (2017), and asbestosis deaths (2016). The mesothelioma mortality figures for 2016 reported in this publication were the ones first released in July 2018 and confirmed that the national epidemic shows no sign of abating: in 2016, 2,595 people died from mesothelioma, a 2% increase on the figure (2,542) for 2015. See: Asbestos-related diseases in Great Britain, 2018.
 

Mesothelioma Engagement

Oct 29, 2018

A paper published this month (October 2018) detailed efforts by a UK mesothelioma charity to break down barriers to communication between mesothelioma patients, their carers and researchers. The authors described arrangements for activities on Action Mesothelioma Day in 2016-2018 and the feedback from participants which suggested that this fusion “of speed-dating… and the Dragon’s Den” created an environment more conducive to disseminating information through discourse and questions than a traditional format, where experts made Powerpoint presentations. See: Meet the researchers: an alternative method of engaging patients with research in mesothelioma.
 

Jersey Mesothelioma Scheme?

Oct 24, 2018

Following a campaign for government support for asbestos victims resident on Jersey, Deputy Carina Alves lodged a proposition calling on Social Security Minister Judy Martin to provide compensation to sufferers of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma in line with existing schemes in the UK and France; Guernsey has recently stated its intention to implement similar arrangements. Commenting on her proposition – which will be debated on November 20, 2018 – Deputy Alves said: “…the States [Jersey] knew of the risks involved, but did little to alert the public to it or ban the substance.” See: ‘Shameful’ if States vote against asbestos compensation.
 

Asbestos at Grenfell Tower

Oct 10, 2018

NHS England announced this week that it would provide £50 million over the next five years to fund a new health screening programme for survivors of, and first responders to, the Grenfell Tower fire – which took place on June 14, 2017 – to monitor their physical and psychological health. Asbestos-containing products were used in the construction of the North Kensington, London high rise which was built in 1974. As the latency period of asbestos-related diseases can be from 10 to 50 years, the short-term nature of this initiative will be of limited value. See: Grenfell Tower fire: NHS announces £50m health-screening programme in wake of asbestos fears.
 

Asbestos Alert by MoD

Oct 10, 2018

Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials are trying to trace former employees, including civilian technical staff, who worked on Sea King helicopters since they entered service in the late 1960s, after asbestos contamination, was found. Commenting on the current situation a MoD spokesperson confirmed that an asbestos removal program was being implemented and that the MoD “are contacting those who may have been exposed in the past, detailing the actions they should take.” See: Asbestos fears over Sea King helicopter ground crews.
 

Reducing Lung Cancer

Sep 28, 2018

An upload to the website of Cancer Research UK cited new European research that found that the number of lung cancer deaths amongst men at high risk of contracting lung cancer was 26% lower in those who had had a CT scan. These results were reported by Dr Harry De Koning from the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam who presented a paper on this subject at the World Conference on Lung Cancer in Toronto, Canada this week. Currently, there is no national lung screening program in the UK; the implementation of such a protocol is down to the National Screening Committee. See: Screening scans ‘could cut lung cancer deaths’.
 

Asbestos in Scottish Schools

Sep 26, 2018

According to information received pursuant to a Freedom of Information request, 167 primary, secondary, nursery and assisted support schools in Glasgow contain asbestos. Commenting on this revelation, Hope Robertson, secretary of the Clydebank Asbestos Group, said: “Parents should be aware of the fact that they can request a look at the asbestos register. Schools must be able to produce that… Folk say we're scaremongering, but schools, especially the Consortium of Local Authority Special Programme (CLASP) facilities, have the old pipe insulation systems in them. They are covered in asbestos.” See: 150 Glasgow schools and nurseries contain deadly asbestos.
 

Asbestos in Hospitals

Sep 25, 2018

A BBC Freedom of Information request revealed that 92% of NHS trust buildings in Britain still contain asbestos. United Lincolnshire Hospital’s Trust – which runs Lincoln County Hospital, Pilgrim Hospital in Boston and Grantham Hospital – has confirmed that asbestos is present at all of these sites but maintains that the risk to patients and staff is “very low.” MP Jo Stevens, who chairs the Parliamentary All Party Asbestos Sub-Group has concerns: “We need to be very sure that proper procedures are in place to either have it removed or, if they are saying it is safe, there is evidence to show that it is safe. We can’t just take things at face value.” See: NHS issues statement after BBC investigation reveals every hospital site in Lincolnshire has asbestos.
 

UK’s Asbestos Failings

Sep 20, 2018

A new report entitled: “Why the UK Needs Tighter Asbestos Controls” concludes that UK asbestos safety regulations and preventative measures are weaker than those in other European countries which have less of a problem and calls for the implementation of stricter controls to prevent toxic exposures. Of particular interest is the discussion of impact of the cumulative effects of low-level asbestos exposures to contaminated products within the national infrastructure on the life expectancy of children. See: UK must bring its asbestos safety rules into line with rest of Europe.
 

Asbestos in the Air

Sep 17, 2018

Last week (September 12, 2018), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that an investigation was proceeding to establish whether there was asbestos contamination of Sea King helicopters two years after a report by the Australian Defence Force had concluded that occupational asbestos exposure experienced on a Sea King helicopter by Petty Officer Greg Lukes had contributed to his cancer death (see: Petty Officer Greg Lukes' death linked to Sea King service). Considering the huge media coverage of this story – not least because Prince William had flown this type of helicopter – the MoD announcement was pretty uninformative. See: Sea king helicopters: asbestos.
 

Asbestos Alert by the MoD

Sep 12, 2018

It is feared that thousands of members of the Royal Air Force may have been exposed to asbestos-containing products installed on Sea King helicopters. In August 2018 the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that the removal of suspected parts from aircraft which have been in use since 1969 has been made a priority after evidence was given about the hazard in an Australian Defence Force report into the 2014 death of Australian serviceman Petty Officer Greg Lukes, an avionics technician who maintained Sea Kings in New South Wales. Warnings have also been given to foreign governments and civilian organisations which bought former UK military Sea Kings. See: Asbestos warning for Sea King helicopter staff.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

Aug 9, 2018

The Summer 2018 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The lead article entitled “Britain’s Asbestos Landscape 2018” provides a timely update on mobilization for asbestos justice, the availability of new asbestos cancer data and the importance of specialized nursing for mesothelioma patients. The second article reviewed presentations made and discussions that ensued at the June 26, 2018 Parliamentary Asbestos Seminar of the House of Commons. The keynote presentation was made by one of the world’s leading ban asbestos campaigners, Brazilian engineer and asbestos activist Fernanda Giannasi. See: Issue 107, British Asbestos Newsletter.
 

Legal Milestone

Aug 1, 2018

A 43-page decision handed down on July 31, 2018 by the Court of Appeal in the case brought by Graham Dring on behalf of the Asbestos Victims Support Group (the Forum) against Cape Intermediate Holdings Ltd. (Cape) – as successor to Cape PLC, formerly one of the UK’s largest asbestos conglomerates – upheld the right of the Forum to access key documents which detail Cape’s “true knowledge of the dangers of asbestos products.” These documents may prove vital for people seeking to obtain recompense for injuries by throwing “light on the way early knowledge of the dangers of asbestos was hidden from the public.” See: Landmark Court of Appeal success for asbestos victim.
 

Legal Precedent in Scotland!

Jul 27, 2018

For the first time, a Scottish court has held an employer liable for a mesothelioma death caused by second-hand exposure to asbestos; the deceased, Adrienne Sweeney, had washed the contaminated work clothes of her husband William, an employee at the Babcock and Wilcox boiler-making factory in Renfrew in the 1960s. Damages of almost £250,000 were awarded to the family after a hard won legal battle further exacerbated by the death in 2008 of Mr. Sweeney. Fortunately, a former work colleague was able to provide vital testimony. See: Family's damages award over mother's 'second-hand asbestos' death.
 

Asbestos in Island’s School

Jul 9, 2018

The Chief Minister of the Island of Jersey has been urged to take action on the hazard posed by asbestos in Jersey’s schools by Chris Keates, the general secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union and Women Teachers (NASUWT). In an open letter to Senator John Le Fondré, she wrote: “More than 300 UK teachers have died of mesothelioma since 1980 in the UK, with the rate still increasing. These deaths are normally due to asbestos exposure in schools, which again is entirely preventable. NASUWT members in Jersey have also died of this disease.” See: Call to support Islanders suffering from asbestos-related condition.
 

Say it with Flowers!

Jul 6, 2018

At the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show this week there are many ornamental gardens designed to raise awareness for special causes amongst which is one inspired by the work of Mesothelioma UK, a charity which provides support for UK asbestos victims, and designed by David Domoney. In Domoney’s blog, he explains the the garden layout; on one side “a single border brimming with lush planting represents life before disease. On the other side, a propeller water feature resembles the fluidity of life and the sea. A sweeping porcelain Pavestone path in stark white invites the onlooker to take a journey between the two sides.” See: HS Hampton Garden Displays.
 

UK Mesothelioma Mortality

Jul 5, 2018

The latest mesothelioma statistics have been published by the Health and Safety Executive and show that the number of deaths in 2016 from this asbestos cancer was 2,595. Since 2010 (2,360), the number of annual mesothelioma fatalities has risen by 10%, despite predictions that the national epidemic would peak at 2,040 per year by 2016. The reality of the situation is much graver than had been acknowledged by the authorities as the 2016 figures are 27% worse than had been forecast. With much of the 7 million tonnes incorporated within the national infrastructure still in place, there seems little chance that this epidemic will end any time soon. See: Mesothelioma in Great Britain.
 

DfE: Failing Britain’s Children

Jul 2, 2018

In the annual report published by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), multiple failings of the Department of Education (DfE) were cited. The headline “The DfE does not know how to deal with asbestos,” says it all. Commenting on the new report, PAC Chair MP Meg Hillier said she was “appalled” to learn about the “prevalence of asbestos in schools” and the DfE inability to address the threat to school users. “Asbestos is,” she said “a ticking time-bomb which will need central government support to tackle. The risk of asbestos poisoning of pupils and staff should not be a reality in 2018.” See: The DfE is ‘unrealistic’ about school cuts and 6 other morsels from the PAC’s annual report.
 

Mesothelioma Nursing Grant

Jul 2, 2018

On June 20, 2018, Mesothelioma UK announced that a £25,000 grant had been awarded to Dr. Catherine Henshall, Senior Nursing Research Fellow at Oxford Brookes University, for a project to improve follow-up care for mesothelioma patients to enable them to “live well” with their condition. Dr. Henshall will interview mesothelioma patients from three NHS Trusts to better understand patients’ experiences of follow-up care. Her findings will be used to improve future treatment protocols and ensure that new policies are evidence-based and patient-focused. See: Mesothelioma UK awards funding for research into improving follow-up care for patients.
 

Lung Cancer Breakthrough?

Jun 12, 2018

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has decided that the lung cancer immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab, also known as Keytruda, will be made available on the NHS in England. After the final NICE guidance is published this month, the drug will be made “available for people with untreated non-small cell lung cancer which tests positive for a molecule called PD-L1.” A 2017 study found that survival rates for mesothelioma patients with “highly positive PD-L1 expression was associated with statistically significantly lower median survival time.” It is unknown at this time whether pembrolizumab will be made available for the treatment of mesothelioma. See: Life-extending lung cancer drug will be more widely available on the NHS after NICE review.
 

Good News in Cheshire!

Jun 11, 2018

It was announced last week that the Cheshire Asbestos Victims Support Group (CAVSG) has received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2018; the receipt of this accolade is recognition of the excellence of the contribution made by this group, all of whom are volunteers. CAVSG, a member of the UK Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum, was started in 1992 and is run by local people who have been affected by asbestos-related disease. More about the services provided by CAVSG can be found on the group’s website at: http://cavsg.co.uk/ See: Cheshire Asbestos Victims Support Group receive Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
 

Asbestos in Schools Scandal

Jun 5, 2018

In its critical response to the Education Select Committee School and College Funding Enquiry, the Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) noted that the funding crisis is not only devastating the provision of education in the UK but also endangering the lives of pupils being taught in buildings most of which are contaminated with asbestos. The Government’s current policy of “managing asbestos in situ,” has been exposed as seriously flawed with multiple examples cited of serious incidents. JUAC believes that: “If funding was available for phased [asbestos] removal, these all too regular incidents would gradually become less frequent.” See: School funding pressures leave pupils and staff at risk from exposure to asbestos in schools.
 

Asbestos Podcast

May 23, 2018

A 25-minute podcast by The Guardian’s Science Weekly considers the UK’s asbestos legacy against a backdrop of ongoing asbestos consumption in the industrializing world. The blame for the global asbestos epidemic is laid firmly at the door of the asbestos industry which has used “horrific deceit” to skew national discussions on asbestos despite epidemiological and scientific data documenting a huge number of deaths caused by occupational and environmental asbestos exposures. The program makes the argument that in 2018 there can be no justification for the use of asbestos, a substance which cannot be controlled or used safely. See: Why is asbestos still killing people?.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

May 7, 2018

The Winter-Spring 2017-18 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The lead article entitled “Asbestos Life and Death in Brexit Britain: Part II” considers the country’s mounting death toll caused by asbestos-related diseases, the implications of ill-considered trade agreements under negotiation by a desperate Tory Government and evidence regarding the continuing sale of asbestos-containing products despite strict UK prohibitions. The feature headlined: “Achieving Justice for Mesothelioma Sufferers,” reviews recent progress made to improve benefits and support for the injured via bureaucratic and judicial means. See: Issue 106, The British Asbestos Newsletter.
 

Open Justice: Asbestos

May 3, 2018

The fate of a treasure trove of formerly confidential corporate documents detailing knowledge held by Cape Asbestos plc, formerly one of Britain’s leading asbestos companies, of the human health hazard posed by asbestos exposures has been decided by Master McCloud who ruled that non-parties with legitimate interests can access documents “filed” on the court record which are read in court even if a case settles before judgment. See: The Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum (UK) v Cape Distribution Limited & Ors [2017] EWHC 2103 (QB).
 

Asbestos in Schools Alert

Apr 25, 2018

New research by the Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) has confirmed the continuing scandal posed by asbestos in schools and colleges: almost 90% of schools are affected and 17 members of the teaching staff are dying every year from the asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. According to JUAC chair John McClean: “This information confirms that the Government’s policy of managing asbestos in schools has failed. There is absolutely no uniformity in how multi-academy trusts are managing their asbestos, and no standardised procedures followed when schools transfer to academy trusts.” See: Teachers and students at risk of asbestos exposure in schools.
 

Mesothelioma: Progress?

Apr 20, 2018

An article in The Lancet this month reviewed the global mesothelioma landscape and highlighted the inability of standard protocols to significantly improve outcomes for patients. The authors discussed pioneering therapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors, other immunotherapies, targeted therapies and combinations of novel drugs. They concluded: “New therapeutic strategies, combined with ways to identify those patients most likely to benefit from each therapy, will hopefully allow the prognosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma to be classified as a chronic disease rather than a rapidly fatal cancer, which will hopefully lead to a cure in the future.” See: Novel therapies for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Apr 19, 2018

A national program broadcast this week highlighted the pervasive and deadly scandal of asbestos contamination of UK schools, with interviews with a bereaved daughter, trade union leader and a legal expert, all of whom called for action to address the toxic exposures experienced by teachers, support staff and children on a daily basis. There was, said one interviewee, a “reluctant conspiracy of silence among those who are in a position to point out the dangers.” Failures of the Health and Safety Executive and Department of Education to address the serious issues posed by the presence of asbestos in schools were highlighted. See: Pressure on authorities to do more to remove asbestos from schools.
 

Asbestos Hazard in Construction Sector

Apr 12, 2018

According to a new survey by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), nearly a 25% of British building workers believe they have been occupationally exposed to asbestos. The release of the survey coincided with the launch of the IOSH’s latest “No Time To Lose” occupational cancer campaign. Some of the statistics reported were startling: 15% of workers said they had never been informed of the asbestos hazard, 33% never checked the asbestos register before starting work on a new site and 18% said if they found asbestos they would be unsure or have no idea of what to do. See: Asbestos: 23% of construction workers exposed.
 

Asbestos: Cosmetics Recall

Apr 10, 2018

Claire’s Accessories – a US company with international outlets – which had been ordered to recall asbestos-tainted children’s cosmetics by US, Canadian and EU authorities has now been instructed by Trading Standards officials to withdraw two of its most popular eye shadow and face blusher kits from sale at its 500 UK outlets. This action follows an alert issued on March 30 to EU member states after experts in Brussels had confirmed the presence of deadly asbestos in Claire’s products. See: Claire's Accessories is ordered to destroy make-up worn by thousands of British teenagers after tests revealed it is contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos.
 

Asbestos Scandal in Schools

Apr 7, 2018

Yesterday (April 6, 2018) the National Education Union issued a release highlighting the danger posed by asbestos in UK schools, calling the situation a “national scandal.” The 3-page text cited figures compiled by the Joint Union Asbestos Committee which revealed “the shocking disparity in asbestos management across Multi Academy Trusts (MATs).” Strong criticism was expressed by politicians and trade union leaders with MP Rachel Reeves saying: “The Government’s failure to get a grip on this issue is putting children and teaching staff at needless risk.” See: Freedom of information requests to Multi Academy Trusts reveal shocking disparity in asbestos management.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Mar 27, 2018

The role of occupational health practitioners in helping protect staff from asbestos contamination of schools – “the National Union of Teachers estimates that as many as 86% of schools contain asbestos” – is discussed in a new article which cites relevant government reports and resources including HSE asbestos mortality statistics and reports by the Department for Education’s Education Funding Agency and the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee on capital funding in schools. Recommendations made by the Joint Union Asbestos Committee are considered. See: The occupational health role in tackling asbestos in schools.
 

Asbestos Inferno

Mar 23, 2018

The asbestos fall-out from yesterday’s blaze in Glasgow city center is the subject of an article in a Scottish newspaper. The fire, which started in a nightclub, spread extensively to nearby premises many of which were older tenement-style buildings. Local people were warned of the hazard posed by asbestos liberated by the fire and were warned to keep their windows shut. As has been seen in previous instances, the purpose of article appears to be reassurance rather than information: “Experts generally say that as long as proper clean-up procedures are used there should be no significant public health risk from asbestos exposures from large-scale fires.” See: what are the dangers of asbestos in blazes such as the Glasgow fire and how can it harm your health?.
 

Mesothelioma Settlement

Mar 15, 2018

Mesothelioma patient James Casey has secured a legal settlement which includes compensation for future medical costs he incurs including for treatments which are currently not available on the NHS or have not yet been developed. Sixty-three year old Mr. Casey had been exposed to asbestos between 1969 and 1980 when he had worked as a gas engineer for the former North Eastern Gas Board. Commenting on the settlement he said: “While nothing will now change what the future holds... this settlement will ensure I will always be able to access the care and treatment that I need.” See: Landmark legal settlement after former engineer diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer.
 

Update: Mesothelioma Mortality

Mar 12, 2018

On March 5, 2018, the Office of National Statistics released a file detailing the number of mesothelioma deaths for each separate local authority in England and Wales registered in 2015 and 2016. Annual deaths increased slightly from 2,308 in 2015 to 2,313 in 2016, with the most deaths recorded in 2016 in the South East (434), the East (306), the North West (288), the South West (277), Yorkshire and the Humber (217). The largest increases noted between 2015 and 2016 were recorded in Cornwall (21), Brighton and Hove (13) South Tyneside (12) and Swale (10). See: Mesothelioma deaths by local authority, England and Wales, registered between 2015 and 2016.
 

Victory for Asbestos Claimant

Mar 6, 2018

On February 22, 2018, the Court of Appeal handed down a claimant’s verdict in the case of Bussey v Anglia Heating Ltd. which has implications for future asbestos cases, as the law lords agreed that despite previous judgments the employer of David Edwin Anthony Bussey had been negligent for allowing relatively low level workplace asbestos exposures which had led to Mr. Bussey’s death from mesothelioma. The Court of Appeal decision concluded that there was “strong support for the conclusion that the relevant risk of injury would have been reasonably foreseeable to Anglia.” See: Bussey Judgment Final.
 

Mesothelioma Legal Precedent?

Jan 29, 2018

In what is being hailed as the “first of its kind,” 74-year old mesothelioma victim Pamela Stubberfield is receiving private medical treatment funded by her former employer as a result of a “unique” settlement in which an insurer agreed to pay directly for appropriate treatment with no time limits specified. Mrs. Stubberfield is receiving the immunotherapy drug Pembrolizumab that is not available on the NHS for mesothelioma. Consultant Peter Szlosarek said that without the drug, Mrs. Stubberfield would have been died within six months of her September 2016 diagnosis. See: BOC pays woman’s asbestos-caused cancer treatment costs.
 

