Charity supporting national asbestos awareness campaign

A CAMPAIGN launched in a bid to reduce the number of tradesmen killed by asbestos-related diseases is being backed by a Derbyshire charity.

Yesterday, the Health and Safety Executive announced the details of its new campaign, Asbestos: The Hidden Killer.

Derbyshire is considered a hotspot for the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma because of its history of heavy engineering.

Joanne Carlin, co-ordinator of Derbyshire's Asbestos Support Team charity, said: "We whole-heartedly support this campaign which raises awareness of the potentially deadly long-term effects of asbestos.

"Every day we deal with widows throughout the East Midlands who have lost their husbands, who have previously come into contact with asbestos, but were unaware of its potential dangers.

"If protective measures were taken in the first place then thousands would not be put through the ordeal of losing a loved one."

In Derbyshire, at least 300 people have died from asbestos-related cancer in the past 30 years.

It is thought that there are about 75 people in the county currently suffering from the disease but exact figures are unknown.

The new campaign will run until the end of November and aims to reduce the rising death rate by educating tradesmen about the danger that asbestos presents to them.

Asbestos presents a risk to plumbers, joiners and electricians even now, as it can be found in any building constructed or refurbished before 2000.

During the campaign, posters and radio adverts will encourage tradesmen to get a free information pack by calling 0845 345 0055 or by visiting www.hse.gov.uk/hidden killer.