An online meeting is being held this morning (Wednesday, April 5) to draw attention to the care and support for those with asbestos related illnesses in Wales. April is the month which marks Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1st -7th) and International Workers Memorial Day on April 28. 

The event has been organised by the registered charity, Asbestos Awareness & Support Cymru (AASC), which provides support to those living with asbestos related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. 

The UK has the world’s highest incidence of mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, with more than 2,700 people diagnosed each year. 

Global Asbestos Awareness Week is alerting the public to the dangers of asbestos when it’s not managed properly, the devasting effect that asbestos fibres have on the health of people lives and the indiscriminate way that people can be affected. 

Statistics show that 94 per cent of mesothelioma cases in the UK are caused by workplace exposures and are preventable. 

Pembrokeshire campaigner Lorna Johns, co-founder of AASC, the asbestos support group said: “Asbestos still poses a threat to people’s health. We receive regular phonecalls from people who have been diagnosed with illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos is still present in the fabric of many of our buildings and we must be aware that once asbestos is disturbed then the fibres are free to do their damage to our health. 

“Mesothelioma, an incurable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos affects not only the patient but the whole family. It is key for the health of the people of Wales that we continue to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and ensure that the care treatment of those with illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma receive the best care and treatment possible.”

The online meeting is from 10.30am -12.30pm today. Get in touch by email, or telephone 01495 272 479 for the Zoom link.