Last updated at 13:28, Saturday, 26 June 2010

A SUPPORT group is hosting an awareness day to mark the ongoing plight of people affected by exposure to asbestos.

Barrow Asbestos Related Disease Support will take part in the global Action Mesothelioma Day on July 2.

The group has joined forces with the British Lung Foundation to campaign for people diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal chest cancer which develops 15 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos.

Last year, figures released by the Health and Safety Executive revealed 197 people in Barrow, 42 people in Copeland and 59 people in South Lakeland have died from mesothelioma since 1981.

It is estimated that deaths from asbestos-related disease in this area has not yet hit its peak.

The awareness day takes place from 10am until 4pm at The Forum, Duke Street, Barrow. Members of BARDS and representatives from legal teams, trade unions and other organisations will be at hand to offer advice.

There will also be a wreath-laying ceremony at Barrow Town Hall with Barrow mayor Councillor Rory McClure at 1.30pm.

Bob Pointer, secretary of the Barrow Trades’ Council and a member of BARDS, said: “Mesothelioma is such a cruel disease and people who are diagnosed often came into contact with asbestos many years ago and didn’t realise it posed a threat. The time lapse between exposure and diagnosis can be between 15 and 60 years.

“We are joining forces with the British Lung Foundation to raise awareness of mesothelioma so that those most at risk can protect themselves from exposure to asbestos and its tragic consequences.

“The disease is not limited to the older working man. Victims are becoming younger as has been seen from recent cases, exposure often being secondary.

“The greatest threat to the future of the health of many is not the actual asbestos contained in commercial or industrial buildings, schools or homes but from those who continually deny the dangers, belittle and insult those affected and are known stakeholders in the asbestos industry giving false information to those who work in proximity to asbestos.

“Too many myths have existed about the dangers of asbestos. The risks have been known since classical times and that a health risk existed by 1898.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the awareness day. For more information on BARDS, please call 01229 580305.

First published at 10:35, Saturday, 26 June 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk