Warning call over 'hidden killer' danger

Published on Tuesday 10 November 2009 08:31

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."