Even four decades after asbestos exposure, the risk of mesothelioma continues to go up

Anyone with any experience in the discovery and removal of asbestos will be aware of the lethal cancer of the lung lining, mesothelioma, which is strongly associated with exposure to the now-banned fibres and is almost always fatal. Nor are people in the UK ceasing to die from the disease, long after the era when asbestos was widely used, as shown by Health and Safety Executive statistics from 2014 showing 2,515 deaths.

Now, a new study has been published in the journal Lung Cancer that shows even those who have not come into contact with asbestos for 40 years are still seeing their risk for the condition rise. Such individuals are almost three times more likely to develop the disease than those for whom exposure occurred just five years ago. Their risk is also higher than their counterparts exposed to the substance 30 years ago.

Mesothelioma is notorious for developing late

It is no secret that mesothelioma tends to have a long latency period, which means that those who come into contact with asbestos may not show their first symptoms of the disease for many decades afterwards. This may help to explain why there has been little sign of asbestos-induced diseases decreasing in prevalence in most European countries, despite the European Union (EU) having banned all types of asbestos.

Researchers at the Poland-based Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine set out to analyse the relationship between when workers were last exposed to asbestos and their subsequent risk of developing mesothelioma, in a population of participants who had been exposed to the substance at some point in time.

They found that workers exposed 40 years ago were 2.68 times more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who had encountered asbestos 35 years later. Of the different types of asbestos, crocidolite – often known as blue asbestos – was associated with a significantly higher mesothelioma risk.

The chances of developing the disease were also greater for those who had been exposed to asbestos for a longer time period, with those who had been in contact with it for four decades being 2.79 times more likely to develop the condition than those exposed to it for only one year. This was the case even when adjustments were made for such factors as birth year, gender, the amount of exposure and the time that had passed since they were last exposed.

We can oversee the professional removal of asbestos

The Trident Asbestos Solutions team takes the risks associated with asbestos exposure extremely seriously. This is why we are so committed to providing individuals and organisations across the UK with the most reliable and comprehensive services geared towards the rapid discovery and complete management of removal of asbestos from their premises.

Why not contact our team today for a competitive quote to assist you with your asbestos requirements, so that you can benefit from our UK-wide, nationally renowned service?

Former Teesside theatre ‘still on track for 2018 reopening’, despite the need to remove asbestos

With one our offices being located in nearby Sunderland and Durham, it’s fair to say that here at Trident Asbestos Solutions, we have a certain affection for the Teesside area. We were therefore pleased to learn that despite the enforced removal of asbestos from a historic former theatre in the area, the venue is apparently still on target to reopen as planned in the winter of 2018-19.

The Stockton Globe has a rich history

The Grade II listed Art Deco theatre situated at the north-western end of the High Street in Stockton-on-Tees has hosted many famous acts down the years, ranging from Buddy Holly, Cilla Black and Status Quo to Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones and Cliff Richard. It closed in 1975, later reopening as a bingo venue before shutting its doors again in 1997.

Efforts to reopen the Globe as an entertainment venue have been stop-start down the years, with a planned 2012 reopening also being missed. The latest plans are for the building to be brought back to life as a live music and comedy venue by The Globe Stockton Foundation, a partnership between Stockton Council and the owners of the building, Jomast.

Venue still set to reopen “as quickly as possible”

£300,000 is being spent on the removal of asbestos in the roof void of the building, with the process expected to take 10 weeks.

A council spokeswoman commented: “The council is working hard to ensure the Globe can reopen as quickly as possible and that’s why we have been carrying out surveys and investigative works, as well as making the building watertight and safe.

“As part of this, areas containing asbestos have been identified and at the moment, specialist contractors are removing this from the building.

“We are now at the last stages of these preparatory works ahead of the final Heritage Lottery Fund decision, which is expected in the summer.”

Contact us about the removal of asbestos

Here at Trident Asbestos Solutions, we are aware that the project has been hit by a series of delays – including protracted wrangling over grant funding – but are hopeful and excited about the prospects for a successful restoration and future for this celebrated entertainment venue.

If you are concerned about the potential presence of asbestos fibres in a building for which you have responsibility, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts, who can carry out relevant surveying and if needed, the complete removal of asbestos.