- More than 107,000 people die per year from Asbestos related illness.
- It is the #1 work-related cause of death
- Deaths set to peak in 2016
Asbestos has come under tight controls in the past forty years and yet it’s still the number one cause of work-related deaths in the UK. The nature of illnesses relating to asbestos such as mesothelioma and asbestosis are low-lying and tend to flare up years after an individual has been exposed to asbestos. This is why so many workers have been affected by past use of asbestos which wasn’t properly regulated. Indeed, in the UK asbestos related deaths aren’t set to peak until 2016, decades after the substance was used regularly in work place environment. You’d think that this would be a lesson others could learn from, but in Australia for example, workers are still being regularly exposed to this harmful substance and this is not the only country putting citizens at risk.
Why is asbestos used?
By nature, asbestos is a cheap and effective building material which tempts a lot of countries to continue using it despite health warnings. India especially is an aggressive importer of asbestos from Canada, whilst China imports the most asbestos of any country. Similar to how asbestos was first used in Europe, it’s used in the Asia-Pacific region in all kinds of industries and for a variety of applications including construction, brake pads, gaskets and cloth.
Health guidelines are ignored
The problem isn’t a lack of health regulation in China, health laws exist but factories wilfully ignore guidelines meaning that 15,000 asbestos-related deaths are projected to occur by 2035. In India no such guidelines exist as of yet which means that workers often don’t wear gloves or chemical suits.
Deaths due to asbestos
Currently more than 107,000 people die every year from asbestos-related diseases. This is a high number, but the real worry over countries still dealing with asbestos is the long-term spectre it will cast over future health.
Not instant
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer with an especially poor prognosis, but one which can stay hidden for decades without any symptoms showing. This means that asbestos exposure can spiral out of control without any evidence of the harmful effects it will have on a population in the future.
Yet to peak
In the UK, asbestos exposure peaked in 1963, and yet mortality rates won’t peak until 2016. Other countries which are using asbestos without due caution then may end up paying the price way down the line.
If you’ve been affected by mesothelioma or asbestos related illness you can now claim asbestos compensation either from a former employer or from the government.
To find out more about making a compensation claim for asbestos contact ASD’s Solicitors today.
Related Resources