HSE U-Turn

Jan 22, 2018

After feedback from unions and other stakeholders during consultations on changes to the Control of Asbestos Regulations, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has abandoned plans to reduce the period between medical examinations for asbestos workers. Commenting on the HSE u-turn, Garry Graham, deputy general secretary of Prospect Union, said: “Asbestos is a silent killer of thousands of workers every year. Frequent medical checks for those engaged in the dangerous removal of asbestos from old buildings is vital to pick up any symptoms as early as possible. We welcome the HSE seeing sense on this issue.” See: Plans to water down medical checks on asbestos workers abandoned - Prospect Union.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jan 17, 2018

Today (January 17), a Welsh Cross Party Group on Asbestos meeting will take place to consider the issue of asbestos in Welsh schools and public buildings. A fortnight ago, members of the Welsh Petitions Committee agreed to progress a petition (see: Asbestos in Schools Petition) calling for investigations by the National Assembly regarding the hazard posed by asbestos in Welsh schools and the right of parents to “easily access information about the presence and management of asbestos in all school buildings.” See: Welsh Petitions Committee meeting, January 9, 2018 (paragraphs 21-27).
 

Asbestos Alert: Product Recall?

Jan 2, 2018

Despite reports that a laboratory had found tremolite asbestos in multiple products sold by Claire’s Accessories for use by children in the US and action taken by Canadian authorities over the contamination, the company selling these products in the UK – Claire’s Accessories Europe – has not confirmed that a product recall has been issued. Messages on twitter and facebook are uninformative: “The initial results of testing by an independent certified laboratory show that the cosmetics tested to date are asbestos free…We will continue to honor returns for any customers remaining uncomfortable.” See: Claire’s Europe Facebook Page.
 

Assessing the Asbestos Cancer Risk

Dec 10, 2017

A paper appearing in the January issue of the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health highlights the importance of early diagnoses of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, which enables patients to access trials of novel treatment therapies. The authors described a method of calculating past asbestos exposures in order to assess individuals’ levels of risk of contracting mesothelioma. A strong correlation between measured and estimated asbestos exposure has been shown. See: Estimating past inhalation exposure to asbestos: A tool for risk attribution and disease screening.
 

Asbestos Alert

Dec 9, 2017

On December 7, 2017, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued an alert (Reference EFA/2017/006) over the continuing use of asbestos-containing pipe gaskets (CNA 2000) put into circulation by a British engineering company between 2006 and 2010. The contaminated products were manufactured by G&H Engineering Services with material imported from China that had been sold as asbestos-free. According to a letter by the HSE dated October 30, 2017 efforts in 2011 to alert customers “may not have been fully circulated further down the supply chain.” See: Supply of CAN 2000 pipeline gaskets: presence of asbestos.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Dec 4, 2017

The Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) has issued new guidance reminding schools of the precautions needed to prevent hazardous exposures caused by pinning up Christmas decorations and exhibits in the majority of schools which still contain asbestos products. According to the Department for Education, pressing staples or pins into asbestos-containing walls or ceilings can release harmful fibers into the air. JUAC has recommended that this alert be incorporated as part of schools’ mandatory asbestos management plans in order to give staff “timely reminders.” See: Schools told not to pin up Christmas decorations in union asbestos guidance.
 

Asbestos Site Concerns

Nov 25, 2017

On November 22, 2017, the All Party Parliamentary Asbestos Sub-Group was informed of concerns about environmental asbestos exposures in the Spodden Valley in the area where the former Turner Brothers Asbestos factory had been sited. The sub-group was asked to look into actions of public and private stakeholders with responsibilities for planning, remediation and public safety relating to asbestos contaminated land. Graham Dring, Chairman of the UK Asbestos Victim Support Group Forum, told the meeting: “Standard testing and remediation techniques for complex asbestos sites may not be safe enough.” See: Spodden Valley ‘Greyfield’ asbestos discussed at Westminster.
 

The British Asbestos Newsletter

Nov 21, 2017

The Autumn 2017 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The lead article entitled “Asbestos Life and Death in Brexit Britain” considers the country’s mounting death toll caused by asbestos-related diseases and statements by some government officials suggesting that occupational asbestos safeguards will be watered down post-Brexit. The feature headlined: “Another Asbestos Debacle?” compares measures instigated in Europe to protect workers from asbestos-contaminated shot-blasting material with the failure to take action in Britain. See: Issue 105, The British Asbestos Newsletter.
 

Asbestos Fly-tipping

Nov 20, 2017

Illegal dumping of asbestos debris in Wales has hit a 10 year high with 270 cases of asbestos fly-tipping reported in 2016-17, a 57% increase from the previous year with Merthyr Tydfil the worst affected area; the majority of the waste was discarded along highways or on footpaths and usually consisted of amounts that would fill a car boot or a small van. Commenting on the news, Rebecca Favager from Natural Resources Wales said: “Understanding and complying with the duty of care is key to stopping waste getting into the hands of illegal waste operators and can result in public money being saved…” See: Fly-tipping: Asbestos rubbish dumping hits 10-year high.
 

New Mesothelioma Specialist Nurse

Nov 17, 2017

Expert lung cancer nurse Maria Guerin has been appointed as a mesothelioma clinical nurse specialist to support patients in the asbestos hotspot of Merseyside and Cheshire. “Throughout my career,” she said “I’ve witnessed the devastating impact a mesothelioma diagnosis has on people. There is significant ongoing burden of the disease in this area, partially due to employment in the Docklands and the potential access to hazardous asbestos.” Ms. Guerin will be based at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool; her position is being funded by the national charity Mesothelioma UK. See: Specialist nurse appointed to cover high incidence of mesothelioma in North West.
 

HSE Investigation

Nov 7, 2017

Today (November 7, 2017), a spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed that the: “HSE is investigating following reports of a small number of UK users who may have been supplied with [asbestos] contaminated shot-blasting material. We are also meeting with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on this issue. As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further at this time.” The discovery last month that toxic sandblasting products were being sold in several European countries has caused a furore amongst trade unions and health authorities and led to product recalls by the Dutch Eurogrit Company which had supplied the contaminated product since 2015.
 

Mesothelioma Medical Costs

Oct 25, 2017

A Leeds asbestos claimant has come to an agreement with defendant insurers that they will cover future costs for his treatment for the cancer mesothelioma, a disease he was diagnosed with in 2015. The setting up of a Periodical Payments Order eradicates: “some of the uncertainty that comes with settling this type of claim... none of the treatment available to this Claimant can be obtained on the NHS free of charge.” In what is being hailed as “the first of its kind for mesothelioma cases,” the claimant will be assured that whenever “treatment is needed, it is covered.” See: ‘Landmark Agreement’ To Provide For Cancer Treatment In Mesothelioma Legal Case.
 

Schools: Asbestos Epidemic

Oct 20, 2017

Data released on October 19, 2017 by the UNISON trade union documented an appalling epidemic of occupational mortality caused by exposures to asbestos in schools. Between 1980 and 2015, 335 primary and secondary school teachers, eight school secretaries, eight nursery nurses, 18 school midday assistants and 24 teaching assistants died of the asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. Commenting on these statistics, UNISON head of education Jon Richards said: “The cuts in schools budgets and the fragmentation of the school system have undermined how health and safety risks such as asbestos are managed.” See: Figures reveal toll of asbestos in schools.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Oct 13, 2017

A report by the Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) issued on October 11, 2017 calls on the government to prioritize the removal of asbestos from UK schools in a phased program; a failure to do so could result in deadly products remaining in schools until 2050. The report cites a recommendation made by the Public Accounts Committee that a plan be submitted by December 2017 which details the “prevalence, condition and management of asbestos” within school estate areas. A remediation program should remove “all asbestos from schools commencing with the most dangerous first.” See: Why unsafe asbestos may still be in our schools in 2050.
 

Raising Occupational Awareness

Oct 13, 2017

A campaign by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about the hazards posed by occupational exposures to asbestos and other dusts is targeting construction workers, many of whom entered the labor force after asbestos was banned. A lack of asbestos awareness in public and residential structures needs to be addressed. One example was Artex, a widely used decorative asbestos-containing coating. The presence of Artex is a danger for DIYers as well as contractors. “Asbestos is,” the HSE admitted “also worryingly common in school buildings, many of which were built or rebuilt in the 70s and 80s.” See: HSE Warning Shows Importance of Dealing With Dust.
 

Mesothelioma Court Victory

Oct 4, 2017

A shipyard worker’s family was awarded £340,000 compensation by Lord Clarke sitting in the Edinburgh Court of Session yesterday (October 3, 2017) for his death from mesothelioma caused by occupational asbestos exposures whilst employed by the firm of Henry Robb Ltd. George Manson died aged 81 in February 2016; he had worked at the Leith shipyard in the 1960s. The company admitted that it had not done enough to protect Mr. Mason from toxic exposures. See: October 3, 2017 verdict in the case of George Manson & Others v. Henry Robb Ltd.
 

Labour: Asbestos Pledge

Sep 29, 2017

In a speech to the Labour Party conference in Brighton this week, Angela Rayner MP shadow education secretary reiterated a pledge made in the Labour Party manifesto of 2017 to eradicate the asbestos hazard from thousands of UK schools. “Instead of wasting millions of pounds on an inefficient free schools programme, we will,” Rayner said “provide funding to ensure our schools are safe – that flammable cladding can be removed, sprinklers installed and asbestos cleared.” See: Labour will pay teachers ‘properly’, says Angela Rayner.
 

Unreliable Asbestos Statistics

Sep 28, 2017

Campaigners responding to the recent publication of air monitoring results for the former Turner Brothers Asbestos site in Spodden Valley, Rochdale have challenged the way the tests were conducted and how the results were communicated to local people. Representatives of Save Spodden Valley suggested that from what Rochdale Council, which paid for the tests, has said the public could be forgiven for thinking that the “former site of the world's largest textile factory may have the cleanest air on the planet.” See: Save Spodden Valley and Greater Manchester Hazards Centre respond to Turner Brothers Asbestos survey results.
 

Guidance: Asbestos Removal

Sep 19, 2017

Guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in September 2017 entitled “a14 asbestos essentials,” explains good practice for the removal of asbestos cement products from small structures which can be undertaken by non-specialists as non-licensed tasks. Topics considered in the 3-page factsheet include preparing the work area, equipment, procedure, overlaying AC sheets, removal, cleaning, disposal, personal decontamination, clearance and checking off. The list of essential HSE reading material included in this leaflet is informative. See: Removing asbestos cement (AC) sheets, gutters etc and dismantling a small AC structure.
 

The British Asbestos Newsletter

Sep 15, 2017

The Summer 2017 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is available online. The lead article entitled Action Mesothelioma Day 2017 details a multitude of events which took place in July and concludes that this national day of mesothelioma awareness and remembrance has “now come of age.” Contributions from asbestos surveyor Ian Pass and Liz Darlison from Mesothelioma UK are informative updates on mandatory asbestos requirements for dutyholders and the availability and success of UK clinical trials for mesothelioma patients. See: Issue 104, British Asbestos Newsletter.
 

Asbestos Liabilities

Aug 5, 2017

Amec Foster Wheeler, one of Britain’s biggest engineering groups, has announced potential future liabilities of £310m for thousands of asbestos cases most of which are expected from US claimants and all of which relate to exposures to equipment manufactured during or before the 1970s. In figures released a few weeks ago, the company reported 3,800 US claims in 2016, up from 3,420 claims in 2015, many of which were for mesothelioma or lung cancer. Amec Foster Wheeler has quantified the projected figures saying that the predictions are “subject to a number of uncertainties.” See: Amec Foster Wheeler faces £310m bill to settle asbestos-related claims.
 

Mesothelioma: Victory!

Aug 11, 2017

The long-dreaded Review of Civil Litigation Costs: Supplemental Report Fixed Recoverable Costs – known more succinctly as the Jackson Report – which was published at the end of last month (July, 2017), made an exception for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung disease claims as specified on pages 101 and 102; on page 65, the report also highlighted the value of input received from the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum (AVSGF) on March 10, 2017: “The general view of the AVSGF was that such cases were not suited to FRC [Fixed Recoverable Costs].” See: Review of Civil Litigation Costs: Supplemental Report Fixed Recoverable Costs.
 

£1.27m Asbestos Fine

Jul 27, 2017

Southwark Crown Court imposed a £1.27 million fine on Balfour Beatty and two subcontractors who were, it found, been responsible for asbestos exposures which occurred on July 24, 2012 during refurbishment work at a school in Waltham Forest. Commenting on the verdict, HSE inspector Sarah Robinson said: “The principal contractor and contractors on site did not review the survey report in detail, and did not take into consideration the multitude of caveats. Therefore the work undertaken did not adopt the high standards of control expected for working where there was the potential to expose workers to asbestos.” See: Balfour and subcontractors hit with £1.27m in asbestos fines.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 23, 2017

The results of a survey conducted by the National Union of Teachers informs a new commentary in the Health and Safety Bulletin which concludes that the eradication of asbestos-containing materials from all schools must be a priority: “Schools are unlike the majority of other workplaces in that majority of their occupants are children, who engage in normal, but boisterous, behaviours that are likely to disturb asbestos.” Despite the widespread nature of the problem, the HSE has no plans to investigate the 100+ English schools which gave authorities “significant cause for concern.” See: Managing asbestos in schools is no longer a sensible option.
 

NHS Asbestos Threat

Jul 18, 2017

An investigation by BBC London has established that 94% of the capitals’ hospitals contain asbestos products. Of the 1,000 London people who have died from the signature asbestos cancer, mesothelioma since 2011, seven were doctors or nurses. While the Health and Safety Executive and government agencies such as NHS Improvement, part of the Department of Health, attempt to downplay the dangers posed by this contamination, others have claimed that the situation is tantamount to a “ticking time bomb.” An interview with the widow of a surgeon who died from mesothelioma details widespread use and uncontrolled exposures experienced by NHS staff. See: Hospital asbestos ‘a ticking time bomb’.
 

Rise in Mesothelioma Deaths

Jul 7, 2017

Figures released on July 5, 2017 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document a rise in mesothelioma mortality. In Great Britain the number of mesothelioma deaths in 2015 was 2,542, an increase on the 2014 figure of 2,519 deaths. According to the HSE press release: “The increase in mesothelioma deaths in recent years has been driven mainly by deaths among those aged 75 and above… The latest projections suggest there will continue to be around 2500 deaths per year for the rest of this current decade before annual numbers begin to decline. The current figures relating to asbestos-related cancer reflect widespread exposures before 1980.” See: HSE releases annual workplace fatality figures.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jun 28, 2017

A commentary published in The Guardian on June 27, 2017 highlights the downgrading of fire safety at schools which has taken place under Conservative governments. It documents failures to include asbestos as part of 2014 infrastructure audits and condemns the lack of data on the schools’ asbestos hazard. Outraged author Lola Okolosie writes: “Our collective attitude to asbestos in schools mirrors the same sleepwalking into disaster that comes from viewing rigorous safety standards as more rigmarole than necessity. In the wake of the fire at Grenfell Tower, we have a simple choice: we choose to be safe.” See: We cannot compromise safety in schools. Asbestos must be removed.
 

Grenfell Tower: Asbestos

Jun 23, 2017

On June 21, 2017, Public Health England published health advice regarding toxic exposures caused by the Grenfell Tower conflagration which included a warning about the asbestos fall-out from the disaster. Attempting to minimize public concerns over the asbestos danger, the statement admitted that while asbestos-containing material had been present in the building, the asbestos fibers were “bound” within construction products and so only “very small amounts of asbestos fibres will have been dispersed … any asbestos would present a minimal additional risk to health.” See: Public health advice following the Grenfell Tower fire.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Jun 12, 2017

An investigation by the Sunday Mail newspaper has reported the presence of asbestos in nearly half of Scotland’s schools (1,638 premises) including state nurseries, primaries and secondaries: “Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fife, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands each contained more than 100 affected schools.” Victims, family members and campaigners such as Phyllis Craig, of Clydeside Action on Asbestos, are calling for urgent action. “Councils say the risk is minimal and they put every precautionary measure in place,” says Ms. Craig “but if there’s no asbestos, there’s no risk.” See: Asbestos timebomb for 1600 schools as campaigners claim pupils face classroom cancer risk.
 

Disposal of Waste

Jun 2, 2017

The presence of shipping containers containing 2,500 tonnes of asbestos waste at the docks in Jersey has been a sticking point for many years. Finally, the authorities have confirmed that at a cost of £1 million, the contents of 290 containers of asbestos have been buried in a specially lined cell at La Collette, a household reuse and recycling centre which opened on January 16, 2017. The empty containers have, so the report cited below says, been broken down for recycling. A spokesperson for Jersey’s Department for Infrastructure said that a full-time asbestos consultant was on site to oversee the work, which began in January 2017. See: 290 containers of asbestos buried at La Collette.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

May 29, 2017

The Spring 2017 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is available online. The lead article entitled Asbestos Politics 2017 is both informative and timely as it highlights policies of political parties regarding the asbestos contamination of schools. While the Labour Party promises to resolve this health hazard, cuts by the Conservative Government to council budgets in September 2017 will ensure that dangerous conditions prevail for years to come. Documents issued by relevant authorities including the Health and Safety Executive, the National Audit Office, the Education Funding Agency and the Local Government Association are discussed. See: Issue 103, British Asbestos Newsletter.
 

Asbestos: Election Pledge

May 17, 2017

The Labour Party manifesto published today (May 17, 2017) calls for the “phased removal of asbestos from existing schools” as part of plans to reinvigorate the educational infrastructure and to invest in new school buildings and improve older ones, thereby reversing the “crippling” underfunding which has prevailed under years of Conservative Government rule. The phased removal of asbestos from schools was designated a priority action by the All Party Parliamentary Asbestos Sub-Group, the Trades Union Congress and campaigning groups, trade unions and other stakeholders. See: Labour Party Manifesto 2017.
 

HSE: Asbestos Failures

May 7, 2017

The Trades Union Congress has accused the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of “complacency” and being “irresponsible” over plans to downgrade protection for at-risk workers. A new HSE audit of the effectiveness of the 2012 Control of Asbestos Regulations failed to consider the health benefits to workers of an asbestos removal policy which would eliminate toxic workplace exposures. Unsurprisingly, the HSE maintains, “that it is better to keep the regulations” than eliminate the problem in the “estimated half a million [contaminated] workplaces (and around a million homes)…” See: Asbestos – Remove this killer Dust.
 

Supporting DWP Service

Mar 24, 2017

On Tuesday, March 21, 2017, Bob Pointer, Chair of the Cumbria Asbestos Related Disease Support Group, urged Barrow Borough Council to show its support for services provided to asbestos victims in Barrow and throughout England by staff at the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) base in Phoenix House (PH), Barrow – scheduled to be shut down as a result of government cutbacks – during a speech he made to a council meeting. Pointer asked that the council write to the Secretary of State to reinforce the importance of the work done by those at PH. The leader of the council and a number of councillors are supportive of calls to safeguard the expertise of PH staff. See: Asbestos campaigner makes plea for Barrow service.
 

Increased Compensation Payments

Mar 22, 2017

On March 20, 2017 a new formula came into effect as a result of amendments to current legislation which lowered the discount rate from 2.5% to minus 0.75%. One of the results of the change made by the Ministry of Justice will be the increase of compensation payments to personal injury claimants including asbestos victims. There is no certainty that this change will be secure from attack by the insurance industry and negligent employers; the Government is consulting on this issue with vested interests such as insurers who are, no doubt, hoping the discount rate will be increased. See: New discount rate for personal injury claims announced.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Mar 15, 2017

The scandal over the UK government’s failure to protect schoolchildren and staff from dangerous asbestos exposures continues to reverberate. On March 13, 2017, the government gave a pathetic response to a question about this issue in the House of Lords, absolving itself of responsibility for the situation, the deadly reality of which was detailed in an article in the newspaper and website of Schools Week on March 11 in which MP Rachel Reeves was quoted calling the government’s failure to act on asbestos in schools “grossly negligent.” See: Dodgy asbestos surveys costing schools ‘millions’.
 

Support for Patients

Mar 2, 2017

As of April 1, 2017, Mesothelioma UK– a national resource center providing specialist information, support and care services for mesothelioma patients – will be supporting travel expenses for mesothelioma patients to obtain specialist diagnoses or treatments from medical centers outside of their local areas. Standard class travel and accommodation will be covered for up to two nights for the patient and carer as well as the cost of car parking. To apply for this assistance, claimants can contact a helpline: 0800 169 2409. See: Patient Travel Expenses Policy (2017).
 

Scandal: Asbestos in Schools

Feb 25, 2017

A report published on February 23, 2017 by the UK government’s Education Funding Agency (EFA) revealed that 20% of schools attended by 1 million children were “not fully compliant” with asbestos procedures “in that they did not have fully documented plans, processes and procedures in place at the time of the data collection, or did not know if asbestos was present.” Chris Keates, general secretary of the teaching union NASUWT said that: “These results seriously call into question the DfE’s fundamental assumption that asbestos can be managed safely left in situ, as clearly this is not happening in too many cases.” See: Asbestos in schools is a ‘serious’ problem, Government report finds.
 

