AboutMesothelioma.Net

Asbestos is the leading work-related cause of death in the United Kingdom and the death toll of asbestos-related diseases is still increasing.

The number of workers from the England’s North East and Cumbria who die from asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma has reached the highest level on record, government health officials announced. Four hundred people die from asbestos-related illness each year in the region, according to the Health and Safety Executive.

The North East of England was long associated with heavy industry and shipbuilding. Today, the region has one of the highest death rates from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of lung or abdomen associated with asbestos exposure.

A new support group for mesothelioma victims and their families in the northern region of England announced its start Wednesday. The Northern Asbestos Support & Campaign Group, operating under the auspices of the Northern Trade Union Congress, will be the first of its kind to offer professional and practical support to people affected by asbestos-related diseases across the North East and Cumbria. The group will provide a telephone helpline, advice on benefit entitlements, home visits on request and support for family members at coroner’s inquests.

Michael Blench of Wallsend, chairman of the support group, said in a press release, “As a former shipyard worker, I have known many workmates die from asbestos diseases like mesothelioma. Many more have suffered from conditions like pleural thickening and pleural plaques.”

Blench said asbestos has had a devastating impact on families across the region. He said the group was determined to provide services to victims of asbestos and in conjunction with the trade unions find ways to make workplaces and communities safer by preventing asbestos exposure.

© AboutMesothelioma.Net. All Rights Reserved. Reprinting or republication of this article or any portion of its content is permitted but must include the AboutMesothelioma.Net link.