Mesothelioma news
05/03/2008

York tribute remembers asbestos victims

YORK - Friends and relatives of people killed by asbestos-related illness mesothelioma following exposure in the workplace marked Action Mesothelioma Day by holding a candlelit vigil outside the offices of T&G Unions.

Many of those remembered were the numerous killed after asbestos exposure while working for York Carriageworks in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

The founder of the group that organised the York tribute commented, "It was an opportunity to remember those we have lost to this terrible disease and to offer solidarity and support to their families.

"It was our very personal tribute to the lives lost in York and the surrounding area, but also across the UK and the wider world.

"We hope the vigil will have raised the profile of mesothelioma - an asbestos-related cancer - and the dangers of asbestos. Even in the 21st century asbestos remains the biggest workplace killer. The vast majority of those who are diagnosed today were exposed at work."

The action day also remembered the fact that due to the long incubation periods associated with asbestos-related illnesses, many people will still go on to develop illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma in the future.

Asbestos is the biggest UK workplace killer in history and the number of people killed as a result of exposure to the substance is not expected to peak for some time yet, with most personal injury lawyers reporting no plateauing in the number of asbestos compensation claims they receive.