Government Mesothelioma Payouts

Feb 14, 2017

According to statistics released on January 31, 2017, more than £84 million in compensation has been awarded under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) to sufferers, or the families of those who died from mesothelioma, a cancer which killed 2,515 British people in 2014. Claimants have 3 years from diagnosis to apply for compensation. The DMPS is a scheme of last resort for mesothelioma victims who were negligently exposed to asbestos at work and are unable to trace their employer or their employer's insurer to seek compensation. See: New figures show more than £84 million awarded in compensation through Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme.
 

Concern over Barrow Cuts

Feb 12, 2017

The existence of a group working to assist victims of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma in the town with the worst incidence of this killer disease in England and Wales is under threat from proposals by the Department for Work and Pensions to relocate an expert industrial injury team now based in Phoenix House, Barrow due to the planned closure of the building. Bob Pointer, a spokesperson for the group Cumbria Asbestos Related Disease Support, told a local journalist that civil servants at Phoenix House provide vital guidance on claimants’ rights including how people can access disability benefits. See: Fears raised over future of Barrow-based support group amid plan to close health assessment centre.
 

Legal Victory for UK Victim

Feb 9, 2017

A January 13, 2017 decision in the High Court has been welcomed by the claimant’s solicitor who says this decision could pave the way for others to bring posthumous claims for the value of services lost due to the death of a loved one. The claimant, former plumber Stelios Andreou, is dying from mesothelioma contracted after occupational asbestos exposure. A claim for his illness had already been compensated but last month’s verdict by Judge Walden-Smith means that his widow will, in due course, be entitled to bring another claim for lost years of services; the defendant argued for the dismissal of this issue. See: High Court rules on ‘lost years’ compensation in mesothelioma cases.
 

Tribute to Kevin Lynch

Feb 3, 2017

The death has been reported of Kevin Lynch, a former dock worker and founding member of the Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims’ Support Group (GMAVSG). In 1994, Kevin took part in a public meeting about asbestos held at the Greater Manchester Hazards Centre. As a result of that meeting, the GMAVSG was set up; for many years, Kevin staffed a helpline, often single-handedly, which provided advice on benefits and compensation; he also gave evidence as an expert witness on the hazardous conditions and working practices on the Manchester Docks where asbestos cargo was unloaded. See: Remembering Kevin Lynch - Dock Worker and Founding Member of GMAVSG.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

Feb 2, 2017

The Autumn-Winter 2016-17 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The lead article considers the December 2016 announcement that Canada would ban asbestos by 2018 from a British perspective, while a four-page feature entitled “Victims 4, UK PLC 0” details how despite an increasingly hostile political and economic climate, substantial progress has been made over recent months by asbestos victims’ groups and campaigners in improving conditions for the injured, securing £10 million in research funds and securing an official investigation into potential asbestos imports from China. See: Issue 102, British Asbestos Newsletter.
 

Mesothelioma Audit: Good and Bad News

Dec 8, 2016

The National Lung Cancer Audit: pleural mesothelioma report 2016 (for the audit period 2014) was published this week by the Royal College of Physicians, the National Lung Cancer Audit and Mesothelioma UK. The audit reported on data from 2,179 mesothelioma patients diagnosed in England in 2014. The 38-page report details a small increase in one year survival rates with a disparity in rates across different regions. The authors highlighted the “importance of equitable access for all patients to hospitals providing the full range of mesothelioma diagnostic and treatment services…” See: New mesothelioma lung cancer data shows increase in one year survival despite regional variation in treatment.
 

Investigation Results Announced

Oct 31, 2016

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced that an investigation sparked off by concerns of UK asbestos action groups (see: Toxic Asbestos Imports from China?) has been completed. Under the enforcement of chemical legislation including the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), samples of imports for use on a project at 1 Blackfriars, London by Yuanda (UK) Co. Ltd. were analyzed. The results “indicated that there was no asbestos present in any sample…. Given that no evidence has been found … it has been decided to close the investigation and take no further action.” See: HSE October 21, 2016 communication.
 

Parliamentary Debate on Mesothelioma

Oct 28, 2016

A one-hour debate on mesothelioma took place in the House of Lords on October 27, 2016 led by Labour peer Lord Wills. The debate was about mesothelioma and featured contributions from Lord Wills, Lord Alton, Lord Giddens, Lord McKenzie and Baroness Couttie, Baroness Finlay and Baroness Warwick, with a response from Lord Prior, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health. The debate covered subjects including research funding for mesothelioma research, the issue of asbestos contamination of schools, NHS drug rationing, clinical trials and improved surgical interventions. See: Mesothelioma debate in House of Lords October 27, 2016.
 

Banned Asbestos Enters UK

Oct 20, 2016

An alert has been raised this week over the import to the UK of thermos flasks manufactured in China. Some batches of model number 0-57024 of the “thermate,” brand of 1.3 litre stainless steel vacuum jug flasks contain asbestos fibers. The importer has recalled these products which contravene EU REACH regulations. Other imports from China are also being investigated by the HSE due to questions regarding their contamination by asbestos; the suspect goods are asbestos-containing building materials for construction projects in London which have been imported by Yuanda (UK) Co. Ltd. (See HSE letter). See: Thermate Thermos Flask Recalled as they contain ASBESTOS fibres (which are Carcinogenic).
 

Disposal of Jersey’s Asbestos Waste

Sep 30, 2016

Asbestos waste stockpiled in deteriorating containers at a site at La Collette, Jersey has been a problem for several years. A consultation has now been launched on proposals which may finally pave the way for a permanent resolution of this issue by making provisions for the long-term disposal of this toxic material. Submissions regarding proposals should be emailed by October 25, 2016 to Dr T du Feu, Director of Environmental Protection, Department of the Environment (envprotection@gov.je). More information can be found on the Jersey Government website. For report see: La Collette may store asbestos permanently.
 

Improving Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

Sep 21, 2016

A paper published this month in the British Medical Journal examined the efficacy of multidisciplinary teams in providing care for UK mesothelioma patients. The researchers examined evidence relating to the work in 2014 and 2015 of one UK specialist mesothelioma multidisciplinary team and found that more cases were diagnosed more accurately and faster through this collaborative process. The team’s deliberations were also effective in “providing recommendations for further investigations of treatments.” See: What is the role of a specialist regional mesothelioma multidisciplinary team meeting? A service evaluation of one tertiary referral centre in the UK.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

Sep 19, 2016

The Summer 2016 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The lead article details recent developments in the UK’s asbestos landscape including the latest data on mesothelioma mortality, recent asbestos publications, an update on the government’s plans for a national mesothelioma center and news of an investigation by the HSE into the possibility of illegal asbestos imports to the UK by Yuanda UK, part of a Chinese-owned conglomerate. The implications for asbestos claimants of long waits for information on employment records held by the HMRC is explored in another feature article. See: British Asbestos Newsletter Issue 101.
 

Scotland: Action on Asbestos Disease

Sep 16, 2016

At a meeting this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon spoke with staff from Clydeside Action on Asbestos (CAA) about new resources to help GPs spot signs of asbestos-related diseases more quickly. The First Minister said: “This [asbestos] is an important issue for the people of Scotland, and I entirely agree that we have to make sure that there is information and support available for not only those who are living with an asbestos related disease, but also for our GPs.” NHS medical professionals have endorsed this educational resource and have agreed to signpost it on the website: http://www.cpdconnect.nhs.scot See: Doctors to be given more training to spot the signs of asbestos-related conditions faster.
 

Unacceptable Delays by HMRC

Jul 30, 2016

Andrew Tyrie, chair of the Treasury select committee, has told the chief executive of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to communicate his strategy to reduce delays in responding to enquiries for work histories from people suffering from deadly diseases such as asbestos cancers. Currently, delays of 14 months are being experienced due to outdated and faulty microfiche machines which are needed to access HMRC records. The inability to find spare parts for these machines and the difficulty in repairing them have, said the HMRC, been responsible for these delays. Claimants such as construction workers were employed by multiple employers. See: HMRC told to get on top of work history delays.
 

Asbestos in Schools Fact Sheet

Jul 23, 2016

The Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) has produced a handy 5-page advice sheet pinpointing the asbestos hazards in UK schools and providing guidance for union health and safety representatives. The issues covered in this document include: what asbestos is, where asbestos products are likely to be in schools, legal requirements regarding the management of asbestos-containing products, the hazards posed by refurbishment and repair work, risk communication strategies for keeping parents informed and specific risks such as asbestos in gas marks, helmets and cabinet heaters. Action points are suggested. See: JUAC Health & Safety Rep Advice Sheet.
 

Asbestos Site now Dumping Ground

Jul 8, 2016

The site of a former asbestos manufacturing unit belonging to the Turner & Newall conglomerate is now being used as a dumping site according to local people who report constant arrivals of tipper lorries filled with waste. There has been no consultation for the rezoning of the area and no consultation about a change of use. Enquires to the council have elicited the response: “The council was unaware of activities on the site. The Environment Agency has been notified and site visits have been made. The Environment Agency enviro crime unit is now undertaking an investigation into the situation.” See: Outrage as former asbestos site becomes unauthorised waste dumping ground.
 

Asbestos and the Brighton Bombing

Jun 23, 2016

Following the asbestos death last year (December 2015) of a police officer who had worked at the scene of the 1984 Brighton bombing, the Sussex police issued a warning on June 22, 2016 to other emergency service personnel who may have also been present at the scene. Alerts have also been sent to Conservative party members who were at the hotel for the Conservative party conference, Brighton and Hove city council, and Sussex University hospital NHS trust, warning that staff and others present at the scene could be affected. See: Brighton 1984 bomb may have exposed rescuers to asbestos.
 

Delays Increase Victims’ Despair

Jun 20, 2016

Blaming law firms for increasing the volume of compensation claims and outdated, microfiche machinery for breaking down, H M Revenue and Customs has reacted defensively to claims that victims dying of asbestos diseases are being deprived of their human rights by delays in providing information on tax records. While information is provided to some living mesothelioma victims in 10 days, other enquiries are taking an average of 383 days to be answered. Asbestos widow Marlene Hutchinson has been told it will take 18 months to receive information regarding her late husband’s work history. See: HMRC under fire over 'crazy' compensation cases backlog.
 

Unions Call for Asbestos Eradication Program

May 23, 2016

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has just released a guidance document entitled: “Asbestos – time to get rid of it” which highlights the existence in Britain of an asbestos epidemic – 5,000 Britons die every year from asbestos-related diseases – and categorically states that “so long as this asbestos is in place, workers will continue to be exposed and thousands more will die as a result of exposure.” Casting aspersions on the advice that asbestos-containing products can be “managed,” safely the TUC guidance document calls for “an agreed plan to safely remove and dispose of all asbestos once and for all.” See: Asbestos – time to get rid of it.
 

Asbestos Scandal in UK Schools

May 12, 2016

A study by the Royal Institute of British Architects referenced yesterday (May 11, 2016) in The Guardian newspaper described hazardous conditions in UK schools: “The prevalence of damp, leaky classrooms and asbestos-ridden buildings in British schools means too many pupils and teachers are struggling to learn and teach in conditions damaging to their health and education.” Since a Parliamentary body published the policy paper: Asbestos in Schools – the Need for Action in 2012 nothing has been done to address a situation deemed to be a “national disgrace.” See: Poorly designed schools affecting pupils' performance, says RIBA.
 

Environmental Asbestos Legacy

May 9, 2016

Asbestos debris may be buried but it is not gone as local people are finding out in the town of Mytholmroyd. A landslide caused by floods late last year (2015) has uncovered asbestos waste dumped decades ago by the Cape Asbestos Co. Ltd., one of the area’s biggest employers. Cape’s Acre Mill factory employed thousands of local people over the years. Amongst the products it manufactured were asbestos-containing gas masks for use during World War II. Alice Jefferson, who worked at this plant, contracted the asbestos cancer: mesothelioma. The film about her life “Alice – A Fight for Life” caused an uproar in Parliament and led to stricter regulations. See: More asbestos discovered in Mytholmroyd.
 

Payouts for Pleural Plaques in Scotland

Apr 1, 2016

On March 31, 2016, Scotland’s Court of Sessions awarded Roger Harris £15,000 compensation in full and final settlement of his claim for contracting pleural plaques. Experts predict that an uplift in the value of these claims is likely. Mr. Harris contracted this condition after he experienced high levels of asbestos exposure whilst employed by the Ministry of Defence between 1961 and 1977. Commenting on the verdict, a legal expert said the decision “shows the progress made in Scottish Courts in recognising the distress caused by the presence of pleural plaques.” See: Significant" judgement for asbestos-related cancer sufferers.
 

Report Slams Asbestos in Schools Scandal

Mar 29, 2016

A report issued this weekend by the Joint Union Asbestos Committee at the National Union of Teachers conference in Brighton, documented government knowledge about the presence of asbestos in 75% of schools, calling the failure to act on this national scandal “disgraceful.” Successive governments had, said the report, shown a “scandalous disregard for life” by failing to mandate rigorous measures to prevent future cases of asbestos cancer. According to asbestos campaigner Hank Roberts, this report proved that “absolutely everything you can think of has been going wrong - negligence, deceit, lying.” See: Asbestos scandal ‘threatens school pupils’ health’ investigation warns.
 

Mesothelioma Breakthrough by UK Scientists?

Mar 25, 2016

Researchers from universities in Bradford and Surrey have published findings which show that a drug called HRX9 stops the growth of human mesothelioma tumors implanted in mice. After three weeks of treatment with this drug the mesothelioma tumors stopped growing due to a total loss of tumor blood vessels and the widespread death of cancer cells. According to the researchers, HRX9 knocks out a key defense mechanism for the mesothelioma cells; this is the first drug that has been found to trigger the apoptosis of unhealthy cells – cancer cell suicide – in mesothelioma. See: Mesothelioma gene-targeting drug looks hopeful.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

Feb 10, 2016

The Autumn-Winter 2015-2016 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The lead article in issue 99 details the implementation of changes in the government regime for compensating former service personnel who have contracted the asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. The feature article entitled “Eradicating the Asbestos Hazard” is a detailed analysis of new data, political initiatives and literature that quantify the impact of asbestos-related disease on British citizens and call for measures to protect public and occupational health from hazardous exposures. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, issue 99.
 

MoD Fudge on Mesothelioma Payouts

Feb 9, 2016

A letter dated February 8, 2016 from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) provides no solace to those left out of a new compensation regime for veterans with mesothelioma (see: Change in Mesothelioma Regime to Benefit Veterans). Service personnel diagnosed before December 16, 2015 remain ineligible for the one-off £140,000 payment. It is unlikely that the “policy of no retrospection” will change although the MoD “continues to review the options to support these claimants in a similar manner and we hope to be in a position to provide an update soon.” See: Letter from Ministry of Defence, February 8, 2016.
 

Paper Survey of English Schools

Feb 3, 2016

On January 28, 2016, the Education Funding Agency sent a 7-page questionnaire for gathering data on asbestos in schools to headteachers throughout England. The deadline for submissions is February 29, 2016. The ten brief questions in the survey focus on the presence, condition and location of asbestos-containing products, the personnel, protocol and measures used for managing the asbestos, the level of asbestos awareness of staff and measures for informing at-risk personnel such as building contractors about the risk. The contentious HSE advice to leave asbestos in place is cited as standard guidance. See: Asbestos in schools data collection.
 

Surprises in Asbestos Surveys

Jan 27, 2016

Commenting on unusual finds during asbestos surveys, a colleague this week sent the photo below of a Chubb Safe Cabinet incorporating asbestos insulation board (AIB), commonly used in the UK from the 1930s until the 1980s. As can be seen, the board has suffered damage in use. AIB contained up to 40% amosite (brown) asbestos; sometimes the asbestos used was a mixture of amosite and chrysotile (white) asbestos but crocidolite (blue) asbestos was also used on occasion. AIB was popular for its insulation and fireproofing properties. Some types of safes and filing cabinets contained asbestos. See: Photo of open safe.
 

Government Betrays Victims, Again!

Jan 13, 2016

On January 12, 2016 the Minister for Disabled People told Parliament of the latest multi-million pound windfall for British insurers when he announced that the insurance levy to fund the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme would be reduced this year (see: Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme Levy 2015/16:Written statement - HCWS460). Reacting to this news, the TUC General Secretary said: “The government should maintain the levy at last year’s level and use any surplus to extend the compensation scheme to all victims of asbestos or for research into treatment.” See: TUC Press Release. Government must maintain mesothelioma levy.
 

Mesothelioma Research: Call for Funding

Jan 12, 2016

On January 5, 2016, MP Andy McDonald tabled Early day motion 913: Mesothelioma Research which called on the Government to “facilitate the establishment of a long-term sustainable mesothelioma research scheme funded by the insurance [industry]. Commenting yesterday on his support for the motion, MP Mark Durkan said: “We desperately need more investment in research into the causes and potential cures for mesothelioma, better treatments to give sufferers more hope, and more awareness amongst tradespeople of the continuing dangers of contact with asbestos.” See: Asbestos research scheme needed: MP.
 

Parliamentary Mesothelioma Bill

Jan 6, 2016

In the first reading of the Mesothelioma Bill in the House of Commons (January 5, 2016), MP Mike Kane called for the introduction of statutory funding for mesothelioma research. The unreliability of “ad hoc contributions from insurers, charitable donations and modest funding from the Government” jeopardized the quality of research and compromised our capacity to deliver “life-saving breakthroughs.” With so many lives at stake and such high costs for medical care of those affected, a reliable revenue stream is, he said, required to enable scientists to progress their efforts. See: Mesothelioma (Amendment) (No. 2) ( House of Commons: January 5, 2016).
 

Asbestos Site: New Plans?

Jan 2, 2016

Local people who have been campaigning over the toxic legacy of the Turners’ asbestos factory in Rochdale, are backing a greener future for the derelict industrial site; suggesting that, in light of the recent flooding, it could “provide part of (a) flood reduction strategy as a ‘back wash’ to retain significant amounts of flood water from the (River) Spodden.” With the eradication of the contamination, the creation of a green amenity and a wetland catchment area to help alleviate future flooding of built up areas, this perennial eyesore could, finally, make a useful contribution to life in Rochdale. See: Spodden Valley ‘plan B’ to help save further flooding?
 

Government U-Turn on Veterans’ Rights

Dec 18, 2015

The British Legion is claiming victory after the government announced a change in UK compensation for service personnel suffering from the asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. Eligible claimants diagnosed after December 16, 2015 will be entitled to a lump sum payment of £140,000 instead of the regular smaller payments made under the War Pension, to bring the amount paid closer to that received by civilian sufferers. Payment of these lump sums will begin on April 11, 2016 but will be backdated to December 16, 2015. See: Legion Helps Secure Pay Outs for Thousands of Veterans with Asbestos-related Cancer.
 

Mesothelioma Treatment Update

Nov 18. 2015

Sessions at the annual conference of the National Lung Cancer Forum For Nurses on November 19 & 20, 2015 in Windsor, Berkshire will focus on issues related to mesothelioma in the UK including treatment protocols and clinical trials. Expert speakers include Liz Darlison of Mesothelioma UK, Dr. Melissa Phillips, Nurse Gerry Slade and mesothelioma warrior Mavis Nye and her husband and carer Ray Nye. Mhairi Donald will address the subject of improving nutrition in lung cancer and mesothelioma. See: Lung Cancer Conference Program.
 

Review of Asbestos Claims of Veterans?

Nov 5, 2015

On November 4, 2015, Prime Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons that a review would be launched into the Ministry of Defence’s compensation regime for veterans dying of asbestos cancer. Under the current system, cases for illnesses caused in the services prior to 1987 are barred; as a result, says the Royal British Legion, thousands of Royal Navy veterans dying of cancer are deprived of thousands of pounds of compensation. The £31,000 war pension they receive is a fraction of the amount paid out by government compensation schemes for civilians. See: David Cameron pledges to review how veterans exposed to asbestos are compensated.
 

Thousands of Asbestos Deaths Unrecognized

Nov 4, 2015

A paper published last week in the Journal of Occupational Medicine estimated that approximately 5,000 UK deaths occur annually from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a condition which could be caused by exposure to asbestos. The scientists established the existence of a “significant linear relationship” between the incidence of mesothelioma and IPF mortality and historic UK asbestos imports. There was, they concluded, “a clear need to develop an asbestos exposure JEM [job-exposure matrix], using British industry data, to facilitate accurate diagnosis and future case-control studies.” See: UK asbestos imports and mortality due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
 

MPs Call for Asbestos Eradication

Oct 16, 2015

A new publication issued by MPs calls on the Government to set a timetable for the eradication of asbestos contamination from the national infrastructure. In the report published today by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health, MP Ian Lavery, Chair of the Group, said: “We believe that the Government needs to start now on developing a programme to ensure that asbestos is safely removed from every workplace and public place so that we can end… this dreadful legacy which has killed so many people, and will continue to kill until asbestos is eradicated.” See: The asbestos crisis. Why Britain needs an eradication law.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

Oct 13, 2015

The summer 2015 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The leading article in issue 98, Asbestos Heroes and Villains, considered political, environmental, legal and epidemiological news which informed the on-going debate about the UK’s asbestos crisis. This feature cited damning new evidence from the HSE and the Office of National Statistics confirming the high incidence of asbestos mortality and highlighted victories achieved by members of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK. Other pieces in this issue reviewed the pleural plaques controversy and provided updates on legal, social and scientific developments. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Issue 98.
 

