| Silent Killer May Be in Our Houses
Belper Today – February, 2007
MESOTHELIOMA kills almost 2,000 people in the UK every year and yet only seven per cent of people in the Midlands actually know what it is.
This week the second annual Action Mesothelioma Day took place to raise awareness of this devastating disease which is a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
Joanne Carlin from the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team said: "There is a need for more money into research into diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
"We are now seeing more and more people who have worked in occupations not necessarily associated with exposure to asbestos suffering with the disease."
The support team continues to help victims and family's affected by the disease in Belper and Amber Valley. They released balloons and held talks across the region on Tuesday to raise awareness of the disease. Joanne Carlin added: "The release of each balloons is to symbolise each victim of asbestos that the team has helped in the East Midlands."
Tens of thousands of people who have worked with asbestos in the past will die prematurely after developing Mesothelioma and even though asbestos is now banned, tonnes of the fatal fibres still exist in factories, schools and offices throughout the UK.
Margaret Bailey of Pine Close, Ripley said: "Mesothelioma is now becoming a silent epidemic, with more people being diagnosed with this disease than breast cancer or cervical cancer.
"My family have been affected by Mesothelioma – my father died of it in 2003.
"Asbestos was used in our houses, schools, public buildings and hospitals and if asbestos is damaged in any way it becomes dangerous.
"The action day raises the profile to highlight the need for more money into diagnosis and treatment of this disease."
For more information please contact support team on 01246 231441, or visit the website www.asbestossupport.co.uk
* re-produced with kind permission of ARCA |
