Research Indicates 70 People Died Of Related Illnesses In Recent Years
New figures have revealed 70 people in North Lincolnshire have died as a result of asbestos-related diseases in the past five years.
According to figures reported by the Grimsby Telegraph, there were 25 deaths linked to mesothelioma in Cleethorpes,18 in Gainsborough, 18 in Louth and Horncastle and another nine in Grimsby across the period analysed.
The newspaper was reporting the figures following the government’s recent work to pass new legislation designed to provide more support to mesothelioma victims who are unable to trace their employer’s insurer.
The charity Mesothelioma UK states that around 2,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos, every year. While asbestos exposure is commonly linked to work in industrial sectors, a growing number of cases are emerging in relation to public buildings, such as schools and hospitals, where asbestos has been used during the sites’ construction.
Expert Opinion
These figures highlight the devastating impact that asbestos exposure has on so many lives. This is more than numbers, of course, as behind every single death there are families and friends who are forced to come to terms with losing a loved one. <br/> <br/>"Research of this kind demonstrates the dangers of asbestos and why we have repeatedly urged employers to ensure the mistakes made in the past on this issue are never repeated. Every possible step must be taken to ensure workers are protected from coming into contact with the hazardous material. <br/> <br/>"While it is welcome that the government has taken steps to help mesothelioma victims who cannot trace insurers, we are disappointed that the measures did not go further. We particularly believed that the commencement date for the scheme (25 July 2012) should have been earlier and that victims should get 100 per cent of the average civil compensation – rather than 75 per cent. <br/> <br/>"More could and should have been done to ensure that victims were getting the justice they deserve." Adrian Budgen - Partner