Rising Mortality from Mesothelioma

Oct 12, 2015

A graph produced by historian Dr. Geoffrey Tweedale provides visual evidence of the inexorable rise in the number of UK mesothelioma deaths between 1968 and 2013. According to data released this summer by the Health and Safety Executive and the Office of National Statistics, there were 2,538 deaths from mesothelioma in Great Britain in 2013; between 2010 and 2014, 11,011 people died from this disease with rates increasing by 13% over this period; the areas with the highest age-standardized mortality rates were: Barrow-in-Furness, South Tyneside, North Tyneside and Fareham. See: UK mesothelioma mortality graph.
 

Mesothelioma – More Awareness Needed!

Oct 9, 2015

Days after the 10th Mesothelioma Patients and Carer Day, news was released that despite the ongoing UK epidemic of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, only 17% of responders to a survey could name one symptom of this disease. Since the 2,000 people approached were over 45 years old – the majority of those who contract this cancer are older – this is a serious cause for concern. Commenting on these “disappointing findings,” Mesothelioma UK – the leading charity working in this field – highlighted the need for greater awareness “particularly amongst those who have had contact with asbestos.” See: Survey shows huge gaps in mesothelioma awareness among public.
 

Asbestos Alert at London Hospital

Oct 8, 2015

The discovery of debris contaminated with crocidolite and amosite asbestos has led to urgent action by the management of St. Pancras Hospital. A network of underground tunnels has been welded shut with warning signs placed around manholes and a decontamination unit installed on the site; medical tests have been ordered for at-risk staff. Commenting on the situation an unidentified source said: “There are loads of people who have been sent to work down in those tunnels every day for years. Where were the checks? Now they are going down there dressed up in protective suits and with face masks on.” See: Staff sent for tests after asbestos find in tunnels beneath St Pancras Hospital.
 

Call for Independent Tests at Rochdale Site

Sep 16, 2015

In a radio interview this morning, Rochdale Council officer Andy Glover and campaigner Jason Addy from Save Spodden Valley commented on plans for airborne testing of a 72 acre privately owned site in the center of Rochdale, formerly home to the world’s largest asbestos factory. The Council said it was working in partnership with the property owner to reassure local people that there was no airborne risk. Disparaging the Council’s scheme as a public relations exercise, Mr. Addy said the land was a “toxic blight” which required an “unbiased arbiter” to protect Rochdale citizens from hazardous exposures. Listen to: Interview with Andy Glover and Jason Addy.
 

Mesothelioma Deaths Still Increasing!

Aug 29, 2015

Data released this month (August 2015) by the Office of National Statistics show a steady increase in the number of deaths from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma in England and Wales over recent years. Between 2010 and 2014, 11,011 people died from this disease with rates increasing by 13% over this period. The areas with the highest number of mesothelioma deaths in 2014 were: Birmingham (40), Sheffield (30), Leeds (32), Chester East (25) and Cornwall (24) with the highest age-standardised mortality rates recorded in: Barrow-in-Furness (14.3), South Tyneside (11.1), North Tyneside (10.9) and Fareham (10). See: ONS Mesothelioma Data.
 

Community Action Stops Toxic Waste Site

Aug 20, 2015

Community action has scuppered plans to open an asbestos waste disposal site near two schools in a residential area of Sulgrave, Washington. After scores of complaints, the Hebburn-based company behind the proposal withdrew its planning application to Sunderland council and recommenced efforts to find land on which to build a facility. Welcoming this result, one local activist said: “Washington people have been left with a grim legacy from a history of working and living with asbestos, costing many people their lives or health.” See: ‘Ridiculous’ asbestos site plans by school scrapped after outcry.
 

Asbestos Debris at Historic Site

Aug 2, 2015

Details have just emerged that Stonehenge, one of Europe’s best known prehistoric monuments, was contaminated with asbestos when toxic topsoil was used in landscaping work. When the accidental contamination was discovered last summer, contractors wearing protective clothing and using specialist equipment were brought in to remediate the site at a cost of £100,000. One source speculated that the week-long operations were done under cover of darkness to avoid publicity; English Heritage, the site owners, deny this. See: Stonehenge contaminated with deadly asbestos after contractors accidentally dump soil.
 

Asbestos Scandal in Welsh Schools

Jul 30, 2015

As governments in Cardiff and London argue over who is responsible for the deadly asbestos contamination of Welsh schools, children and their teachers continue to experience daily exposures to a known carcinogen. The BBC has today published an article reporting on the repercussions of these exposures and the efforts by campaigners to lobby the Welsh authorities to “take responsibility” for a hazardous situation which appears lost in a devolutionary morass. According to research by the BBC, 1,514 Welsh schools (85%) contain asbestos products. See: Take lead on asbestos in schools, Welsh government told.
 

Scottish Court Upholds Victim’s Rights

Jul 29, 2015

On July 24, Lord Uist of the Court of Sessions issued judgment in a case brought by David Boyd against three defendants over personal injuries sustained as a result of occupational asbestos exposure. After reaching an extra judicial settlement which allowed Mr. Boyd to return to court should he contract diffuse pleural thickening, lung cancer or mesothelioma, one of the defendants sought the right to demand proof of liability should that occur. The judge ruled that an offer by a defendant to settle a case by way of a payment of provisional damages carried with it an admission of liability. See: Judgment in David Boyd v Gates Ltd., Scottish Agricultural Industries Ltd, National Grid Gas PLC.
 

Supreme Court Win for Victims!

Jul 24, 2015

UK asbestos victims have welcomed the majority decision of July 22, 2015 of the Supreme Court in the case of Coventry and Others v Lawrence and Another regarding the recovery of litigation costs such as success fees and after-the-event insurance premiums. The Court agreed that provisions of the Access of Justice Act 1999 did not constitute a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights and highlighted the flaws in the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) which curtailed access to justice.” See: Supreme Court finds conditional fee agreements in line with human rights treaty.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

Jul 20, 2015

The spring 2015 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The leading article in issue 97, “Parliament’s Asbestos Strategy: Small Carrots, Big Sticks,” considers recent government actions on asbestos which supported and attacked the rights of people suffering from asbestos diseases. The second article “Zurich Insurance Plc UK Branch v International Energy Group Limited” is an analysis by specialist barrister David Allan of a May 2015 Supreme Court decision with implications for mesothelioma claimants. Included in the news round-up is information about legal, legislative, bureaucratic and epidemiological developments. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Issue 97.
 

Asbestos Waste Management Failings

Jul 11, 2015

A 2015 briefing issued by the Environment Agency regarding the management of asbestos waste facilities has investigated allegations of poor practices in the handling of waste at transfer sites. In 2014, the movement of 280,000 tonnes of asbestos waste was documented. A national audit campaign was undertaken in 2014/15 by the Health and Safety Executive and Natural Resources Wales during which 99 authorized asbestos transfer sites were inspected along with unpermitted sites: “50% of the sites audited had gaps in their procedures and some had no procedures at all.” Multiple examples of hazardous practices were identified. See: Asbestos audit final briefing – May 2015.
 

Legal Victory for Mesothelioma Victims!

Jul 6, 2015

On Action Mesothelioma Day (July 3, 2015), an administrative court published an order reclassifying government compensation payments to mesothelioma claimants; these awards will not be considered as “disposable capital,” when decisions are taken on whether a claimant must pay £10,000 in court costs to pursue a legal claim for their injuries. This marks another defeat for Secretary of State for Justice Michael Gove and a landmark victory for victims. This action was brought by the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK and mesothelioma victims Ian Doughty and Carole Sloper. See: Court levy U-turn for asbestos victims.
 

Asbestos, Still a Killer!

Jul 1, 2015

Data released today by the Health and Safety Executive reported that there were 2,538 deaths from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma in Great Britain in 2013, a slight decrease on the mortality incidence in 2012 (2,548); the figure for 2011 was 2,312. The male:female proportion of deaths in 2013 was 2,123:415; in 2012 the ratio was 2,137:411. It is of interest to note that these figures come just days before asbestos victims groups, cancer charities and campaigning bodies hold events around the country to mark Action Mesothelioma Day. See: HSE releases annual workplace fatalities.
 

Union Calls for Asbestos Removal

Jun 19, 2015

The GMB trade union gave its support for plans by the Trades Union Congress to lobby for legislation mandating the removal of asbestos from public buildings at the annual conference of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health which took place in London this week. Speaking on behalf of the GMB, John McClean said that such a law would result in “better control of asbestos, better registry of it and eventually removal of it.” Many of the workers in Parliament are GMB members and are part of a cohort routinely exposed to asbestos contained in deteriorating Parliamentary buildings. See: TUC backs campaign for asbestos removal bill.
 

Scandal of Asbestos in Schools

Jun 17, 2015

Today, newspaper articles and a TV program highlighted the terrible toll paid by former teachers and pupils for their exposure to asbestos in schools. An 18-minute segment on the Victoria Derbyshire morning show featured the story of Paul Cowley who was diagnosed with asbestos cancer when he was in his mid-30s. Calling for urgent action, the National Union of Teachers says this “scandal” has been caused by the Government’s failure “to address the legacy of asbestos in schools,” 86 % of which contain asbestos. See: Government must ‘tackle the scourge of asbestos in schools’ to prevent ‘unnecessary deaths’ of teachers and pupils, says teachers’ union.
 

Asbestos Alert at Palaces of Westminster

Jun 9, 2015

On June 7, 2015, The Sunday Times reported that crisis talks had been held after an asbestos incident in May 2015 contaminated the House of Commons chamber with asbestos. A question asked about this situation on June 3 by MP Nic Dakin was answered on June 9. In the reply on behalf of the Government, Sir Paul Beresford downplayed the risk and reassured Commons’ users “that there is no reason to stop using the Chamber, or the adjacent offices and spaces.” There are plans “ to eradicate the asbestos in the trunking by the end of 2015…” See: Asbestos scare may force out Mps.
 

The International Asbestos Memorial

May 29, 2015

After more than a decade of planning and fund-raising, a stainless steel memorial will be unveiled tomorrow (May 30, 2015) in memory of 500 hundred Scottish asbestos victims. The artwork entitled “The International Asbestos Memorial – The Known and Unknown” was designed by Glasgow artist Jephson Robb and funded by donations collected by the Clydebank Asbestos Group. Many of the group have lost loved ones to asbestos-related diseases from exposures at the shipyards and factories that provided employment on the Clyde. Clydebank was, at one time, known as Europe’s asbestos capital. See: Town’s tribute to the victims of asbestos.
 

London Police on Asbestos Alert

May 27, 2015

It has been reported that facilities used by the Metropolitan Police to train armed officers between 1980 and 2007 were contaminated with asbestos. As a precaution, all former and current firearms officers have been contacted. Chief Superintendent Mike Gallagher, from the Specialist Firearms Command, announced that the Met is “offering a full support package which provides detailed information, advice, guidance, links and contacts.” There are, said Scotland Yard, “robust protocols” for training sites and new guidance has been drafted highlighting the risk of hazardous materials. See: Every armed police officer in London may have been exposed to asbestos.
 

Supreme Court Protects Victims

May 20, 2015

In a judgment handed down today (May 20, 2015) by the UK Supreme Court in the case between Zurich Insurance PLC UK Branch and others, by a decision of 4 to 3, the Court favoured a solution which ensured the full recovery of compensation for mesothelioma victims. Lords Mance, Clarke, Carnwath and Hodge agreed that each insurer on risk for any period of tortious exposure must meet the liability in full. The Association of British Insurers and the Asbestos Victim Support Groups’ Forum UK were both interveners in this case. Their responses to this decision are expected in press releases on May 21. The Supreme Court’s ruling is contained in a 94-page judgment.
 

Asbestos in Schools

May 19, 2015

Nearly all the 14,000 UK schools built between 1945 and 1975 contain asbestos as do schools refurbished during that period. Decontamination work is being delayed, says the Local Government Association, because of conflicts over who is responsible for removal costs. As many of the schools are coming to the end of their useful life, the issue of asbestos can no longer be avoided – it is illegal to demolish a building without first removing the asbestos it contains. The Department for Education’s latest audit of the condition of school buildings excluded asbestos, an “oversight” which is indicative of the government’s failure to engage with the “asbestos timbebomb.” See: Schools are facing an asbestos timebomb
 

Asbestos: An Election Issue

Apr 30, 2015

A media release issued today by the National Union of Teachers highlighted the Coalition Government’s failure to tackle the hazard posed by asbestos contained in the UK educational infrastructure. In his comments, NUT deputy general secretary Kevin Courtney pointed out that while action had been taken to reduce deaths caused by fires and cycle accidents, the Health and Safety Executive had stopped proactive asbestos inspections of schools despite data which showed that the same number of people die from asbestos exposure at schools as from domestic fires; twice as many former pupils die from asbestos as from bicycle accidents. See: Asbestos: a double standard.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

Mar 17, 2015

The autumn/winter 2015 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The leading article in issue 96, “Update from the Asbestos Battleground,” considers the UK’s elevated mesothelioma incidence and multiple attacks on victims’ rights in light of the May 2015 general election. Other articles cover the substance and ramifications of the McDonald Supreme Court Judgment 2014 and C. Heneghan vs. Manchester Dry Docks Ltd., et al. Trade unionist Richard Morgan reflects on the current state of the UK asbestos removal industry and steps which might be taken to protect operatives. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, issue 96.
 

Asbestos in Westminster

Mar 10, 2015

It seems that the Palaces of Westminster are falling down. Politicians were reminded of the need for much-needed and long-delayed building work by the Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow when he addressed a meeting of the Hansard society on March 9, 2015. Refurbishment of the 19th century building is long overdue and the building work could cost around £3bn. As well as crumbling stonework, dodgy electrics, flooding issues, rodent infestation and a leaking cast iron roof, the walls are “packed with asbestos.” See: Parliament is falling down. So what can be done about it?
 

Asbestos Case to go to Supreme Court

Mar 3, 2015

Leave to appeal a verdict in an asbestos case has been granted by the Supreme Court to a mesothelioma widower. The legal team representing Ian Knauer, whose wife Sally died in 2009 after occupational exposure at Guy's Marsh Prison, Dorset, is questioning the way the personal injury compensation of £650,000 was calculated and paid. It is alleged that a 5-year gap between the death of Mrs. Knauer and the award settlement order being made cost the family £50,000. If this appeal succeeds, it could radically alter the way in which all British personal injury claims are dealt with. See: Supreme Court Gives Right of Appeal to Swindon Solicitor.
 

Telegraph’s Pro-Asbestos Policy

Feb 21, 2015

This week saw the highly publicized resignation of Peter Oborne, formerly the Daily Telegraph's chief political commentator, over the newspaper’s failure to report on HSBC, a bank exposed in the Guardian and other newspapers for efforts to help clients evade taxes. Author Richard Wilson documents 42 Telegraph articles by columnist Christopher Booker downplaying the risks of asbestos and asks readers to vote in a poll asking: “Is it right for the Sunday Telegraph to mislead the British public about the health risks of asbestos?” See: Booker’s false claims (42 articles and counting) downplaying the risks of white asbestos.
 

Mesothelioma Research Funding

Feb 18, 2015

A question (QWA HL4789) asked by Lord Alton on Feb. 9, 2015 about the level of mesothelioma grant funding by the Medical Research Council was answered on Feb 17, 2015 by Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Minister for Intellectual Property. Between 2010 and 2014, there were four successful applications which received a total of £1.727 million with the largest grant of £992,471 going to Prof P. Elliot of Imperial College. Between 2004 and 2014, there were ten unsuccessful applications. See: Parliamentary Written questions and answers.
 

Cancers of the Larynx and Ovary

Feb 17, 2015

A report published by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) and Department for Work and Pensions on Feb 17, 2015 has considered findings regarding the relation between asbestos exposures and the occurrence of cancers of the larynx and ovary. Unfortunately, the IIAC concluded that “evidence of a doubling of risk of laryngeal cancer associated with asbestos exposure remains inconsistent… [and did not recommend] prescription for cancer of the ovary in relation to asbestos exposure.” See: Cancers of the Larynx or Ovary and Work with Asbestos.
 

Forum Intervenes at Supreme Court

Feb 14, 2015

The Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK (the Forum) was granted permission to intervene in Coventry and Others v Lawrence and Another [2014], a case proceeding in the Supreme Court which could impact on mesothelioma cases. Commenting on the implications of this case, the Chair of the Forum said “If Claimants in mesothelioma cases are made liable for additional legal costs, such as success fees and the premiums for After The Event insurance policies, the numbers who do pursue claims for personal injury will decline dramatically.” See: Coventry and Others v Lawrence and Another [2014] UKSC 46.
 

Parliamentary Debate on Mesothelioma

Feb 12, 2015

An adjournment debate was secured in Westminster Hall of the House of Commons yesterday by MP Steve Rotheram on the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme. A number of MPs, including Kate Green, Ian Lavery, Tracey Crouch, Jim Shannon, Gregory Campbell and Andy McDonald, discussed diverse topics including whether excess sums raised by a 3% levy on insurers could be used for funding research into asbestos-related diseases. Addressing this issue, the Minister for Disabled People Mark Harper floundered in his attempt to distinguish between a “cap” and a “levy,” but agreed to look again at the available funding for research. See: Hansard Feb. 12, 2015 Debate.
 

Export of Jersey Asbestos to UK Mainland?

Feb 10 2015

Authorities on Jersey are in discussions with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding the export of Jersey’s asbestos waste to the UK; a decision is expected by the end of March 2015. In the meantime, the toxic debris is stockpiled in rusting shipping containers in a site at La Collette. According to Ellen Littlechild, director of operations at Jersey’s Transport and Technical Services, plans are progressing regarding the construction of a “contained cell” reception facility for asbestos waste removed from Jersey buildings. See: Asbestos in Jersey – a are you concerned?
 

Defeat for Welsh Asbestos Bill

Feb 9, 2015

This morning, the UK Supreme Court upheld a challenge by The Association of British Insurers to the Welsh Assembly’s plans to recover from negligent employers as much as £1m/ year in medical costs for the treatment of asbestos victims. According to the Court’s press summary, “The Welsh Assembly lacks legislative competence to enact the Recovery of Medical Costs for Asbestos Diseases (Wales) Bill in its present form.” The Bill had been proposed by Labour AM Mick Antoniw and was passed by the National Assembly in 2013. See: Wales' bid to force employers to pay for asbestos-related healthcare is blocked by the Supreme Court.
 

Court Ruling on Welsh Asbestos Bill

Feb 6, 2015

The Supreme Court will issue its judgment on Monday, February 9, 2015 in a case regarding The Recovery of Medical Costs for Asbestos Diseases (Wales) Bill 2013 [Case ID: UKSC 2014/0043]. At issue is whether the Welsh National Assembly has the power to enact legislation to recoup from defendants medical costs for treating victims of asbestos-related diseases in Wales. The case (Supreme Court Listing) was heard on May 14-15, 2014 by Lord Neuberger, Lady Hale, Lord Mance, Lord Hodge, Lord Thomas. See: Supreme Court to decide on asbestos NHS treatment cost recovery bill
 

HSE Guidance to Asbestos on Farms

Jan 28, 2015

Guidance on how to handle asbestos found on farms was issued today by the Health and Safety Executive, the UK agency tasked with protecting occupational health. Topics covered included: how to recognize white asbestos, where it can be found on farms, work that could create exposure, the safe management of asbestos-containing products, removing and disposing of asbestos waste. Farmers are advised that “asbestos waste must be treated as hazardous waste [and that]… if you dump asbestos illegally, you can be taken to court, prosecuted, and fined or jailed.” See: White asbestos: how farmers should handle and dispose of it.
 

Union Asbestos Campaign

Jan 19 2015

The UK’s Unite union has uploaded a range of resources on the asbestos hazard to raise awareness and prevent dangerous exposures to materials within the UK’s built environment. Union members who have been exposed to asbestos are asked to register with the union to protect their rights should they at some point develop an asbestos-related disease. In a union press release, Unite said: “Raising awareness about how to safely handle this killer substance is equally important. That is why our campaign is also about prevention… to help ensure that employers protect their employees from exposure to asbestos at work.” See: Unite Campaign on Asbestos Awareness.
 

Meeting the UK Asbestos Challenge

Jan 16, 2015

As a result of consultations with civil society stakeholders, Stephen Timms, the Shadow Minister of State for Employment, has announced a raft of proposals to address the UK asbestos legacy. In an interview published this week, Timms says a Labour Government will impose a standing levy on insurers to fund life-saving mesothelioma research and will devise a long-term strategy to remove asbestos from the national infrastructure. Highlighting the role played by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), he pledged that Labour would provide more funding to enable the HSE to effectively carry out its duties. See: Banging the health and safety drum.
 

