With 25% of UK tradespeople encountering asbestos each week, this Mesothelioma Awareness Day seeks to raise awareness of the symptoms of asbestos exposure
This Mesothelioma Awareness Day (26th September), ElectricalDirect has surveyed trade workers from across the nation to see how often they encounter it, the symptoms of asbestos exposure, and the impact this has on their health.
The study found that 72% of tradespeople have come across asbestos – the fibre-like material once used for insulation – in their working lives.
25% of UK tradespeople encounter asbestos every week
Tradespeople are amongst the most at-risk workers of asbestos-related diseases, and across all industries, the majority are exposed to the potentially lethal material on a regular basis.
Three in five (60%) find it every year, over a third (35%) say every month, and one in 12 (8%) come face to face with asbestos every day.
This has serious consequences, with 44% having had symptoms of an asbestos-related disease, or knowing a colleague who has. Every week, the deaths of 20 tradespeople are attributed to asbestos.
Some trades are more likely to be exposed than others, and so should be particularly cautious. Almost every carpenter (95%) questioned had some history with asbestos, and bricklayers (88%) are a close second.
The trades that are most likely to encounter asbestos are:
- Carpenter (95%)
- Bricklayer (88%)
- Builder (79%)
- Building surveyor (79%)
- Plumber (79%)
- Electrician (78%)
- Scaffolder (78%)
- Joiner (74%)
- Painter decorator (63%)
- Plasterer (62%)
Symptoms of asbestos exposure to look out for
ElectricalDirect’s research found that most UK tradespeople are unaware of these symptoms.
When asked to identify the signs of asbestosis (a disease caused by long-term exposure to asbestos), almost two-thirds (64%) failed to select a persistent cough, and over half (55%) didn’t pick out shortness of breath.
Dr Rhianna McClymont, lead GP at digital healthcare provider Livi, described the cause of the chronic lung disease: “The asbestos gets lodged in the lungs causing scarring around the air sacs (alveoli), which means oxygen can’t reach the bloodstream easily. The scarring leads to the lungs hardening, making it more difficult to breathe because the lungs cannot hold as much air as they used to.”
“The condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos, a material used in the past for cement, insulation, car parts, and some roof and floor tiles. The fibres in asbestos break down into little pieces when they’re damaged, released into the air and then breathed in. These fibres get stuck in the lungs, and over a long time, can cause permanent lung damage.”
Asbestosis can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Pain in the chest or shoulder
- Tiredness
- Swollen or ‘clubbed’ fingertips
Dominick Sandford, managing director at ElectricalDirect, said: “Despite being banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos is a still a real issue in the industry, and it’s awful that so many tradespeople die from related diseases every year.
“Some people might not experience symptoms for decades after their exposure to the material, so it’s important that individuals remain vigilant, and see a doctor immediately if they spot any signs.”
