One of the UK’s leading authorities for asbestos training is raising awareness throughout Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2022.
Running from 1 – 7 April, the global event is dedicated to raising awareness around the dangers of asbestos and preventing exposure by bringing together experts, victims, and leading organisations from around the world to share, learn and act.
In 2019, asbestos was responsible for over 5,000 deaths, with 2,369 being attributed to mesothelioma deaths and a similar number of lung cancer deaths, according to the latest HSE statistics for the UK.
Around 20 tradespeople die each week linked to past exposure to asbestos, with builders, plumbers, electricians, demolitions workers and interior contractors amongst those most at risk.
Even though a total asbestos ban was introduced in 1999, it was previously used in over 4,000 products and therefore can still be found in the fabric of many domestic and non-domestic premises.
Common products that contain asbestos include asbestos insulating board, asbestos cement, textured coatings, sprayed coatings on ceilings and walls and pipe lagging.
Speaking on the 18th annual Global Asbestos Awareness Week, Chief Operating Officer of UKATA, Craig Evans stated “We still have a long way to go to tackle the global issue. In the UK alone, there are over 1.5 million buildings that may contain asbestos. It is vital that we continue to raise awareness around the dangers of asbestos and educate those who are most at risk from exposure.”
Throughout the week, UKATA will be taking to social media to spread awareness and appealing to its members to get involved, promoting the dangers of asbestos and the diseases caused by exposure to the carcinogen.
Established in 2008, UKATA is a highly respected, leading authority on asbestos training.
UKATA freely shares knowledge and information both on our website and across social media, demonstrating that education remains the top priority.
Published on Friday 1st April 2022