The Asbestos in Schools Scandal

Jan 12, 2015

Frustrations over a 7-month delay in the release of a government report on asbestos in schools are detailed in a new commentary. In 2013, the Government announced it would review the management of asbestos in schools. A public consultation was held from January to March 2014; a report scheduled to be released in June 2014 has still not seen the light of day. Unanswered calls by trade unions and civil society campaigners for the immediate publication of this report are fuelling speculation about the government’s lack of commitment to remedy the scandal of asbestos in UK schools. See: How the coalition is failing to act on ‘time-bomb’ of asbestos in schools.
 

Proposal to Recoup Asbestos Costs

Jan 9, 2015

On January 7, 2015 a bill was presented by Stuart McMillan MSP to the Scottish Parliament which aims to recoup the costs of diagnosing and treating people with asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) from their former employers. McMillan informed Parliament that currently £20+ million is being spent on treating people with ARDs in Scotland. Commenting on this bill, a spokeswoman for the Glasgow-based campaigning group Clydeside Action on Asbestos predicted the consultation on this proposal, which is open till March 30, will receive negative input from insurers who could face a multi-million pound bill for these charges. See: Plans for NHS to recoup asbestos costs.
 

Files Reveal Asbestos Skulduggery

Jan 3, 2015

A file just released by the Public Records Office in Belfast details pressure exerted by Turner and Newall, nicknamed the UK “Asbestos Giant,” on civil servants and officials to increase the use of asbestos-containing building materials in government projects. The provision of meals and trips by the company in 1969 seemed to effect a U-turn in government policy which benefited the company, according to memos and documents made public this week. Much of the communication disclosed relates to the operations of factories belonging to Turners Asbestos Cement Co. Ltd. in Ballyclare and Manchester. See: Government U-turn on killer asbestos after firm took officials out for lunch.
 

Lung Cancer Test Case Appeal

Dec 14, 2014

On December 11, 2014, a High Court handed down the decision in an asbestos-related lung cancer test case. Under consideration was whether damages awarded for this type of injury were divisible under the rules laid down in the House of Lords’ decision in the Barker case. The deceased was employed by six defendants, all of whom admitted liability. Mr. Justice Jay found that “apportionment is the appropriate outcome in the present case…” An appeal is being pursued. According to one legal expert: “there is a strong possibility that whatever happens in the Court of Appeal the case will end up in the Supreme Court.” See: Heneghan v Manchester Dry Docks and others.
 

Debate on Mesothelioma Research Funding

Dec 11, 2014

In another display of ignorance, Lord Faulks this week told the House of Lords: “It is absolutely not the case that there is insufficient funding for [mesothelioma] research. As I have said more than once, the case is that, at the moment, there is not a suitable number of applications for research. The funding is very much there.” The UK is now at the cutting edge of mesothelioma research with a number of clinical trials under way and others being planned. A UK bid to host the world’s premier meeting of mesothelioma researchers was won in October – the 2016 meeting of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group is to take place in Birmingham. See: House of Lords Debate December 9, 2014.
 

Ministerial Announcement on Mesothelioma

Dec 8, 2014

Following the defeat of draconian moves by the coalition government to marginalize mesothelioma victims earlier this year, Minister Shailesh Vara today confirmed to Parliament (see: Minister's statement) that the status quo will be maintained for mesothelioma claimants; this means that the no-win, no-fee regime will continue pending further review. Vara also told MPs that changes are being introduced to speed up compensation claims which include streamlining the processes for obtaining hospital medical records and information from HM Revenue and Customs needed for legal cases. See: New support for industrial disease victims.
 

Government Mesothelioma Scheme

Dec 6, 2014

A press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that in the first seven months of operations the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme Levy 2014 paid out £15 million. Urging victims to come forward, the DWP predicted that a further £32 million could be disbursed by this insurance industry-funded scheme by March 2015. The average sum of compensation being paid is £125,000. Eligible claimants include sufferers of diffuse mesothelioma diagnosed after July 25, 2012 and surviving families who can’t trace a liable employer or an employers’ insurer. See: £32 million of compensation available for victims of asbestos related cancer.
 

International Mesothelioma Congress 2016

Nov 5, 2014

At the November 5, 2014 meeting of the Parliamentary Asbestos Sub-Group, Laurie Kazan-Allen informed MPs and delegates that the UK had won the bid to host the 2016 meeting of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG), a premier organization for researchers, clinicians and scientists working on mesothelioma issues. The official announcement said that the “meeting will address the entire patient pathway and look beyond the scientific topics alone.” The feedback received after the House of Commons meeting was positive; there was a great deal of enthusiasm about how stakeholders could take part in the proceedings and encourage participation. See: IMIG 2016 announcement.
 

New Occupational Cancer Campaign

Nov 3, 2014

At a Parliamentary event on November 3 a campaign by the Institute of Occupational Health (IOSH) was launched to reduce the incidence of occupational cancers. In the UK, workplace exposures account for 8,000 deaths a year of which half are due to the “biggest work cancer killer, asbestos.” The Health and Safety Executive estimates that 1.8 million Britons remain at risk of occupational exposure to asbestos; although, the majority of those at high risk are construction or maintenance workers or tradespeople, people working in older buildings such as department stores, schools and hospitals are also at risk. See: No Time to Lose.
 

New UK Asbestos Cancer Data

Oct 29, 2014

An HSE publication released today entitled Health and Safety Statistics Annual Report for Great Britain 2013/2014 highlights the devastating impact of asbestos exposures on the health of British citizens. Amongst key statistics cited are: 2,535 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures occurred in 2012; more than half of all occupational lung cancer deaths are caused by mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer; 2,145 new cases of mesothelioma were assessed for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit in 2013 compared with 2125 in 2012. See: HSE Statistics eBulletin – October 2014.
 

Claimant Wins at Supreme Court

Oct 27, 2014

On October 22, the UK’s Supreme Court ruled that lorry driver Percy McDonald was entitled to compensation from the occupiers of Battersea Power Station even though they were not his employer. Whilst Mr. McDonald was collecting loads from Battersea, he would visit the turbine halls; the defendants labelled his exposure as that of “a mere spectator” or “sightseer.” The landmark judgment will allow people exposed to asbestos while working for another employer to claim compensation from the owners of the factory where their exposure took place. See: Supreme Court victory for mesothelioma sufferers: Asbestos cancer victims can apply for compensation.
 

Mesothelioma Funding Call by NIHR

Oct 17, 2014

The UK’s National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) has issued a funding call for UK clinical and applied health research into mesothelioma. Eligible proposals would include work on “any aspect of mesothelioma, its prevention, earlier diagnosis, treatment or care (including palliative care) – where there are likely to be benefits for patients or their families, within 5 years of the end of the research.” An emphasis on patient input will be a crucial part of all proposals. See: NIHR Themed Calls: Mesothelioma.
 

Failure to Diagnose Asbestos Disease

Oct 17, 2014

Research presented by UK scientists at a German conference reported that a proportion of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases may be linked with asbestos exposure. An analysis of mortality rates for IPF, asbestosis and mesothelioma across England and Wales for the period 1974 to 2012 showed geographical correlations between the three diseases. This, suggested the scientists, supported the theory that a proportion of IPF cases are due to unknown exposure to asbestos. If this connection had been known it is likely that those affected would have received treatment for an asbestos disease. See: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases linked with asbestos exposure.
 

National Asbestos Awareness Campaign

Oct 10, 2014

After a wait of nearly four years, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the asbestos hazard amongst at-risk tradesman. On October 9, the HSE reported that “Tradespeople, including construction workers, carpenters and painters and decorators, could come into contact with deadly asbestos on average more than 100 times a year…” There is a widespread lack of awareness amongst tradespeople who, on average, are dying at the rate of 20 per week from asbestos-related diseases. See: 1.3 million tradespeople at risk from dangers of asbestos.
 

Mesothelioma Treatment Report

Oct 3, 2014

Data drawn from 8,700 patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in the UK between 2008 and 2012 has been published in a report issued in September 2014 entitled: National Lung Cancer Audit Report Mesothelioma. The text highlights the level of variation in diagnosis, treatment and survival for mesothelioma by geographical area in England and Wales and across cancer networks. While the majority of patients are having their diagnoses confirmed by biopsy and are being treated by multi-disciplinary teams, there are still a significant number who are not receiving the support needed. There is much of interest in this report. See: National Lung Cancer Audit Report Mesothelioma.
 

Judgment in Landmark Case

Oct 1, 2014

On October 2, 2014, Honourable Mr Justice William Davis will hand down his verdict in a case of pivotal importance to UK mesothelioma victims. At stake, is the legality of the Government’s collusion with British insurers to impose legal reforms which would disadvantage mesothelioma claimants in order to minimize corporate liabilities. During legal proceedings on July 29 and 30, 2014, a Secret Heads of Agreement between the Government and the Association of British Insurers was submitted in evidence which showed, so critics alleged, that a “secret deal” had been done. See: Press Release by Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK.
 

Vigil for Asbestos Sufferers

Sep 23, 2014

A vigil for justice for mesothelioma sufferers was held on the second day of the 2014 Labour Party conference (September 22). Monday lunchtime, victims, relatives and members of asbestos victims’ support groups were joined in front of the conference center by MPs including: Jim Sheridan, Kate Green, Simon Danczuk, Jonathan Reynolds, Debbie Abrahams, Graham Stringer, Jimmy Hood, Hugh Bayley, Andy Slaughter, Stephen Twigg, Russell Brown, Steve Rotheram and Bill Esterson. (see: group photo). Jim Sheridan, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group, and Kate Green, Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions, supported calls for a fairer regime for victims.
 

A Deadly Ongoing Epidemic

Sep 1, 2014

Twice as many Britons die of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma as die in road traffic accidents. The mesothelioma epidemic is claiming the lives not only of people who worked directly with asbestos but of others exposed to contaminated products incorporated into the national infrastructure. Victims like consultant anesthetist Dr. Andrew Lawson, M&S employee Janice Allen, GP Graham Abbott have contracted the cancer having being exposed to asbestos at their workplaces. “Britain is today,” reports journalist Harry de Quetteville “at the peak of a mesothelioma epidemic.” See: Asbestos: the killer that still surrounds us.
 

Asbestos Cigarettes on Sale in UK

Aug 23, 2014

Bootleg cigarettes imported into the UK by black marketeers contain asbestos as well as other toxic ingredients, according to news released by the Local Government Association. Hundreds of thousands of illegal cigarettes have been seized in recent months by officials in Wolverhampton, Bristol and Nottingham during raids on premises throughout these cities. The contents of the confiscated cigarettes included human excrement, dead flies, rat droppings, mould and asbestos. It has been estimated that 114m illicit cigarettes are sold in six London boroughs every year. See: New effort to stop fake cigarettes filled with excrement, mould and asbestos.
 

Prison Sentence for Asbestos Crimes

Aug 21, 2014

On August 20, Stafford Crown Court was told about illegal works carried out in 2012 at a former print works in Stoke-on-Trent by two brothers which hazardously exposed seven workmen to asbestos. The HSE prosecution of Akram and Inam Hussain, neither one of whom was licensed to remove asbestos, resulted in jail sentences of 22 months for the former and 14 months for the latter for breaching section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. After the trial, an HSE inspector said: “The Hussains failed in their duty by choosing to ignore the dangers of this hidden killer.” See: Brothers given custodial sentence for exposing workers to asbestos.
 

Legal Challenge to Attack on Victims

Jul 31, 2014

On July 29, 2014, UK lawyers acting on behalf of the Asbestos Victims’ Support Groups Forum (Forum) began a High Court challenge of the decision to make mesothelioma claimants liable for legal and insurance costs incurred by lawsuits. Although a review of the effect that proposed changes would have on mesothelioma claimants had been ordered, no credible review has been undertaken. Forum Chair Tony Whitston said “sufferers and their families will accept a decision if it is based on a ‘fair and credible’ review. The government’s decision to proceed on the basis of such a flawed review will not be accepted by sufferers…” See: Lawyers take mesothelioma fight to High Court.
 

NI Award for Pleural Plaques

Jul 30, 2014

In June 2014, the Belfast High Court awarded compensation for pleural plaques (pp) to a widow whose husband was exposed to asbestos as an employee at Harland and Wolff and Royal Mail Group. This was the first NI pp claim following the passage of the Damages (Asbestos Related Conditions) Act (NI) 2011. The deceased, who died in 2013 aged 74, did not die of an asbestos-related disease. As a result of NI legislation, the NI courts – unlike those in England or Wales – regard pp as a “statutory personal injury for which damages can and should be awarded if the plaintiff proves fault against the defendant.” See: June 27, 2014 McCauley Judgment.
 

Verdict for Asbestos Cancer Death

Jul 25, 2014

High Court judge Mr Justice Bean has ordered the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to pay the family of Sally Knauer the sum of £650,000 for her death from mesothelioma contracted from exposure to asbestos at her workplace – Guy's Marsh Prison – between 1997 and 2007. The administrator died aged 46 in August 2009, just five months after being diagnosed with the asbestos cancer. The MoJ was sued for failing to protect Mrs. Knauer from hazardous exposure to asbestos; it admitted liability in 2013 but contested the compensation award. See: Husband of Gillingham woman killed by cancer after asbestos exposure at Guy's Marsh Prison receives £650,000.
 

Government Mesothelioma Report

Jul 18, 2014

The Justice Committee will publish its report on Mesothelioma Claims (HC 308) on Friday August 1, 2014. On May 13, 2014 evidence was taken at a Parliamentary hearing, during which three victims’ and three insurers’ representatives spoke (see: British Asbestos Newsletter Issue 94). Following that session, a letter from the Association of British Insurers surfaced which seemed to substantiate claims made by asbestos victims of secret negotiations between Ministers and insurers to cap asbestos liabilities. See: The Justice Committee publishes its report Mesothelioma claims on Friday 1 August 2014.
 

Tories Savage Victims to Protect Donors

Jul 15, 2014

A cartoon featured in an article published on July 13th depicts fat cat Tory donors side-by-side with David Cameron as a wizened mesothelioma victim fights for breath. This image is an accurate representation of the unholy alliance substantiated by a private document sent in error to the the Commons Justice Committee by the Association of British Insurers. It revealed the existence of an understanding reached by Ministers with insurers – some of whom bankroll the Tory Party – to shortchange mesothelioma victims in what MP Andy McDonald categorized as a “dodgy deal”. See: David Cameron has insured one final insult for workers dying because of their job.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

Jul 8, 2014

The spring issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The leading article in Issue 94, The Westminster Parliament and the Asbestos Tragedy, is an insightful analysis of the troubled asbestos history of the British Parliament. This feature presents a detailed report of the first evidence session held by the Justice Committee on mesothelioma claims on May 13, 2014. Other articles in this issue of the newsletter looked at: the issue of Asbestos in Schools, the establishment of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Tissue Bank and recent developments such as the resurrection of the HSE Hidden Killer Campaign. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Issue 94.
 

Mesothelioma Deaths Increasing

Jul 2, 2014

Data released today (July 2) by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirms what asbestos victims’ advocates know very well: the number of people dying from mesothelioma in the UK is rising. In 2012, 2,535 people died from mesothelioma, an 11% increase in one year. Reacting to this news, HSE Chair Judith Hackett said: “The high numbers of deaths relating to mesothelioma are a reminder of historically poor standards of workplace health and safety, which decades later are causing thousands of painful, untimely deaths each year.” See: New figures show all time low in fatal injuries to workers.
 

Asbestos Alert in Glasgow

Jun 30, 2014

Suspected asbestos waste has been found near the athletes’ village for the Commonwealth Games which are due to commence on July 23. According to Scottish asbestos expert Robin Howie: “It is asbestos cement which looks as though it has been flytipped there.” Warning of the human health risk posed by exposure to this material, Howie called for the site to be sealed off and a thorough search to be made. The discovery was made in Dalmarnock by cyclist John Paul Clark who had some asbestos training at work. “I am not an expert,” he said “but it made me aware enough to know when I see asbestos. I could see the telltale signs from a mile away.” See: Commonwealth Games asbestos alert.
 

Lancet Publishes Mesothelioma Study

Jun 27, 2014

A randomized controlled trial in the UK compared the effectiveness of treatments for preventing the recurrence of pleural effusions and consequent breathlessness in mesothelioma patients. One hundred and ninety-six patients received pleurodesis, a procedure which drained off fluid and inserted sterile talc into the pleural space, or video assisted thoracoscopic surgery to remove fluid. While there was no difference in survival rates, the results suggest that the surgical procedure was better able to prevent further pleural effusions, thereby improving the patient’s quality of life. See: Effect of partial pleurectomy on survival in mesothelioma.
 

Landmark Case Condemns M&S

Jun 26, 2014

Janice Allen has mesothelioma contracted from exposure to asbestos whilst she was employed by Marks and Spencer (M&S) at its Marble Arch store in the 1970s and 1980s. Having consistently denied the allegations, the company finally admitted in April 2014 that it had breached its duty of care to Mrs. Allen (see: video in which Janice and her husband give an informative and moving account of the tragedy that has engulfed them). Solicitor Harminder Bains has expressed her concerns about other M&S employees and members of the public who may also have been exposed to asbestos due to inadequate safety procedures at M&S premises. See: Marks & Spencer asbestos case: 'I feel so angry and betrayed'.
 

Update on Schools’ Asbestos Regime

Jun 24, 2014

A report published yesterday (June 23) by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that a substantial number of schools outside of local authority control – including foundation, voluntary aided, independent, academy and free schools – in England, Scotland and Wales were not following protocols for the safe management of asbestos as specified under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Forty-four schools (29%) received written advice, with enforcement action taken in 20 of these schools (13%) – an Improvement Notice was served on each of these 20 schools. See: Asbestos management in schools outside of local authority control 2013/14.
 

Award for Asbestos Campaigner

Jun 14, 2014

The incredible work of Michael Lees, the Founder of the Asbestos in Schools Group, was recognized today when he was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. He received an MBE, an order of chivalry, for services to the Wellbeing of Children and Teachers. Since his school teacher wife died in 2000 at the age of 51 from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, Michael has been campaigning to raise awareness of the dangers posed by asbestos contamination in UK schools. He was worked collaboratively with asbestos victims, trade unionists, politicians, civil servants and others to address the threats posed to teachers, staff and children. See: Queen's birthday honours list 2014: MBE.
 

Government Colludes with Insurers

Jun 13, 2014

A letter written by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has this week been made public. The letter confirms what asbestos victims have long suspected: the existence of a behind-closed-doors-deal between insurers and the Government which would, according to Ian McFall from Thompsons’ Solicitors (see: Government ‘behind closed doors’ deal with insurers comes to light) “benefit the insurance industry and [be] to the detriment of mesothelioma claimants.” Asbestos victims agree: “this appalling deal offends against the very principles of transparency and fairness.” See: Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK Press Release.
 

Death Caused by Asbestos Crime

Jun 5, 2014

An HSE investigation resulted in a jail sentence of one year being handed down on June 4, 2014 by Worcester Crown Court to Robert Marsh who had supplied used asbestos-containing sheets for the construction of a new barn in Frankley, Worcestershire. The illegal sale of the banned material came to light after Tony Podmore, a 56-year-old construction worker, fell through the fragile roof in June 2011 and later died. Judge Michael Cullum called Mr Marsh’s actions “wholly reprehensible;” he acted, said the Judge, out of “selfish self-interest” to maximise profit at the expense of health and safety. See: Shropshire director jailed for illegal supply of asbestos sheeting after worker fell to his death.
 

Judicial Victory for Trade Union

May 23, 2014

The Unite trade union has today announced that it has won a judicial review against HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) which had failed to comply with a request by the Liverpool coroner to produce a work history for trade union member Mr. Carmichael who died from asbestosis. HMRC demanded that the coroner obtain a High Court order before action would be taken. The Administrative Court stated that “There were some 2,576 conclusions of industrial disease from inquests in 2012.” The HMRC was, it said required “to produce a work history for the coroner’s inquest…” See: Unite Press release.
 

U-Turn Expedites Legal Process

May 21, 2014

A change in government policy which compromised litigation by families of deceased asbestos victims will be overturned according to a notice of amendment tabled in the House of Commons on May 7, 2014. Last year, HM Revenue and Customs adopted a policy which stipulated that requests for the employment history of a deceased claimant would only be released if a High Court order had been obtained. This requirement caused serious difficulties in cases involving long-tail disease claims such as mesothelioma. See: House of Commons Notices of Amendments. May 7, 2014. [Section NC6].
 

