Asbestos death figures paint a grim picture
Asbestos deaths continues to create a sad legacy in a new report.
Figures released by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) confirm that in 2015 there were 12,000 lung disease deaths linked to past exposures to dust at work.
Asbestos – The Numbers
The headline parts of the report included:-
1. There were 2,542 asbestos cancer (mesothelioma) deaths in 2015. There was also a similar number of lung cancer deaths linked to past exposure to asbestos.
2. The report estimates there are 18,000 new cases of breathing or lung problems caused or made worse by work.
3. Mesothelioma deaths are projected to stay the same for the next few years. There will be a very gradual reduction of deaths to 2030 and beyond.
4. Occupational lung diseases account for around 12,000 of the 13,000 total deaths thought to be linked to past exposures at work.
asbestos deaths are continuing to cast a shadow
Asthma and Other Diseases
In addition to this the report also commented on the being an estimated 200 –300 new cases of occupational asthma each year. These can be due to various agents such as isocyanates, flour, cleaning products, wood dust and other enzymes.
In addition lung diseases such as COPD and lung cancer due to asbestos and naturally were also noted to make up a large part of the annual estimated deaths.
The report is here http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/hssh1617.pdf
Summary
Corries asbestos specialist Solicitor Howard Bonnett commented
“These figures confirm what we all expect and many will dread. This asbestos legacy will cast a shadow over many former workers and their families.
As a result not only workers but spouses and families exposed to asbestos will make up these numbers for many years to come”
Asbestos has no sell by date. If you have been exposed you are at risk for the rest of your life. Victims aged 90 or over can still develop disease.
Because of this Corries operate a pleural plaque register. It is entirely free and helps you to make sure that your rights are preserved in the event that you might get asbestos disease in the future. Follow our link here https://www.corries.co.uk/asbestos-claims/pleural-plaques-register/
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