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Warning call over 'hidden killer' danger

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Published Date: 10 November 2009
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos, highlighting the fact it can be a "hidden killer".
Edinburgh City Council's Health and Safety Team are running the campaign, which they hope will help reduce illness and death caused by asbestos.

They are targeting tool hire premises, DIY shops and builders' merchants, asking them to highlight
the campaign to trades- people and maintenance worker.

This reminds them that asbestos can be present in buildings built before 2000, and advises them on protection.

Asbestos-related disease accounts for around 4,000 deaths a year in Great Britain. This equates to around 20 tradespeople each week. More people die as a result of exposure to asbestos than in road accidents.

People are usually exposed to low levels of asbestos fibres in the environment, but working on or near damaged asbestos-containing materials can increase chances of lung cancer, mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Councillor Phil Wheeler said: "Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, so it is vital that the council raises awareness and backs this campaign.

"With this campaign we can educate today's workforce about the risks and what action they need to take to protect themselves."





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  • Last Updated: 10 November 2009 9:58 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 10/11/2009 12:20:26
"More people die as a result of exposure to asbestos than in road accidents."

"Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK"

Now...

Where have I heard things like that before???

Oh yes. I remember! Sustitute the word "asbestos" for "tobacco smoke".

If this is true, we have a real problem. I strongly suspect however, that it is not.
2

Mallory,

Edinburgh 10/11/2009 12:20:47
Hope there isn't any left at New St Andrews House and the King James Centre.
3

simonp,

10/11/2009 12:22:56
#2 could this be because the smoking ban has reduced work-related deaths from tobacco??
4

totally indecent,

10/11/2009 12:43:42
3 - Boll*cks
5

Mrs Alex Pinkfoot,

10/11/2009 12:46:37
#1

Your ignorance knows no bounds.I lost my father 20 years ago and brother last year to mesothelioma,they both worked in the same trade (heating&plumbing).
Various organisations including the British Lung Foundation record 15 new claims per week every week over the past 4 years.
I could go on and quote more facts and figures but I can,t really be bothered trying to argue logic with a fool.
6

David55,

10/11/2009 13:24:07
#1 - Just out of interest, do you drive taxis?

I have to say it's a bit concerning, as I worked in the construction industry in my early years and I was exposed to asbestos quite a few times. It was usually in refurbs of council buildings where the insulation on heating pipes had perished, fallen off, and was lying on the ground. While working we disturbed the asbestos, so I'm hoping the statements they're making are OTT.
7

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 10/11/2009 13:34:49
#6:

Taxis? No. Not enough power.

#5:

If you are that close to it, you are not arguing on the basis of logic, but on the basis of emotion, which is perfectly understandable.

#3:

"could this be because the smoking ban has reduced work-related deaths from tobacco??"

No. Because it hasn't.
8

paul the binman,

10/11/2009 14:22:43
Could the cooncil come up to Russle rd and have a look at the building that burnt out over 3 years ago. Perhaps they could explain why the staff have their huts so close to it.
They could also explain why, after 3 years, its still standing derelict. They could also go along to Seafield and find out why,after 80 years, the asbestos problem became so bad overnight that they had to close the depot to council staff, but open it to Private refuse staff whilst at the same time allow the public to continue to use the tip.

 

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