Gas Masks Warnings to Schools

May 14, 2014

Government advice given to schools this week warns of the asbestos hazard in gas masks and tin helmets popularly used as wartime artefacts during lessons in the run-up to the centenary of World War I. Analyses by the Health and Safety Executive found asbestos, often crocidolite, in the majority of masks sampled. The Imperial War Museum has confirmed that World War One British Army helmets should be assumed to contain asbestos and other toxic materials. Schools should remove these items from use and either dispose of them safely or have the asbestos removed. See: Wartime helmets and gas masks 'dangerous', schools told and Asbestos Warning to Schools.
 

Justice Committee Mesothelioma Hearing

May 12, 2014

The first hearing of the Justice Committee on mesothelioma claims will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 in Committee Room 16 of the Palace of Westminster. The first 45-minute panel will feature four speakers representing the interests of asbestos claimants, including an asbestos victims’ group representative, a trade unionist and two legal professionals; the second panel will present the views of asbestos defendants and insurers. The sessions will be broadcast live on Parliament TV. See: The Justice Committee holds its first evidence session on Mesothelioma claims on Tuesday 13 May.
 

London Showing of Iconic Documentary

May 12, 2014

To this day, a film made 32 years ago remains the touchstone by which all films about asbestos are judged. Alice – A Fight for Life told the story of Alice Jefferson, a former asbestos worker who was dying of asbestos cancer. The film was watched by millions of people and impacted on the national consciousness; it was mentioned in Parliament and brought about changes in legislation. It also decreased the share prices of British asbestos companies (see: Appreciating “Alice”). On May 20, 2014 “Alice” will be screened in central London. Don’t miss it! See: Alice – A Fight for Life.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Apr 11, 2014

Highlighting the recent publication of Asbestos in Schools: The Need for Action by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health, Lord Alton asked on April 9 when the government will “publish their response to the evidence submitted to their review of policy on asbestos management in schools.” Lord Nash, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools, replied that the outcome of the Department for Education’s review is due out by the end of June. See: Lords written answer: Schools Asbestos, April 9, 2014.
 

Mesothelioma Payout Increased

Mar 6, 2014

During the protracted consultation process over the UK’s Mesothelioma Bill, the original concept was shrunk from one which would establishes a fund of last resort for all sufferers of asbestos-related diseases to one which would pay a proportion of compensation to mesothelioma claimants diagnosed after a 2012 deadline. The proportion had been set at 75% of average civil damages. Today, a letter released by Tracey Crouch MP from Minister Mike Penning MP confirms that this figure has been increased to 80%. This means that successful applicants will receive an average of £123,000 before benefit recovery. See: Letter from Minister of State Mike Penning.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

Feb 25, 2014

The winter 2014 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The leading article in Issue 93, Asbestos in the UK: Then and Now quantifies the amount of asbestos used in the UK and the repercussions that consumption of this carcinogenic substance has had. The feature highlights the epidemic of asbestos-related diseases now occurring: “Annually, nearly three times as many Britons die from asbestos-related diseases as from road traffic accidents.” Other articles discuss the Mesothelioma Bill and the campaign to address the asbestos-contamination of UK schools. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Issue 93.
 

Bid to Recoup Asbestos Costs

Feb 24, 2014

A bill lodged by the Holyrood Government on February 21 – The Recovery of Medical Costs for Asbestos Diseases (Scotland) Bill – could recover £20 million for the medical treatment of Scottish patients with asbestos-related diseases from employers and insurers. The bill was launched at a press conference by Clydeside Action on Asbestos and Scottish Nationalist MSP Stuart McMillan. Similar Welsh legislation passed last year is facing robust legal challenges from the insurance industry. Experts believe that due to Scotland’s greater devolved powers, similar challenges would not be mounted. See: CAA Press Release: New Asbestos Law will Recover Millions for the NHS in Scotland.
 

International Agencies Call for Prevention

Feb 3, 2014

At a press conference in London today, representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) launched a new book detailing the “alarming” growth in the global incidence of cancer: “developing countries are disproportionately affected by the increasing numbers of cancers.” The international agencies urged governments to adopt “efficient prevention strategies to curb the disease.” One example cited of a successful strategy was the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which helped reduce tobacco consumption. See: IARC/WHO Press Release: Global battle against cancer won’t be won with treatment alone.
 

Fire at old Turner & Newall Asbestos Mill

Jan 31, 2014

Residents were warned to keep windows closed as fire took hold Thursday night at the old Turner & Newall premises on Rooley Moor Road. Local activists who have long campaigned for the asbestos pollution at the site to be remediated are seriously concerned that the authorities are providing false reassurances to the public about the potential health and safety issues posed by this incident. A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service had said the threat of asbestos being airborne was "limited". See: Huge fire at former asbestos factory.
 

Environmental Asbestos Fallout

Jan 13, 2014

The BBC today reported on the case of a mesothelioma victim from County Durham who brought legal proceedings against Cape Intermediate Holdings, part of the group which in 1967 took over Universal Asbestos Manufacturing, the owner of an asbestos factory in Bowburn. Although Cape has denied liability for Caroline Wilcock's claim, they have offered her a "substantial" out-of-court settlement. Caroline, who lived across the street from the Bowburn plant, and other local children played with asbestos liberated from the factory between 1967 and 1983. See: The Children who Played with Asbestos.
 

The Mesothelioma Bill

Jan 8, 2014

The third reading of the Mesothelioma Bill took place yesterday in the House of Commons; dozens of MPs took part in the debate. Unfortunately, attempts to obtain a modest increase in the value of payments to victims was defeated by 39 votes. An amendment to provide funding for mesothelioma research was lost by 40 votes. Despite these setbacks, the efforts of UK asbestos victims groups to force the insurance industry to award compensation for mesothelioma victims unable to trace their employer's insurance policies is a marked victory which will provide much-needed funds to some of those who have contracted this fatal disease. See: Hansards Text of Mesothelioma Bill Debate.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

Dec 11, 2013

The autumn 2013 issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The feature article in Issue 92, The Mesothelioma Bill - A Gift to Insures, forensically examines the genesis and contents of a controversial bill currently being debated in the House of Commons. Author Tony Whitston reiterates the call by UK asbestos victims for 100% justice for the injured and for compensation to be provided for all asbestos victims. Other articles discuss pleural thickening litigation and a UK mesothelioma research initiative being spearheaded by the James Lind Alliance. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Issue 92.
 

Controversial Bill Goes to Commons

Dec 2, 2013

Today, The Mesothelioma Bill is being debated in the House of Commons having completed its passage through the House of Lords before the Summer recess. Asbestos victims, who have given a qualified welcome to the legislation, are urging MPs to make improvements which will recognize the suffering of all asbestos victims, increase payments to the injured and withdraw taxpayers' support for the insurance industry which, after extensive back room lobbying, is due to receive "Government largesse on an unprecedented scale." See: Press Release by Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK; also see: The Mesothelioma Bill - A Gift to Insurers.
 

Online Resource: London Health Reports

Nov 26, 2013

The Wellcome Library has digitized 124 years of reports by Health Officers for London boroughs; this archive is an invaluable resource for researchers investigating the history of asbestos knowledge. Items written in the 1930s by Dr Williams, the Medical Officer of Health for Barking - the borough in which a notorious factory belonging to Cape Asbestos was located - are informative. Williams' was described by Dr. Merewether - co-author of the seminal 1930 Merewether and Price asbestos report - as being "obsessed with the subject [asbestos]." See: London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972.
 

Dismantling of US "Ghost Ships"

Nov 11, 2013

The arrival in Hartlepool in 2003 of the Caloosahatchee, a rusting US warship, set off ten years of protest by local campaigners. Friends of Hartlepool objected to their town becoming "the dumping ground of the world"; during the struggle, legal and environmental objections were raised to the dismantling in Hartlepool of toxic US "Ghost Ships" which contained nearly 2,000 tonnes of asbestos as well as mercury, cadmium, chromium and other toxins. As a result, only four US ships were processed at the Able UK yard and work was stopped in January 2011. The dumping of the yard's hazardous waste in local landfills remains a contentious issue. See: The Legacy of Hartlepool's US Navy 'ghost ships'.
 

Managing Asbestos in the Retail Sector

Oct 29, 2013

A guidance document entitled Managing Asbestos in the Retail Sector has today been published by the Retail Working Group to inform UK retailers of best practices regarding the management of asbestos during trading, maintenance and refurbishment operations. The 54-page text, which is available online, outlines duties of stakeholders as mandated by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and itemizes compliance stategies and mandatory measures with a focus on the retail sector. See: The Management of Asbestos Containing Materials in the Retail Sector.
 

Conflict of Interest Controversy

Sep 23, 2013

As participants gathered for an "Inhaled Particles" conference in Nottingham this week, an online article was published which discussed the high-level participation of Professor Ken Donaldson, co-author of articles at the heart of a "potential crime-fraud allegation." This article, which forensically examines the Donaldson's participation in the writing of "scientific papers" commissioned by U.S. asbestos defendant Georgia Pacific, reveals how vested interests are working behind the scenes to create doubt amongst scientists and juries about the risk posed by exposures to chrysotile asbestos. See: Potential crime-fraud and the asbestos industry - the UK connection.
 

Anger over Mesothelioma Stitch-Up

Sep 23, 2013

A press release issued today by UK charities representing the interests of asbestos cancer victims lambasts the government for proposals which victimize people dying from mesothelioma. Representatives from Mesothelioma UK, The Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum, The June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund and the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund will, with other stakeholders, be meeting Justice Minister Helen Grant in London to present their objections to a "partisan consultation which disadvantages mesothelioma sufferers." See: Charities furious at one-sided MoJ Mesothelioma reform consultation.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

Sep 5, 2013

The summer issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The feature article in Issue 91 -Annual Parliamentary Asbestos Seminar - describes an activity on July 3, 2013 which took place in the House of Commons under the auspices of the All Party Parliamentary Asbestos Sub-Group. Speakers from the U.S., UK and Germany addressed medical issues, trade union mobilization, asbestos victims' needs and the global campaign to ban asbestos. Other articles in this issue look at an ongoing environmental asbestos claim against Cape, the asbestos debacle at Cwmcarn High School and the funding of UK mesothelioma research projects. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Issue 91.
 

Contamination Threatens Students

Aug 27, 2013

As British university students prepare for the Autumn 2013 term, an article in today's Guardian newspaper is a salient reminder of the continuing threat they could encounter from asbestos-containing products in student halls. Thirty-eight universities have admitted that they do not tell students asbestos is present in dormitory rooms. With 2,313 bedrooms, the University of Warwick had the highest number of rooms. The Association of Teachers and Lecturers is "deeply concerned" about the extent of asbestos in universities and is calling on the Government to take action. See: Students are sleeping in bedrooms that contain asbestos.
 

HSE Update on Asbestos Activities

Aug 13, 2013

In advance of a meeting of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Board on August 14, 2013, a paper was published detailing activities undertaken by the HSE on asbestos. Subjects covered included licensing and enforcement, communications, awareness raising, training and guidance, asbestos in schools, prohibitions on the use, importation and supply of asbestos, EU activity, current research and other issues. Considering the HSE's controversial advice relating to the asbestos scandal at Cwmcarn school, some might argue that the sanitized language in that section of the paper did not accurately reflect the complexity of the situation. See: Update on HSE Activities on Asbestos.
 

Asbestos-related Lung Cancer Burden

Aug 8, 2013

A letter to the editor of the British Journal of Cancer was published online this Summer which critiqued a 2012 paper by Dr. Valerie McCormack et al. The U.S. authors of the letter assert that as the paper in question ignored various sources of data, the conclusions and recommendations it made were seriously undermined. The reply by Dr. McCormack and her co-authors is a defense of their methodology and conclusions. See: Comment on 'Estimating the asbestos-related lung cancer burden from mesothelioma mortality' - IARC and Chrysotile Risks and also Reply: Comment on 'Estimating the asbestos-related lung cancer burden from mesothelioma mortality'.
 

Asbestos: Imminent and Persistent Hazard

Jul 29, 2013

It should come as no surprise to any responsible person that asbestos could be found in UK buildings or homes. Unfortunately, some people continue to carry out their professional duties with little regard for this known hazard. Today an article was published which documented one such case in north Cumbria where the social landlord Riverside admitted that many of its 6,000 homes may contain asbestos. According to a Riverside spokeswoman: "Asbestos was used extensively as a building material in Great Britain from the 1930s… This could mean approximately 50 per cent of our stock has some asbestos." See: Asbestos fears for thousands of Carlisle homes.
 

Mesothelioma Bill: Lords Vote Defeated

Jul 18, 2013

By just seven votes, a proposal made by Lord Alton for a levy on the insurance industry to fund medical research into the asbestos cancer mesothelioma was defeated on July 17. This vote took place during a protracted and heated debate in the House of Lords on the Mesothelioma Bill. It is relevant to note that mention was made during the session of the work of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum, the umbrella group representing UK asbestos victims. The Bill will now go to the House of Commons when MPs return from the Summer recess. See: House of Lords debate, July 17, 2013 (report) or watch recording of the debate.
 

Sale of Contaminated Rolling Stock?

Jun 28, 2013

According to reports received, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will consult early next month on proposals to give the Office of Rail Regulation the power to, contrary to European Regulation, allow UK parties to sell asbestos-contaminated articles, including rolling stock. It is unclear how wide an exemption is being sought but it may also include other similarly polluted items from the railway industry. The use and sale of asbestos in the European Community was banned as of June 1, 2005 by Commission Directive 1999/77/EC.
 

British Asbestos News

Jun 24, 2013

The spring issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The feature article in Issue 90, entitled Mesothelioma: The British Disease, estimates that by the end of 2013 more than 60,000 Britons will have died from asbestos-related diseases in the 21st century. Other articles in this issue look at the report by the Committee on Carcinogenicity on the relative vulnerability of children to asbestos exposure and the work of the Queen's Bench Asbestos List. The news round-up includes details related to developments, publications and upcoming UK events. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Issue 90.
 

Asbestos Contamination in Sunderland

May 13, 2013

It has been revealed that some of Wearside's most popular tourist attractions are amongst 37 properties listed on the Council's Asbestos Risk Register. These include: three museums, a market, art center, ski slope, library and tennis center. The majority of schools in Sunderland also contain asbestos. A spokesperson for the local authority told journalists that the Council's asbestos management policy complies with current legislation and that an ongoing inspection programme ensures that the asbestos risk is being carefully controlled. See: Tourist attractions, sports centres and Jacky White Market among dozens of Sunderland buildings on asbestos risk list.
 

The Asbestos Massacre at Hebden Bridge

Apr 16, 2013

On Saturday, April 13, people from Hebden Bridge gathered to remember those whose lives had been forfeit by exposure to asbestos from the Acre Mill factory owned by the Cape Asbestos Company. Veteran campaigners present for the dedication of a memorial plaque included Renata Taylor, original Chair of the Asbestosis Action Group and retired solicitor John Pickering; other participants included David Bell, Chair of Wadsworth Parish Council, and Julie Cockburn and Reverend John Muir, who conducted a short service. The well-attended ceremony took place in Pecket Well, a hilltop village close to Hebden Bridge. See: Commemorative Memorial to those harmed by exposure to Asbestos.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Apr 9, 2013

The April 7 issue of The Sunday Express highlighted the discrepancy on government action regarding asbestos contamination of schools amongst UK authorities. Whereas steps are ongoing in England and Wales to address the problem, the Holyrood Parliament is yet to prioritize the issue despite widespread contamination of the Scottish education infrastructure. It has been estimated that 1,200 Scottish schools still contain asbestos. A hearing held in Westminster by the House of Commons Education Select Committee (on March 17, 2013) heard that hazardous exposures at schools could lead to thousands of deaths. See: Silent killer in the classroom.
 

Progress of Bill to Recover Medical Costs

Mar 8, 2013

A Committee Report was published yesterday (March 7, 2013) on Stage 1 of the Recovery of Medical Costs for Asbestos Diseases (Wales) Bill. The main principle underlying the Bill is that, in relation to asbestos-related diseases, those responsible for causing harm should also be responsible for meeting the costs of healthcare treatment. The 53-page document outlines the findings of the Health and Social Care committee which are, on the whole, favourable as the committee recommends that the Bill should proceed to Stage 2. The threat of legal appeals by the Association of British Insurers and others is highlighted. See: Committee Report.
 

Asbestos Fire: Public Hazard

Mar 7, 2013

Newly obtained information documents asbestos contamination on a site where a former asbestos factory burned down three weeks ago. A Rochdale online news outlet reports that asbestos was found in most of the test holes dug between Shawclough Road and Hollows Lane. In light of these findings, local people and politicians are increasingly concerned about the fallout from the fire at the TBA factory on February 15, 2013 as can be seen by a statement submitted by Rochdale's MP Simon Danczuk to the Parliamentary Asbestos Sub-Group on March 6. Calls are being made for a public enquiry.See: Asbestos Test Shock for TBA site.
 

Deadly fallout from TBA Fire

March 1, 2013

A Press Release issued yesterday by Save Spodden Valley (SSV), a campaigning group in Rochdale, highlighted high levels of airborne asbestos prior to the fire which broke out on Friday, February 15 at the former TBA asbestos factory. In light of this situation, SSV questions why no air monitoring was done "whilst the fire raged and on the days immediately after the inferno?" Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk raised this question in Parliament on February 28. The reply by the government indicated that enquiries will be made regarding the actions taken or not taken by the HSE and the Environment Agency. See: Hansard transcript.
 

Parliament Enquiry into Asbestos in Schools

Feb 27, 2013

It has been announced that on March 13, 2013 a Parliamentary Education Select Committee will hold hearings "on the issues relating to asbestos in English schools" in the House of Commons. Amongst the experts who will be providing oral evidence are: Michael Lees, from the Asbestos in Schools Group, Julie Winn, from the Joint Union Asbestos Committee, and epidemiologist Julian Peto. Evidence will also be submitted by the Schools Minister and the Health and Safety Executive. See: Press Announcement PN58.
 

Memorial to Scottish shipbuilders

Feb 25, 2013

The Framebenders, a sculpture commissioned by the Clydebank Asbestos Group, will be positioned at the head of the old John Brown dock in Clydebank later this year. Scottish artist Tom McKendrick, a former shipbuilder, says that the 36 foot-high piece is his tribute to former colleagues, many of whom have died from asbestos diseases contracted through hazardous exposures at the shipyards. "The whole idea behind the memorial is," he says "a simple one. You have all these graceful frames reaching towards heaven to create the hull of the ships." See: Memorial to shipbuilders who paid with their health.
 

Fire at Asbestos Factory

Feb 15, 2013

A three-storey redundant mill, which had for decades been the base of the UK's largest asbestos manufacturing operations, has been engulfed in flames since 3 a.m. this morning. Fifty fire-fighters have been at the Turner and Newall Rochdale site battling the fire which they now say is under control. Campaigners opposed to redevelopment plans for the 72-acre site in Spodden Valley because of asbestos contamination, which had not been properly quantified or remediated, are urging local authorities to conduct air monitoring tests to assess levels of airborne asbestos contamination in the aftermath of the fire. See: Fire at Turner and Newall Asbestos Factory in Rochdale.
 

Mesothelioma in Teachers

Feb 7, 2013

Hansards reported the submission of a letter from the Director General of ONS to Lord Wigley in the report of House of Lords proceedings on February 6. This letter was in reply to a question asked about the incidence of mesothelioma amongst school teachers in England. According to data received, 129 school teachers in England died from mesothelioma during the ten years between 2002 and 2011. See: Health: Mesothelioma.
 

"Systemic" Failings in M&S Asbestos Policy

Feb 5, 2013

Marks &Spencer (M&S), a household name in Britain, was fined £1 million plus costs yesterday by Judge Christopher Harvey Clark who said that management had "turned a blind eye" to the hazard posed by unsafe asbestos removal work at its Reading store. As a result of the company's failings, the Judge said, contractors, staff and shoppers may have breathed in asbestos fibers. The BBC has reported the names of four M&S employees who have died of asbestos-related conditions since 2007. See: Marks & Spencer warned over asbestos risk.
 

Journal Calls for Asbestos Ban

Jan 28, 2013

This month the British Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM) published an editorial entitled: "A worldwide ban on asbestos production and use: some recent progress, but more still to be done" which added the OEM's voice to the chorus of agencies, academic bodies and independent scientists calling for the prohibition of all commercial exploitation of asbestos. Acknowledging the consensus that exists regarding the human hazard of all forms of asbestos, author Malcolm Sims highlights the "poorly developed regulatory approach to asbestos and other workplace hazards in many newly industrialising countries." See: Editorial of the Journal Occupational Environmental Medicine.
 

Survival after mesothelioma surgery

Jan 22, 2013

An online article entitled What is the survival after surgery for localized malignant pleural mesothelioma? that appeared on the website of Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery on January 17, 2013 draws on an extensive review of published literature regarding the management of localized mesothelioma of the pleura (LMM). The British authors' findings suggest that "survival in LMM is longer than that generally quoted for the more common diffuse form of malignant mesothelioma." This fact could influence treatment choices made by patients and their doctors which might include pleurectomy/decorticiation and adjuvant chemotherapy.
 

