A study published today in the British Journal of Cancer has revealed that
1 in 17 carpenters born in the 1940s will develop the lung cancer mesothelioma,
caused by asbestos. Around 5 people die from mesothelioma in the UK every day
and the numbers are set to increase.
The report found that of those born in the 1940s, about two-thirds of British men
and about one quarter of British women, have been involved in jobs which involved
potential for asbestos exposure at some point in their lives.
A British Lung Foundation spokesperson said: ‘This study adds to the growing evidence
that there will be an epidemic of mesothelioma between 2010 and 2015.
“It also shows that those most at risk are people who were born in the 1940s and 1950s
and worked in trade and building industries as they are most likely to have been
exposed to asbestos while at work.
“We now need to ensure that tradespeople currently working in the industry are aware of
how to identify asbestos so they don’t put themselves at risk and ensure patients and
their families affected by this cruel cancer are offered high standards of care and support”.
The report findings coincide with the BLF Action Mesothelioma campaign launched last week
aimed at raising awareness of mesothelioma.
