Throughout this month the spotlight is once again falling on the lifesaving work that is being done around the world to tackle cancer.
The American Association for Cancer Research is championing National Cancer Research Month in America and today London is hosting the 29th International Conference on Cancer Research and Pharmacology webinar as part of Cancer Research 2021. The webinar is based on the theme of ‘Innovation in cancer research’ and experts from around the world will be joining Cancer Research 2021 to share their most recent research.
At Acorn Analytical Services we are always keen to raise awareness about the life-saving work that is being done to tackle cancer because exposure to asbestos can lead to two heart-breaking cancers.
Tragically, asbestos can cause several fatal and serious diseases, including the cancer Mesothelioma, which affects the lungs and lower digestive tract and is almost always fatal, and asbestos-related lung cancer.
We are honoured to support Mesothelioma UK which is dedicated to providing specialist mesothelioma information, support and education, and to improving care and treatment for all UK mesothelioma patients and their carers. Our employees have taken part in fundraisers for the organisation and we are in talks with the charity to find more ways to work even more closely with it in the future.
We are also honoured to champion the work of #ActionMeso which is committed to raising awareness about mesothelioma. The organisation is currently hard at work preparing for its first national Action Meso Day which is due to take place on Friday, July 2.
This special, virtual event will be hosted by broadcaster, academic and peritoneal mesothelioma patient Kate Williams. It will include panel discussions, clinical trials updates and interesting facts and insights for anyone who is new to mesothelioma. The aim of the event is to raise awareness about the disease and to invite everyone to take action to eradicate this terrible cancer. Along with other ActionMeso supporters, Acorn will be helping to raise the profile of this important event and will be promoting it on social media using the hashtag #ActionMeso. Anyone who wants to register for this inaugural event should click here
We are passionate about raising awareness about the vital work being carried out by Mesothelioma UK and #ActionMeso because we, like them, want to see Mesothelioma and all asbestos-related diseases eradicated.
We may not be involved in the research going on to bring an end to cancers like mesothelioma but we are aware that we too have an important role to play in bringing about an end to such cancers through our prevention work.
Asbestos still kills around 5,000 UK workers ever year – this is more than the number of people killed on our roads annually.
Around 20 tradesmen die each week as a result of past exposure but don’t be fooled into thinking asbestos is just a problem of the past. Although its use here is now banned it was used heavily in the construction industry throughout most of the 20th century and can be found in any building that was built or refurbished before 2000. As a result, this dangerous substance is lying dormant in buildings up and down the country. If you have a building containing asbestos it doesn’t mean the property should be demolished but it does mean the owner has a legal responsibility to make sure the asbestos inside it is properly managed. If asbestos is in good condition and well managed it should not pose a risk to human health. However, when asbestos is in a poor condition or is disturbed or damaged during building works it releases fibres into the air. When these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases such as the cancers we have already spoken about and other conditions like asbestosis and pleural thickening which tend to happen after heavy exposure.
Asbestosis seriously scars the lungs, can cause progressive shortness of breath and in severe cases can be fatal. Pleural thickening is when the lining of the lung thickens and swells and can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.
Sadly, the prognosis is often not good for people who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases so the best thing we can all do is to raise awareness about this ‘hidden killer’ so we prevent more people succumbing to its awful after-effects.
Asbestos can be found in our homes, workplaces, educational establishments, hospitals and public buildings. So, if you are carrying out work on any building that was erected before 2000 make sure you have an asbestos survey first. By doing this you can identify if there is asbestos in the building and ensure that any work is carried out safely.
Even if you’re not carrying out work, if you have a building containing asbestos it is wise to have an asbestos management survey to help you safely manage the material.
If you’re unsure about what help you need – or even if you need any help at all – you can contact us and book a free asbestos review surgery with our asbestos expert Ian Stone. During the free 30-minute video call you will be given the chance to discuss and diagnose if you are complying with asbestos law.
Whatever you do, don’t turn a blind eye to asbestos. The risks to your health and the health of others are too great and if you are found to have broken asbestos law the fines can run into the millions and you could even face a prison sentence.
Acorn is a professional asbestos consultancy helping organisations deal with asbestos compliance using asbestos surveys, asbestos air testing, and asbestos removal management. Please call one of the team, or use the online form to obtain your free quotation. If you would like further information or advice on asbestos and asbestos training, contact the team on 0844 818 0895 or Contact Us