Repayment of NHS Asbestos Costs

Jan 16, 2013

Attempts to reclaim £2 million pounds of annual costs for the treatment of Welsh asbestos patients are being opposed by insurance companies which claim that the financial burden of the reforms proposed by The Recovery of Medical Costs for Asbestos Diseases Bill would impact on current policyholders. According to the Association of British Insurers, the Welsh Assembly does not have the "competency" to modify the terms of insurance policies. The evidence of the Association of British Insurers was submitted during hearings held on January 15, 2013 in Wales on a private member's bill sponsored by Mick Antoniw. See: NHS asbestos refund law opposed by insurance companies.
 

Asbestos Regulations Infringements

Jan 15, 2012

On January 10, 2013 at Neath Magistrates' Court, in a prosecution case against Wall Colmonoy Ltd., a Swansea-based engineering firm, a catalogue of errors and regulatory infringements were described relating to renovation work undertaken in 2010. Amongst other failings, the HSE alleged that the company "failed to prevent the exposures of its employees to asbestos and failed to control its spread once it had been damaged." The company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,287; its contractor, Oaktree Construction (Wales) Ltd. was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,000. See: Swansea engineering firm and building contractor fined for asbestos exposure.
 

Contamination of Welsh Schools

Jan 7, 2013

Confirmation of asbestos hazards in Welsh schools has been obtained following a Freedom of Information request submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council. The cost of removing asbestos from the local authority's 124 contaminated schools and reinstating the buildings could exceed £5.58 million. On January 15, the first meeting of an all-party group on asbestos will take place at the Welsh Assembly. A website launched in October 2012 provides useful information on the Asbestos in Schools campaign in Wales: Right to Know, Asbestos in Schools, Wales. See also: Asbestos present in majority of schools in Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea.
 

British Asbestos News

Dec 18, 2012

The autumn issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The feature article in Issue 88, entitled Britain's Mesothelioma Epidemic, reports that mesothelioma fatalities have risen for the 20th year in a row. There were 2,347 deaths from mesothelioma in 2011. Other articles detail loopholes in the proposed mesothelioma protocol being floated by the Coalition Government and the high profile closure of a Welsh high school due to asbestos contamination. The news round-up includes details related to developments, publications and upcoming UK events. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Issue 88.
 

Asbestos Action in Wales

Nov 30, 2012

A statement released this week by Leighton Andrews, the Education Minister for the Welsh Government, endorses calls for asbestos audits of all schools. On Tuesday, Andrews stated: "I do not feel sufficiently assured at this stage that local authorities are discharging their statutory duties to manage asbestos and have sufficient plans in place. I intend to ask local authorities that they ensure that Head Teachers and Governing Bodies know and understand their obligations and duties in relation to legal requirements and that they are following guidance where provided…" See: Written Statement by Welsh Government.
 

BBC Report on Asbestos in Schools

Oct 31, 2012

A half-hour program broadcast on BBC 1 in Wales last night (October 30, 2012) highlighted the serious issues revealed by the discovery of asbestos at Cwmcarn High School. Interviews with teachers, victims, parents, children, scientists, politicians, trade unionists and campaigners produced a damning indictment of government inaction in the face of a known problem: the extensive asbestos contamination of the Welsh educational infrastructure. The Welsh Local Government Association, the Health and Safety Executive, Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government Education Minister Leighton Andrews declined to take part in the filming. See: Week In, Week Out.
 

Welsh School Closure

Oct 25, 2012

On October 15, a Welsh school was closed after asbestos was discovered in the main block. The 937 pupils from Cwmcam High School have now been told that from November 5 they will be taught at Coleg Gwent's campus in Ebbw Vale. The move of pupils and staff will cost the Caerphilly Council £1.4 million. If remediation is deemed possible, it will be many months before the Cwmcam students can return to their home base. Last week, Welsh education minister Leighton Andrews called for every local authority to provide information on asbestos in schools. See: Cwmcam school asbestos: Pupils to move to Ebbw Vale.
 

Asbestos Focus at Scottish Parliament

Sep 29, 2012

A fortnight ago, Jackie Ballie, Member for Dumbarton of the Scottish Parliament, submitted a series of written questions [S4W-09682-685] regarding asbestos for Government consideration. The subjects raised included: the clinical treatment of pleural plaques, legislation to clarify deadlines for personal injury claims, the measurement of and proposals for dealing with asbestos contamination in schools and hospitals. Since devolution, asbestos has remained a priority subject for the Scottish Parliament; campaigning groups such as Clydeside Action on Asbestos and the Clydebank Asbestos Group continue to press for action. See: Scottish Parliament written questions lodged on 17 September 2012.
 

Government Cuts Affect Safety

Sep 26, 2012

A report published on the impact of Scottish cutbacks on occupational and environmental health is a damming indictment of the short-termism and skewed thinking at the heart of government decision-making. Deregulation will almost certainly add to the cost of looking after Scottish citizens injured through workplace accidents and exposures to toxic substances: work-related ill-health and injuries account for a quarter of Scotland’s health care costs. Lack of oversight and failure to prosecute guilty executives, such as has been done in Italy (see: Eternit and the Great Asbestos Trial) create a climate in which hazardous conditions will flourish. For the full report or executive summary See: Regulating Scotland website.
 

UK Asbestos News

Sep 8, 2012

The summer issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. The feature article in Issue 87 is a comprehensive report of the annual Parliamentary asbestos seminar which took place on June 27. Amongst the panel of speakers taking part in the three-hour session were Barrister Krishnendu Mukherjee (India), Epidemiologist Alex Burdorf (the Netherlands) and Ban Asbestos Campaigner Kathleen Ruff (Canada). Also included in this issue of the newsletter is an article by Michael Lees which exposes the uninsurability of asbestos exposure risks in British schools as well as news of developments, publications and future events. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Issue 87.
 

Hypocrisy in Parliament

Aug 25, 2012

Even as asbestos removal work continues in the Houses of Parliament this Summer, government advice remains that asbestos-containing products contaminating the majority of the country's schools should be left in place; damaged asbestos materials should be removed, an expensive task for financially hard-pressed educational institutions. The funding of the work in Parliament, however, does not seem to be a problem with substantial sums having been earmarked to make the Palaces of Westminster safe for Ministers and politicians. See: Presentation to the Commons & Lords Management Boards 2008 and House of Lords Administration and Works Committee Document July 2012.
 

Support Provided by Local Groups

Aug 15, 2012

The August/September 2012 newsletter of the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST) provides evidence of the incredible work done by UK asbestos victims' support groups. Not only do these groups keep victims updated on developments in the benefits system, medical treatment and legislative regimes but they also play an active role in trying to ensure that schemes adopted in the UK are tailored to meet the needs of those affected by asbestos-related diseases. Fund-raising initiatives are incredibly important; they raise public awareness, provide a purpose for social interaction and generate much-needed money for research. See: Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team Newsletter.
 

Town Hall Asbestos Contamination

Aug 3, 2012

UK authorities have launched an investigation into asbestos exposure at a London town hall. Despite decades of knowledge about the presence of asbestos in the basement of the Waltham Forest Town Hall, officials continued to store thousands of documents and archives in cellar storerooms. It is believed that three types of asbestos have been found in the basement, including crocidolite. The alleged "breach of health and safety regulations" by the Waltham Forest Council is part of an investigation by officials from the Health and Safety Executive who are considering whether there has been a "failure to manage the control of asbestos." See: Waltham Forest: HSE to investigate town hall asbestos 'risks.'
 

New Support for Mesothelioma Sufferers

Jul 25 2012

The UK Government announced that from today people diagnosed with mesothelioma will be able to make a claim on a new support scheme which will supplement compensation provided by employers' liability insurance policies and existing government benefits. The insurance industry funded scheme will provide a total of £300m over the coming decade for claimants unable to trace a negligent employer or their insurer. Due to the need to enact primary legislation, no payments are expected until July 2014. The scheme has had a mixed reception from asbestos victims' groups. See: 25 July 2012 - £300m support for future mesothelioma victims and Comments by the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum.
 

Asbestos Risk to Children

Jul 20, 2012

Last week (July 12) the UK Committee on Carcinogenicity met to consider the Relative Vulnerability of Children to Asbestos. The agenda of the meeting and the papers submitted for its consideration, which discuss asbestos levels in buildings, the comparative differences of immunity in children and adults, available literature on the comparative differences between juvenile and adult asbestos exposure and the effect of children's age and life expectation on mesothelioma risk, can be accessed online. See: July 12 Agenda and July 12 Papers.
 

Quebec Mine a Global Concern

Jul 18, 2012

During last week's Prime Minister's question time (July 11), David Cameron confirmed UK opposition to asbestos use anywhere in the world and promised to raise the issue of Quebec's new asbestos mine with the World Health Organization (WHO) during a meeting scheduled that afternoon. That this was done has been confirmed by a reliable source who said that Cameron spoke about this matter with Dr. Margaret Chan, the Director-General of the WHO; as a result of that conversation, Dr. Chan pursued further discussions related to asbestos with high-level WHO officials. See: Hansards July 11, 2012.
 

Parliament Reacts to Quebec's New Mine

Jul 15, 2012

On July 11, 2012, MP Jim Dobbin, addressing the House of Commons, referenced the news that the Quebec Government had handed over $58 million of government finance to develop new underground asbestos mining facilities in Quebec. Pointing out that the asbestos from the mine was destined for markets in developing countries, he asked whether the Prime Minster will "oppose this quite outrageous decision." In his response, David Cameron cited the asbestos ban in the UK and EU and said: "We are totally opposed to its [asbestos] use anywhere and would deplore its supply to developing countries." See: Hansards text of this interchange. See also: New Asbestos Mine in Quebec.
 

Launch of Mesothelioma Tissue Bank

Jun 28, 2012

The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Tissue Bank - Mesobank - was launched in the House of Commons today by the British Lung Foundation (BLF) and the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (MKMRF). Mesobank is Europe's first mesothelioma tissue bank. The short-term aim of the project is to "establish a tissue collection of mesothelioma tumours supported by a detailed clinical information database"; the long-term aim is to "unlock the secrets of mesothelioma," and find new treatments. After today's launch, representatives from 14 medical facilities met for the first time to delineate the way forward for the researchers. See photo: Dame Helena Shovelton (BLF) and Chris Knighton (MKMRF).
 

Award for British Mesothelioma Widow

Jun 21, 2012

The work of Chris Knighton, whose husband Mick died of mesothelioma in 2001, was recognized on June 16 when she was named in the Queen's Honours List. Chris will be presented with an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by the Queen for services to mesothelioma research. The £1 million raised by the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund has supported four major mesothelioma studies. At a reception in the House of Commons next week, a new facility for mesothelioma researchers will be launched; Mesobank is the first centralized bank of mesothelioma tissue and blood samples in Europe. See: Chris Knighton Honoured with an MBE.
 

Asbestos Flats Demolished

Jun 11, 2012

A controlled explosion on June 10 demolished part of the notorious Red Road flats complex in Glasgow. When the eight 32-story apartment blocks were built in the 1960s, they were Europe's tallest residential structures. Asbestos-containing material was used extensively in the blocks. During construction, 1000 men worked on the site, many of whom returned home covered with asbestos according to historian Arthur McIvor. A 1967 report on worksite conditions by Professor Alex Mair established that "levels of asbestos dust were on average four-times above the recognised safety limit… In one process… the dust level was 18 time higher." See: Glasgow skyline changes as blast blows down Red Road flats.
 

UK Asbestos News

June 8, 2012

The spring issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. Articles in Issue 86 document legal victories achieved for asbestos victims in recent months including the Supreme Court's claimants' verdict in the infamous "Trigger Litigation," the decision by the Court of Appeal in Chandler vs. Cape Building Products which successfully pierced the corporate veil between Cape and a subsidiary, and a judgment upholding the value of an asbestos claim brought by a 92-year old mesothelioma sufferer. Other newsletter items highlight the publication of relevant information and other developments such as upcoming conferences. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Issue 86.
 

Award for Campaigning Group

June 4, 2012

In the June 2 supplement to the London Gazette it was announced that the Glasgow-based Clydebank Asbestos Group (CAB) was one of only eight groups in Scotland to receive The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2012, the highest award given to UK groups in recognition of outstanding work in their communities. Since 1992, the CAB has been providing practical support for the asbestos injured and their families; it has worked effectively with representatives in Westminster and Holyrood to affect change to regulations and legislation. The CAB slogan says it all: "Fighting for truth and justice for asbestos victims." See: Clydebank Asbestos Group website.
 

Government U-Turn, For Now!

Apr 25, 2012

Yesterday, the Justice Minister speaking in the House of Commons announced a climbdown by the government which will now exempt mesothelioma sufferers from draconian changes to the legal process being introduced in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill. This Bill has made a lengthy progress from the House of Commons to the House of Lords, then back to the Commons. Although this exemption is a temporary measure, it is a tangible result of all the incredible campaigning work done by UK asbestos victims and their allies in both houses of Parliament. See: Reforms delayed amid disease doubts.
 

Increased Payments for Mesothelioma

Apr 8, 2012

As of April 1, 2012, there has been a substantial increase in the size of payments made by a statutory government compensation scheme for mesothelioma sufferers. One-off lump sum payments of £52,772 to claimants 37 years old or younger under 2008 Regulations have been increased to £81,536 (+55%) while payments to their dependents have risen from £23,953 to £42,432 (+77%). Although amounts to older claimants are significantly less, they have also risen. Under the 2008 regulations, the amount awarded to a 77-year old applicant was £8,197; this has been raised to £12,666 (+55%). See: Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations 2012.
 

New Asbestos Regulations

Apr 6, 2012

Today, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 will come into force. Changes made in the UK regulations were necessitated by a complaint issued by the European Commission on February 11, 2011 regarding UK contravention of Article 3 of European Directive 2003/18/EC. The European legislation was designed to improve protection for maintenance workers at risk of occupational exposure to asbestos. The new law will close UK loopholes which had exempted work which resulted in "sporadic and low intensity exposure to asbestos"such as supposedly occurred during work on asbestos-containing decorative coatings. See: The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
 

UK Asbestos News

March 1, 2012

The winter issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter is now available online. Articles included in Issue 85 deal with legal developments affecting the prospects for asbestos claimants and the impact of Government cutbacks on victims' rights and occupational protection from hazardous exposures. The coalition government's decision to omit asbestos from a 2012 audit of England's schools, the majority of which contain asbestos, is highlighted along with the content of a new publication by The All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Health and Safety which calls for urgent action to be taken on the national asbestos scandal. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Issue 85.
 

Remembering the Asbestos Dead

Feb 29, 2012

Marking Rare Disease Day, asbestos victims will take part in a vigil to highlight an epidemic which has killed 100 local people. At 7 p.m. Derby Cathedral will be illuminated with the names of those whose lives have been lost to mesothelioma, as the beginning of a week-long "Reflection and Celebration of Life" event mounted by the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team. Participants will adjourn to the Cathedral to hear speakers address the continuing need to raise awareness of the asbestos hazard; prayers will be said to remember the asbestos dead. For more information see: article on the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team website.
 

Non-occupational Asbestos Exposure

Feb 17, 2012

A recently published paper entitled Asbestos Fibre Burden in the Lungs of Patients with Mesothelioma who Lived Near Asbestos-Cement Factories documents "epidemiological evidence of an increased mesothelioma risk for the general population of Casale Monferrato and Bari," towns contaminated by factories producing asbestos-cement building materials under the Eternit brand. "The mesothelioma risk," the authors write "increased with proximity of residence to both plants." This paper is particularly timely in light of the finding of the Turin Court on February 13 which condemned two Eternit executives to 16 year prison sentences for their negligence. See: Annals of Occupational Hygiene.
 

Parliamentary Debates

Jan 31, 2012

Members of the House of Lords yesterday weighed into the debate over proposals in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill which could impact on the rights of asbestos sufferers and threaten the viability of victims’ groups throughout the country. Support for exempting claims for occupational respiratory diseases from the legislation was voiced by, among others, Lord Newton of Braintree, Baroness Butler-Sloss, Lord Alton of Liverpool and Lord Avebury who highlighted the pioneering efforts of Nancy Tait, the work of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum and Mesothelioma UK in his plea on behalf of “these forgotten victims.” See Hansard Jan 30 2012.
 

Asbestos Campaign Reinstated

Dec 8, 2011

The Hidden Killer Campaign, an award-winning initiative to raise occupational awareness of the asbestos hazard amongst at-risk trades people which had been shelved due to government cut-backs, will be relaunched next year according to an announcement made on December 7, 2011 at the board meeting of the Health and Safety Executive. While it is not yet known what form the 2012 campaign will take, the requisite Ministerial approval has been obtained. This news has been welcomed by asbestos victims’ campaigners, health and safety activists and trade unionists who had previously voiced opposition to the cancellation of this much-needed campaign.
 

Pleural Plaque Legislation

Dec 6, 2011

Following an infamous 2007 House of Lords ruling which barred pleural plaque sufferers from bringing legal actions for their injuries, this right has been reinstated in Scotland. In October 2011, the Supreme Court upheld the Scottish Government’s right to enact this legislation even though it contradicts national policy. Yesterday, the Finance Minister of Northern Ireland (NI), Sammy Wilson, announced that as of December 14, pleural plaques will once again be a compensable condition for NI sufferers. The NI legislation: Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 is now law, having passed through the NI Assembly and received Royal Assent. See: NI Executive Press Release.
 

Trigger Test Case at Supreme Court

Nov 30, 2011

On Monday, December 5, 2011, Supreme Court hearings begin on, what is commonly referred to as, the trigger issue test case. The litigation revolves around the interpretation of employer's liability insurance coverage for mesothelioma cases; specifically, the question of whether the policy in force at the time of exposure or the time of diagnosis is responsive to an injured worker's claim. The Court of Appeal's 166-page judgment issued on October 8, 2010 by a three-judge panel was complex and confusing. The Supreme Court proceedings can be watched live at the following link: Sky News Supreme Court Live. See also Justice for Mesothelioma Claimants.
 

Update on National Asbestos Dialogue

Nov 20, 2011

The UK is still trying to tackle its asbestos legacy despite having banned asbestos in 1999. The most recent edition of the British Asbestos Newsletter discusses a range of issues including judicial developments which have impacted on the outcome of mesothelioma cases, the threat posed by asbestos products contained within schools, the funding of research into the treatment and care of asbestos-related diseases and the sad death of Frank Maguire, a solicitor advocate and Glasgow lawyer who campaigned in Westminster and Holyrood for legal and judicial changes that benefit asbestos victims. See: British Asbestos Newsletter, Autumn Issue.
 

The Politics of Asbestos

Oct 27, 2011

A WHO-backed initiative to broadcast presentations on the theme of "the Politics of Asbestos" will be available on-line on November 2, 2011. Dr Linda Waldman of the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex will explore how asbestos issues have been dealt with by governments in South Africa, India and the UK and the opportunities, if any, for activists to shape national asbestos dialogues. Co-speaker Dr Ivan Ivanov of the Department of Public Health and Environment at the World Health Organization will give a global overview of asbestos-related health issues. To take part in this event, Register online.
 

Supreme Court Upholds Scottish Asbestos Law

Oct 12, 2011

Today (Oct 12, 2011), the UK Supreme Court signalled the end to the attack on Scottish asbestos legislation by dismissing the appeal by insurance companies against legislation enabling pleural plaques victims in Scotland to obtain compensation from negligent employers. It could not be said that the "judgment of the Scottish Parliament was without reasonable foundation, " the Supreme Court wrote. Reacting to the news, Scotland's Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill urged insurers to "settle those claims that have been stalled for so long." See: Press Summary and the UK Supreme Court Judgment in the case of AXA General Insurance Limited and others v The Lord Advocate and others.
 

Insurers Attack Mesothelioma Victims

Oct 9, 2011

Just when you think you had seen it all, along comes a new wrinkle in the asbestos story which reveals that there is absolutely no depth to which negligent companies and their insurers will not go to avoid paying their asbestos liabilities. A case due to be heard in the Supreme Court in December, commonly referred to as the "Trigger Litigation," is being spearheaded by insurance industry experts who stand to receive substantial bonuses for depriving aggrieved family members of the compensation which should be theirs after the avoidable asbestos-related deaths of their loved ones. See: It's pay day for insurance executives if they cut asbestos claims.
 

Asbestos on Union Agenda

Sep 12, 2011

The annual meeting of the Trades Union Congress is being held in London on September 12-14, 2011. While the packed Agenda will focus on a variety of issues which directly impact on union members, including controversial government proposals regarding pension benefits and cuts to the National Health Service, other issues will also be considered. Posters exhibited by the Asbestos Victims' Forum and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat will raise awareness of the global impact of continuing asbestos use throughout the developing world as well as the threat posed by asbestos products incorporated in the UK infrastructure. See: UK Poster and International Poster.
 

Surgery for Mesothelioma?

