While asbestos has been used throughout human history, it was the industrial revolution that brought about a huge demand for the fire protective and insulating properties of this naturally occurring mineral.

Cancer from asbestos, including Mesothelioma, is a serious illness and as such its diagnosis often causes strong emotions and complex medical issues that need support beyond the family circle. While your immediate support will likely come from the nurses and doctors, there are others you can turn to for support when dealing with Mesothelioma. There are many initiatives, charities and support groups for those who are suffering from cancer from asbestos and for their families and carers. These sources of support include the counselors and chaplain at your cancer hospital or treatment facility, or people in similar situations in your local area. ​

With asbestos safety it is important to protect yourself and others from exposure. The HSE has a number of task manuals for those working with asbestos, and many asbestos safety products are available from a number of specialist suppliers. We remind you that you should only carry out works with asbestos if you have the right training. (For a list of training providers, visit TICA/ACAD)

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells of the membranes (known as Mesothelial cells) which cover most of our internal organs. It is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos, with symptoms appearing anywhere between 20-60 years after the initial exposure.

Asbestos cancer like Mesothelioma is not usually diagnosed until long after the asbestos exposure – between 15 to up to 60 years after the asbestos has entered the body. Often by this time the disease is fatal because when it is diagnosed, it is usually in the advanced stages of cancer and is therefore difficult or impossible to treat.

This delay between exposure and disease makes Mesothelioma and asbestos cancer a ticking time bomb.

In fact, the NHS expects the number of deaths attributed to Mesothelioma to rise in the coming years and by 2050, around 90,000 people in the UK are likely to have died due to Mesothelioma alone.

Despite its deadly reputation, you can take steps to protect yourself against exposure to asbestos with the portable early warning device ALERT, and once you know it is present, it is possible to work with it quite safely. Asbestos removal should only be carried out by licensed professionals who have the experience, equipment and specialist knowledge to carry out safe asbestos disposal.

Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals that occur naturally. There are six asbestos types that are collectively known for their insulating and fire-resistant properties. For this reason, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were widely used in building in the UK and Europe between the 1950s and 1980s, although it may have been used as early in our history as ancient Egypt. ​

A test for Asbestos could find it at work or in the home. Because asbestos was used prolifically in building and remodeling from the 1950s until 1999, it can be found almost everywhere. In fact, any building built prior to 1999 in the UK could have asbestos present. Its insulating properties and resistance to fire made it a popular ‘safety’ product before the dangers of exposure to asbestos were fully understood.

You can find asbestos in ceiling tiles, certain types of tile flooring, pipe lagging, wall cavities and many other areas. Asbestos can still be found in schools and even hospitals too.

Exposure to asbestos has been linked to a number of very serious and often fatal diseases including cancer. It is naturally present in the environment in very low concentrations and most people will never experience any of the problems associated with work-place exposure.