Men’s Health Week: Mesothelioma is the killer few are talking about

FOR many men mesothelioma is a very real threat.

Caused by exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s a cancer which affects 2,500 people every year in the UK. More than 80% of those are men.

This Men’s Health Week, the team at Acorn Analytical Services is determined to shine a light on the dangers of asbestos and why it’s so important to take steps now to protect those around you from this hidden killer.

Asbestos: From hero to zero

For generations, construction and heavy industry in the UK has been dominated by men.

While that is now changing fast, men have historically been in the majority when it comes to roles in the armed forces, shipbuilding, construction and engineering.

Throughout the 20th Century, it was those industries which were immediately attracted by the development of asbestos – a naturally occurring mineral which was not only cheap to produce but also fire retardant, strong and flexible. In the post-war era, its use became widespread in buildings, factories and even cars.

But asbestos had a hidden dark side and as its use increased so too did incidences of lung disease and mesothelioma – a cancer which affects the lungs and the stomach – in those working in these particular groups.

As evidence of its toxicity became overwhelming, the use of asbestos was eventually phased out, but it wasn’t until 1999 that its use in new buildings was finally banned by the UK Government.

But for those who think the dangers of asbestos are a thing of the past – sadly, you’re wrong.

At Acorn Analytical Services, to mark Men’s Health Week, we’re committed to driving home the message that asbestos is just as lethal as it always been, lurking in old houses and in many of the public buildings we use each and every day.

Men’s Health Week is the perfect opportunity for us to do just that.

Men’s Health Week: Time to talk about mesothelioma

While asbestos-related mesothelioma can affect of anyone, of any age or background, it does seem to be more prevalent among men, particularly those who have a history of working in construction and heavy industry.

This Men’s Health Week it’s really important for everyone to recognise the signs.

Symptoms include a cough, sweating, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss and chest pain and anyone showing any of these symptoms are advised to seek advice from their GP in the first instance.

For many years now, Acorn Analytical Services has supported Mesothelioma UK, the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people living with mesothelioma and their families.

For more information about the work they do – or to donate – visit www.mesothelioma.uk.com.

Take steps now to protect future generations

At Acorn Analytical Services we are passionate about spreading the work about the dangers of asbestos and protecting people by offering the very best service possible.

Each day, our work puts on the frontline of the battle against asbestos, providing advice, visiting our clients and offering practical help in the form of asbestos surveys, air testing and the safe management of asbestos removal.

If you are carrying out work of any kind on your home or business premises it is essential for an asbestos survey to be carried out to avoid accidental disturbance of any asbestos.

A survey must always be carried out by a professional consultant such as the team at Acorn Analytical Services who are all fully accredited by UKATA.

This Men’s Health Week make appointment to find out more.

Acorn is a professional asbestos consultancy helping organisations deal with asbestos compliance using asbestos surveys, asbestos air testing, and asbestos removal management – on Men’s Health Week and every other week.

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