Non-malignant lung diseases:

• Asbestosis is a scarring of the lung tissue. This scarring reduces the stretching properties of the lung walls and tissues. This then results in the loss of ability to expand, exchange gases and fulfill required functions. The final result of this is low concentrations of oxygen passing through the blood which can lead to other detrimental effects downstream. It is a slowly progressive disease with a latency period of 15 to 30 years.
• Diffuse pleural thickening is a non-malignant disease in which the lining of the lung becomes scarred. This is very similar to Asbestosis with a few minor differences. If this problem is severe, it to can lead to small oxygen intake and the need for deep breaths. This disease is a chronic condition with no possible cure developed and an onset of roughly a decade after exposure.
• Small areas of scarring are called pleural plaques. They do not cause symptoms.

How many Mesothelioma deaths are there each year?

The deaths caused by Mesothelioma are not as extensive as other cancers and diseases, however, they have increased significantly over the past number of years with a final death toll of 2156 in the year 2007. This is a lot higher in comparison to the 153 deaths that occurred in 1968. Taking males into consideration alone, there is expected to be approximately 2040 deaths in the year 2016. 

How many cases of non-malignant asbestos-related disease are there each year and what are the trends over time?

• According to 96 death certificates in the year 2007, the underlying cause of death was Asbestosis.  
• There were 400 new cases of disablement benefit for diffuse pleural thickening in 2008.
• Diffuse pleural thickening has increased over the years meaning that the trend has obviously increased. 

Which occupations are associated with the highest Mesothelioma risks?

According to data collected over the years, there are specific jobs that make people more prone to the dangers of asbestos. These are more focused on the male population due to the jobs entailed, which are as follows;

1. Carpenters
2. Plumbers
3. Electricians
4. Labourers in Other Construction Trades
5. Metal Plate Workers
6. Pipe Fitters
7. Construction Operatives
8. Managers in Construction
9. Construction Trades
10. Energy Plant Operatives.

These occupations are basically involved in construction, renovation and other projects that have had workers suffer from Mesothelioma. This highlights the dangers involved with working on old buildings and why care needs to be taken.

What is being done to reduce risks from asbestos?

Many angles have been covered to reduce the risks associated with asbestos. Now, with the more dangerous variations of asbestos, you are generally required to have a licence which will demonstrate the use of strict control measures. Such control generally refers to PPE (personal protective equipment). A set of regulations has been published due to the increased risk of exposure to asbestos which can be found at the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.

These regulations state the prohibition of importation, supply and use of all kinds of asbestos. Second hand asbestos products are also banned including asbestos boards, tiles, sheets, panels and more.

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