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Tradesmen Unaware of Risks of working with Asbestos

28 February 2008

Many tradesmen appear to be working under the misconception that they do not need to be concerned about the risks of working with asbestos.

In a recent survey conducted by The British Lung Foundation it was found that of the 399 tradesmen questioned only 12% knew that asbestos exposure could cause mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer.

The reality is that any building built or refurbished before 2000 could contain asbestos, yet in the survey nearly a third of these tradesmen believed (mistakenly) that asbestos had now been removed form British buildings.

Builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, joiners and gas fitters were all questioned in the survey, which also found that one in ten felt under pressure to continue working even if they suspected asbestos was present.

Sara Hunt, Specialist Asbestos Solicitor commented,  "Mesothelioma is a deadly and debilitating disease and it is a real concern that there are tradesmen who could still be working in conditions exposing them to dangerous levels of asbestos.  The survey has hopefully helped to highlight this important issue."

If you would like any more information on this subject, please email info@ashtonmortonslack.co.uk