ANYONE who has suffered from health problems caused by exposure to asbestos is invited to attend a public meeting set to take place next week.

Cumbria Asbestos Related Disease Support group (CARDS) is holding a drop-in session at the Barrow and District Disability Association centre in School Street in Barrow on Monday August 21.

The sessions are aimed at anyone who has been exposed to asbestos or their relatives.

CARDS is dedicated to giving help, information and support to anyone affected by asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Barrow has a mortality rate from asbestos-related diseases which is three and a half times the national average mostly due to former and current shipyard workers who were exposed to the material.

Although other traditional industrial and shipbuilding towns and areas such as Hartlepool and Tyneside are also hit hard by asbestos-related diseases, Barrow has the highest rate in England and Wales.

When asbestos dust is breathed in, dangerous fibres enter the lungs and damage them over time.

Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing and, in advanced cases, swollen fingertips.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive asbestos-related cancer which develops in the lining covering the outer surface of some of the body's organs.

Mainly affecting the lungs, it can also target the stomach, heart or testicles.

It can take decades to develop after exposure to asbestos dust from the workplace or public buildings. Unlike asbestosis, it can occur after exposure to minimal levels of dust.

Next week's meeting will take place between 2pm and 4pm.

Graham Dring and Vera Rigby from the Asbestos Forum will be in attendance accompanied by Lorraine Creech from Mesothelioma UK.

Anyone who would like to attend can call in on the day or email

cardsadvice@gmail.com

for more information.