Each year, the first week of April is recognised as ‘Global Asbestos Awareness Week’. This week-long campaign is run by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organisation (‘ADAO’) to raise much-needed awareness around asbestos. It aims to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos and how to manage it in order to prevent asbestos-related diseases.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, which has been widely used in the manufacturing and construction industries due to its resistance to heat, electricity and sound. Although the use of asbestos was banned in the United Kingdom in 1999, it continues to be present in many buildings built before this time. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive puts the number of asbestos-related deaths at around 5,000 deaths per year.
The problems arise when materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged, as this causes the asbestos fibres to be released into the air. When these are inhaled, the fibres can get stuck in the lungs or stomach. This can cause a number of diseases including mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening.
This year’s campaign
The focus of this year’s campaign is on:
- Banning the mining, manufacturing, and use of asbestos around the world;
- Preventing asbestos exposure;
- Increasing compliance and enforcement of existing laws and regulations; and
- Strengthening international partnerships to protect public health.
The ADAO unites experts and victims from around the world to share knowledge and experience in the hope they can learn and take action to put an end to the exposure of this known carcinogen. There will be personal stories shared by victims of asbestos-related diseases and their loved ones, as well as educational talks and videos. The week-long campaign will end with a candlelight vigil to honour and remember asbestos victims worldwide.
Continuing the fight against asbestos
In recent years, the ADAO and Global Asbestos Awareness Week have had a hugely impactful role in the fight against asbestos. When it comes to the prevention of asbestos, knowledge truly is power and currently, prevention remains the only cure to mesothelioma. As such, promoting and supporting asbestos awareness is the necessary first step in achieving the ADAO’s goal of asbestos prevention. It is crucial to public health and can help to save countless lives.
Additionally, increased asbestos education can rally support behind preventative legislation, such as tighter regulations and worldwide bans on the use and import of asbestos. Although the use of asbestos is banned in the UK, this is not mirrored in the wider world where asbestos is still extensively mined and used within the construction industry. The use of asbestos is still legal in many countries including the United States, Russia, India and China. The ADAO calls for a worldwide ban on the use of asbestos. As long as hazardous exposure continues, the risk of people developing asbestos-related diseases will also continue. The ADAO have worked with the US Senate and since 2004, they have unanimously passed 18 Asbestos Awareness Week Resolutions and secured 8 asbestos warnings from the U.S. Surgeon General.
What can we do?
You can support the ADAO’s efforts for a comprehensive asbestos ban by participating in Global Asbestos Awareness Week. There are several ways to take part, including:
- Donating to the ADAO to support their research
- Liking, posting and sharing educational materials about asbestos exposure on social media
- Sign the ADAO’s petition to ban asbestos use
- Share your story to the ADAO
If you require assistance in pursuing an asbestos compensation claim for mesothelioma or any other asbestos disease, then please contact us today on our freephone number 0800 038 6767. Alternatively, head over to the ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.
