Essential Questions to ask if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma ***IMPORTANT***

United Kingdoms Incidence of Mesothelioma

Posted on: October 13, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

October 13, 2023

The UK holds the unfortunate distinction of having the world’s highest rate of Mesothelioma, with 45 deaths annually per million people and a 1 in 212 lifetime risk for men. Asbestos stands as the primary cause of work-related deaths in the country. Despite the ban on asbestos-containing materials in 1999, it’s believed that about 1.5 million buildings in the UK still house around six million tons of asbestos. This includes a staggering 94% of hospitals, 80% of schools, and 74% of university structures.

It’s indeed alarming that the UK has such a high incidence of mesothelioma, which is directly linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that primarily forms on the linings of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of the disease, and individuals might develop mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.

Here’s a breakdown of information and its implications:

  1. High Incidence of Mesothelioma: With 45 annual fatalities per million population, the UK suffers from a notably high incidence rate of mesothelioma. This can be attributed to the country’s historical reliance on asbestos in various industries, especially in construction, shipbuilding, and insulation.
  2. Leading Cause of Occupation-related Mortality: Asbestos being the leading cause of occupation-related deaths in the UK suggests that many workers have been exposed to it, especially those in older industries. Workers who were involved in shipbuilding, plumbing, construction, and other related fields are at significant risk.
  3. Presence in Buildings: The statistics about the presence of asbestos in hospitals, schools, and university buildings is concerning. As these are places where people, including vulnerable populations like children, spend a lot of time, there’s a potential risk of exposure if the asbestos becomes airborne. Especially during maintenance, renovation, or demolition activities, there’s a higher risk of disturbing asbestos and releasing its harmful fibers into the air.

The UK’s heavy reliance on asbestos in the past has created a long-lasting legacy of health problems. Despite banning its use in 1999, the aftermath of the decision to utilize asbestos so widely is still being felt. Proper management, encapsulation, or removal of asbestos-containing materials, carried out by trained professionals, is crucial to minimize the risk of exposure.

For those at risk or those who believe they have been exposed to asbestos, regular health check-ups are essential. Early detection of diseases like mesothelioma can help in managing the disease more effectively.

Moreover, it’s important for buildings known to contain asbestos to have a proper management plan. This would include periodic checks, awareness training for occupants (like school staff), and proper guidelines for maintenance workers to ensure that asbestos is not inadvertently disturbed.

Lastly, raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos and the legacy issues in the UK is essential. By doing so, more efforts can be geared towards safe handling, management, and eventual removal of this hazardous material.