Aug 28, 2011

Whether extra pleural pneumonectomy (EPP), a radical surgical procedure, for pleural mesothelioma extends lifespan or improves quality of life has been hotly debated. A paper in the Lancet details the results of a small randomised UK trial. Having highlighted the problems encountered in running the study, the authors conclude that "radical surgery in the form of EPP within trimodal therapy offers no benefit and possibly harms patients." In a letter commenting on these findings, Dr. Hedy Kindler commends the work of the investigators but queries whether concluding that EPP is not beneficial at this stage might be premature.
 

UK Asbestos Developments

Aug 22, 2011

The Summer issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter covers recent activities such as the annual Parliamentary asbestos seminar and events to mark Action Mesothelioma Day; relevant legal, judicial and legislative developments are also discussed. Of particular interest to ban asbestos campaigners is the article "The UK's Asbestos Dilemma" which highlights a failed attempt by pro-chrysotile forces to push for a UK reassessment of the government's position on chrysotile asbestos and asbestos-cement. The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser concluded that "It is not possible to determine a threshold level below which exposure to 'pure' chrysotile could be deemed 'safe' for human health…"
 

Asbestos Risk to Children

Aug 4, 2011

The UK Government has commissioned the Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (CoC) to advise on the "Relative Vulnerability of Children to Asbestos compared to Adults." At the July 21 meeting of the CoC this project was discussed; the next CoC meeting in November will progress the Committee's efforts. Asbestos in Schools Campaigner Michael Lees is hopeful that the CoC's findings will encourage the authorities to address the multiple problems caused by the continued presence of asbestos in the educational infrastructure. A paper on this subject is available on the Asbestos in Schools website; see: Increased Vulnerability of Children to Asbestos.
 

Asbestos Memorial Tree

Aug 3, 2011

Local asbestos victims were remembered at a ceremony held in Armley, the town which was home to the infamous J. W. Roberts (JWR) asbestos factory. For generations, the lives of Armley workers and local people were cut short by exposures to JWR asbestos. June Hancock, who played on the factory's loading bays, died from mesothelioma as did her Mother, who experienced environmental exposure to the pollution created by the manufacturing operations. June's son Russell assisted local MP Rachel Reeves to plant the Asbestos Memorial Tree in the grounds of the local museum. See: Yorkshire Post Article.
 

Honour for Glasgow Activist

Jun 13, 2011

The work of Phyllis Craig, a senior welfare rights adviser at Clydeside Action on Asbestos (CAA), was recognized on June 11, 2011 when she was awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honour's list for her services to sufferers of asbestos-related diseases. Phyllis has assisted individual victims and campaigned for changes to Scottish and UK legislation which impacted on their rights for over 15 years. Commenting on the honour, she paid tribute to the asbestos-injured and their relatives who, she said "should be recognized." See: Clydeside Action on Asbestos Tribute.
 

Parliamentary Asbestos Seminar

Jun 8 2011

The annual Parliamentary Asbestos Seminar held in Westminster yesterday provided the opportunity for high-profile speakers to address a range of topical issues. Members of Parliament, judges, asbestos victims and their representatives joined trade unionists and campaigners from around the UK to discuss developments in tackling the nation's asbestos legacy. In the keynote presentation "Asbestos Issues in Brazil," Brazilian attorney Mauro de Menezes highlighted the work of the Brazilian Asbestos Victims' Group (ABREA) in the fight to achieve justice for the victims and a Brazilian ban on asbestos. See Meeting Agenda and Photo (full report to follow).
 

Government Confirms Chrysotile Risk

May 26, 2011

An attempt to lobby the UK government to reverse its position on chrysotile asbestos has been soundly defeated. After consultation with UK experts, Sir John Beddington, Chief Scientific Adviser to HM Government and Head of Government Office for Science, reported in a letter to Ian Duncan Smith that: "... it is not possible to determine a threshold level below which exposure to 'pure' chrysotile could be deemed 'safe' for human health. The same applies for exposure to chrysotile from cement ... on the evidence available there is no justification for an imminent change to the international scientific consensus on the classification of chrysotile as a Class 1 carcinogen." See: Background Information.
 

British Asbestos Newsletter

May 3, 2011

The Spring issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter contains news of judicial, legal, epidemiological, political and scientific developments which could be of interest to asbestos victims, health campaigners and others working to progress the interests of the asbestos-injured. Solicitor Ruth Davies, who represented the family of Dianne Willmore in a ground-breaking legal case, contributes the lead article: Two Families Caught up in Supreme Court Litigation which provides a personal insight to the decision handed down last month by the Supreme Court regarding mesothelioma causation by low level asbestos exposures.
 

Victory for British Asbestos Claimant

Apr 18, 2011

An employee of the Uxbridge Flint Brick Company who contracted asbestosis in 2007 has won his case against Cape plc, the parent company of his employer. The claimant was unable to bring a case against his employer due to an "asbestosis exclusion clause" in its insurance policy but his lawyers persuaded the High Court that "Cape's involvement in matters concerning asbestos safety" was such that it could be held liable for the negligence of its subsidiary. Damages were awarded of £120,000+. Cape was one of the UK's biggest asbestos groups and had considerable mining and manufacturing operations overseas. See: Press Release and the Cape Chandler Judgment.
 

Landmark win for Plaque Victims

Apr 12, 2011

The Supreme Court of Scotland, the Court of Session, has today handed down a ruling enshrining the rights of Scottish sufferers of asbestos-related pleural plaques to receive compensation. This right had been withdrawn in 2007 after the House of Lords judgment in the case of Rothwell v. Chemical & Insulating Co. Ltd. (See: British Asbestos Newsletter) which reversed 20 years of legal precedent. Despite objections from insurers, the Scottish Government passed The Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Act 2009 (See: legislation.gov.uk item) under which claims could be brought for pleural plaques, pleural thickening and asbestosis. See also: STV online article.
 

Launch of Asbestos Awareness Campaign

Apr 4, 2011

A survey to assess levels of UK awareness of asbestos in buildings and workplace regulations designed to minimize hazardous exposures has been launched. The Great British Asbestos in Buildings Survey 2011 is being promoted by trade associations, unions, membership organizations and industry institutions which are encouraging tradespeople, building occupiers, duty holders and property managers to take part. It is hoped the results will pinpoint gaps so action can be taken to protect building users and workers from the asbestos hazard. This initiative, by the UK Accreditation Service, is supported by British asbestos campaigners including members of the Asbestos in Schools Group.
 

Government Urges Asbestos Bans

Mar 1, 2011

A letter written by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is categorical about the Government's support for countries to outlaw the use of asbestos: "the UK Government is opposed to the use of asbestos anywhere and would deplore its supply to developing countries… the UK Government encourages all countries which have not yet banned the use and supply of asbestos to do so…." This document is a reply to a letter delivered on December 9 to the Prime Minister. The Government reply concludes: "The UK will take every measure necessary to ensure that it does not indirectly (or directly) encourage the use or supply of asbestos globally."
 

Government Slashes Support for Victims

Feb 25, 2011

An article by Tony Whitston which appears in the current issue of the British Asbestos Newsletter details the reduction in benefits and compensation due to be implemented in the coming months. Payments under the Disability Living Allowance and local housing allowance schemes will be reduced; the withdrawal of some welfare components could imprison victims in their homes, while the slashing of others could make them homeless. The package of cuts being brought in will reduce the financial "burden" on defendant companies and the Government at the expense of some of the the most vulnerable people in the country. See: Cuts - We're all in this Together, including the Terminally Ill.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Feb 22, 2010

A 12-minute segment on Asbestos in Schools was broadcast on the BBC South East Inside Out program yesterday evening. This program followed up on one from 2009 which pinpointed failings regarding the asbestos situation in schools in Kent, Sussex and Medway. Despite, reassurances from the Health and Safety Executive that progress had been made, technical surveys by the Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association of 20 schools revealed that not one had a proper asbestos management plan. Trade union representatives are concerned about the situation and the impact of government cuts in maintenance and building budgets. See Program online (until Feb 28).
 

Infringement of EU Asbestos Regs

Feb 16, 2011

On February 16, 2011 the European Commission ordered the UK to end legislative exemptions for some maintenance and repair work with asbestos which undermine EU laws protecting at-risk workers. The Commission's reasoned opinion is in response to a complaint that parts of the EU asbestos Directive 2009/148/EC had not been properly transposed in UK legislation. The concept of "sporadic and low intensity exposure to asbestos" used to justify UK exemptions is not accepted by the EU authorities. Failure to comply within two months to the EU request could result in legal action against the UK at the EU's Court of Justice. See: Europa Press Release.
 

Asbestos Exposure, Smoking, Lung Cancer

Feb 11, 2011

An HSE Report entitled: RR833 - The joint effect of asbestos exposure and smoking on the risk of lung cancer mortality for asbestos workers (1971-2005) confirms that "the interaction between asbestos exposure and smoking for asbestos workers was greater than additive…nearly 30% of lung cancer deaths among all male asbestos workers and 7% among the male national population were estimated to be attributable to asbestos exposure." The 45+ page report, which is part of the long-term health monitoring of British asbestos workers, has a wealth of information and data explaining the processes used in this statistical analysis. See: HSE Report.
 

Pleural Plaques

Jan 19, 2011

An informative booklet has been published by the British Thoracic Society, in collaboration with the Department of Health, entitled Pleural Plaques Information for Health Care Professionals. Subjects covered include: pathology, causation, association with other asbestos-related diseases, referral criteria, legal aspects and compensation. Also discussed are the possible psychological effects of a diagnosis of pleural plaques which "may increase anxiety about the risk of other asbestos-related diseases. Patients may also misunderstand the term pleural plaques and may assume they have asbestosis." The information in this publication could be of use to pleural plaques sufferers.
 

Interview with Rochdale Campaigner

Jan 17, 2011

Following the announcement on January 13, 2011 that Rochdale Borough Council had rejected development plans for the site of a former asbestos factory, local campaigner Jason Addy was interviewed on BBC television. Speaking with reporter Colin Sykes from North West Tonight, Addy confirmed that thousands of tonnes of contaminated waste, generated by asbestos manufacturing operations over 130 years, had been dumped on this land. Welcoming the Council's decision he said "finally some common sense has prevailed." Addy is calling for a Community Plan B for this site which would turn it into a "safe green lung for Rochdale." See: TV Interview with Jason Addy and Victory in Rochdale.
 

Government Opposes All Asbestos Use

Jan 14, 2011

The Minister of State for International Development, Alan Duncan, yesterday told the House of Commons that his department (DFID) does "not provide funding to projects encouraging developing countries to import asbestos from any country or for any purpose. The UK Government are opposed to the use of asbestos anywhere and would deplore its supply to developing countries." Were information to become available that DFID funds were spent on asbestos development products, urgent action would be taken, he added. This Parliamentary answer is in response to a question asked last year by MP Simon Danczuk from Rochdale. See: TheyWorkForYou result.
 

Lancet Article on Canadian Asbestos

Dec 9, 2010

As protestors gather in London for a day of action against Canadian plans to expand production of asbestos, an article in the Lancet, an authoritative, independent voice in global medicine, has been published which condemns "Hypocritical Canada and Quebec Governments for Exporting Deadly Asbestos to Vulnerable Developing Countries." Lancet editor Dr. Richard Horton says: "The Lancet adds its voice to those of the many anti-asbestos campaigners worldwide, the Canadian Medical Association, and others, who are calling for an end to this immoral export of asbestos-related death and disease to some of the most vulnerable people in the world." See: Lancet Press Release.
 

Asbestos Menace in UK Schools

Dec 7, 2010

An article in today's Guardian documents widespread contamination of UK schools, 75% of which contain asbestos. Detailing examples of government inaction and HSE ineffectiveness, it cites calls by independent technical and medical experts for priority action on a national scale. An independent assessment of volunteer schools undertaken in November 2010 found "widespread failings." Some of the schools visited had no asbestos management policies and were not in compliance with legal requirements. Dr. Jeremy Steele says: "I can't see any reason not to have a national survey and a risk assessment… The problem is there is no safe level of (exposure to) asbestos." See: Guardian article.
 

New Report on Asbestos Research

Nov 24, 2010

A Review of Research in Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos-related Diseases was launched at the Wellcome Trust in London on November 23. The review on which this document is based was conducted by the National Centre for Research on Cancer. The report highlighted the need for "established investigators in other areas of cancer or respiratory diseases research, to apply their expertise to the challenges in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases… the research community should consider the need for enhanced coordination, which could be built on existing structures in a cost-effective manner."
 

Parliament Considers New Asbestos Mine

Nov 17, 2010

Questions were posed in Parliament by MP Jim Sheridan, the Chair of the Parliamentary Asbestos Sub-Committee, to the Minister of State, Department for International Development, about the implications of Quebec plans to develop a new asbestos mine. Sheridan informed the House that a multimillion dollar loan guarantee being considered by the Quebec Government could result in "millions of tonnes of asbestos being dumped on unsuspecting populations in the years to come." The Minister agreed to raise this issue with the Foreign Office and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. See: Parliamentary Debates (Hansard).
 

Low Level Exposures Fatal for UK Women

Nov 8, 2010

Consultant surgeon John Edwards postulates that the rising level of female mesothelioma deaths could be linked to low level exposures such as those experienced by people who work or use asbestos-contaminated schools. Data produced by Cancer Research UK is categorical; amongst women, the greatest rise in cancer incidence (57%) is for mesothelioma. The majority of those affected do not know the source of their exposure. "Asbestos in Schools" campaigner Michael Lees is in no doubt that in the absence of measures to address the country's asbestos legacy, the death toll will continue to rise. See: Daily Mirror article.
 

Escalation of Mesothelioma Epidemic

Oct 29, 2010

Data released by the Health and Safety Executive on October 27, 2010 detailing British mesothelioma deaths reveal an inexorable rise in annual fatalities. Between 1990 and 2008, the number of fatalities increased from 895 to 2249. Over the last ten years there has been a 46% increase in mesothelioma deaths (from 1541 in 1998 to 2249 in 2008). See: HSE mesothelioma data tables and/or Graph of these data supplied by G. Tweedale.
 

Confusion follows Appeal Court Verdict

Oct 8, 2010

After a protracted wait, the Court of Appeal handed down its decision today in what is commonly referred to as "the trigger litigation." Disagreement amongst the three judges over various points regarding which Employers' Liability insurance policies are liable to compensate asbestos cancer claimants led them to send the case to the Supreme Court for adjudication.
As the ramifications of the 166 page judgment are being digested, one thing is certain: cases for asbestos sufferers will be delayed and justice will be denied to dying victims of employers' negligence.
 

Asbestos in Schools

Oct 7, 2010

A ten-minute segment on asbestos contamination of UK schools was aired on the BBC radio program You & Yours. David Ashton of the Health & Safety Executive downplayed the significance of recent findings exposing major shortcomings by local authorities in the management of asbestos in schools, referring twice to "alarmist" warnings about the dangers to school users. Michael Lees, whose schoolteacher wife died from asbestos cancer, criticized the HSE position, explaining that the hazardous state of asbestos in schools which had led to the deaths of 178 schoolteachers was a potent threat to pupils. See: Broadcast (iplayer: segment 7.15-17.56).
 

Pleural Plaques Compensation

Jun 4, 2010

In a statement cited in Hansard on June 2, 2010, MP Jonathan Djanogly, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, confirmed that lump sum payments of £5,000 promised under the previous government for some pleural plaques claimants in England and Wales would be made. It is anticipated that the extra-statutory scheme being adminstered by the Ministry of Justice would begin accepting claims from the end of June 2010. See: Pleural Plaques Payments Scheme.
 

Academic Dialogue on Asbestos Research

Mar 25, 2010

In the March 2010 issue of Ann. Occ. Hyg. Drs. Celeste Monforton, Colin L. Soskolne et al critiqued a paper by Dr. Trevor Ogden entitled: “Data Sharing, Federal Role of Evidence 702, and the Lions in the Undergrowth.” Monforton et al highlight “how the tobacco, asbestos, and other industries, through the use of industry-funded scientists and through industry-sponsored research, have systematically suppressed and distorted scientific evidence so as to create doubt about harms caused by their products, thereby influencing governments… to not act to protect public health….” See: above Letter to the Editor, and also Letter from Fernand Turcotte, Morris Greenberg, and Barry Castleman.


 

Development of Asbestos Site Rejected

Mar 22, 2010

An appeal decision [APP/A4710/A/09/2113852] was announced on March 16, 2010 in Bristol which flatly rejected plans to build a 2 storey, 3 bedroom domestic residence, a garage and workshop on land in Hebden Bridge which was formerly the site of an asbestos manufacturing facility. The inspector who issued this decision, Sian Worden, noted that "The concerns of neighbours and others that there may be asbestos dumped at the site, and therefore a risk of significant contamination and danger to health, must be taken very seriously."
 

Deadly Hazard in UK Schools

Feb 22, 2010

A damning report, supported by all the trade unions in the teaching and schools sector, describes a potentially lethal situation. Research conducted at a number of premises indicates that non-compliance with a mandatory duty to manage asbestos is widespread throughout the education sector. The failure to manage asbestos in these workplaces endangers the health and well-being of teachers, support and maintenance staff, and pupils. The report was released days before the Schools Minister Diana Johnson MP is due to meet representatives from the Asbestos in Schools Group.
See: Asbestos in Schools.
 

Asbestos Icon Catches Fire

Feb 8, 2010

The iconic French war ship, the Clemenceau, which wound up in a Hartlepool dry dock after a futile search for a cheap Asian disposal solution caught fire on February 5, 2010. Up to fifty fire fighters took an hour to bring the "major fire" under control. The asbestos decontamination and dismantling of the 32,780 tonne aircraft carrier is one of the largest projects of its kind in Europe; it is due to be completed in April 2010. At the time of the fire, 30% of the on-board asbestos remained in place. See: Clemenceau Debacle Rumbles On.
 

Death of an Activist

Feb 1, 2010

Songwriter and activist Alistair Hulett died suddenly in Glasgow, Scotland on January 28, 2010. With a handful of words, Alistair summed up the personal tragedies of so many asbestos victims and their families in his song "He Fades Away." Take just a couple of minutes to listen to it and you will remember why we fight so hard for an international ban on asbestos.
Our thoughts are with his partner, Fatima, his family and his friends in Scotland and Australia. The world is a sadder place without him.
 

"Rushed" Development of Asbestos Site

Jan 5, 2010

A planning application to develop a former asbestos site will be considered on January 11, 2009 by Halton Borough Council. No formal community consultation has been done and no environmental impact assessment has been carried out on the land where asbestos manufacturing and dumping took place for more than fifty years. Bereaved daughters Helen Wilson and Catherine Martley, whose father died of mesothelioma from schoolboy exposure to locally dumped asbestos waste, are appalled at the plans to build 100 homes and a hotel on the contaminated site.
 

Asbestos Exposé Wins Prestigious Award

Nov 17, 2009

On November 24 the Wadsworth Prize for Business History will be presented to Geoffrey Tweedale, co-author, with Jock McCulloch, of Defending the Indefensible – The Global Asbestos Industry and its Fight for Survival, at a ceremony at the National Archives in Kew. This annual prize is awarded by the Business Archives Council for an outstanding contribution to the study of business history.
In a Review of this publication, Dr. Barry Castleman wrote: "This is an authoritative examination of how it has come about that most of the world's people still live in countries where asbestos is carelessly used, and global asbestos use is holding steady or rising in the new century ..."
 

Asbestos Death from School Exposure

Oct 15, 2009

It is often said that your schooldays are the happiest days of your life. Such was not the case for Dianne Willmore who was exposed to asbestos whilst a pupil at the Page Moss Comprehensive School in Liverpool. On October 15, 2009, the day after the Court of Appeal ruled in her favor, this 49-year-old asbestos cancer sufferer lost her fight for life. The mesothelioma which caused her death was contracted from exposure experienced in the 1970s. Only time will tell how many other deaths will be caused by similar exposures to other pupils, teachers and staff. See: In Remembrance of Dianne Willmore.
 

Pleural Plaques Campaign

Sep 16, 2009

Last night at the annual conference of the Trades Union Congress, delegates debated an Emergency Motion on pleural plaques. In 2007, the House of Lords reversed years of precedents when it ruled that pleural plaques were no longer a compensatable condition. Campaigners are pressing for urgent action to reinstate the rights of English and Welsh victims; the Scottish Government has already reinstated the rights of victims north of the border. A video shown at the TUC conference on the injustice of this situation can be viewed at: http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/page/invite/plaques
 

UK Toxic Ship bound for Asia Detained

Aug 7, 2009

On August 7, the Environment Agency (EA) stopped a ship - the Margaret Hill, a 50,700-tonne liquid natural gas tanker - leaving Southampton due to suspicions that it was on its way to South Asia to be scrapped following a tip off from the Platform on Shipbreaking whose Executive Director - Ingvild Jenssen - voiced the NGO's concerns over the on-board presence of asbestos, PCBs and other hazardous substances. This is the first time that the Trans-frontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007 have been invoked to prevent a ship from leaving the UK.