In recent months we have been privileged to support a dynamic new charity that is fighting to eradicate the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.
ActionMeso launched last year to bring together mesothelioma patients with carers, healthcare and legal professionals, asbestos removal firms and construction companies.
Together they want to raise awareness across the UK about this devastating cancer and the dangers of asbestos. They hope this will bring an end to individuals being exposed to poorly managed asbestos and as a result dramatically reduce the numbers of people being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Sadly, there are currently more than 5,000 asbestos-related deaths in the UK every year and around half of these are caused by mesothelioma. This cancer develops in the lining covering the outer surface of some of the body’s organs and whilst there are treatments available to manage mesothelioma there is no known cure. Tragically, mesothelioma cases are often rapidly fatal following the onset of symptoms.
What is the new mesothelioma campaign from ActionMeso?
As an active supporter of ActionMeso, we are proud to help it champion the launch of its second public awareness campaign called ‘Hard to Say, Easy to Prevent’.
The ActionMeso team invited people who had never heard of mesothelioma to be videoed saying the word for the first time because they – like us – know that people find it extremely hard to say. The video also features ActionMeso supporter and mesothelioma patient Mavis Nye explaining how people can back the campaign.
In essence, the campaign contrasts how difficult it can be for many people to say the word ‘mesothelioma’ with how easy it actually is to prevent if we all aware of the dangers of asbestos and manage the material properly.
We’d urge everyone to take a couple of minutes to watch the ‘Hard to Say, Easy to Prevent’ video and to support the charity by sharing the campaign and the video on social media using the hashtag #ActionMeso.
How are Acorn helping combat Mesothelioma?
At Acorn Analytical Services, we will continue to do all we can to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos through our regular podcasts, blogs and social media activity.
We would urge anyone who owns a building that is more than 20 years old to remember that their property may contain asbestos. If you own a building containing asbestos, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that asbestos is effectively management to ensure the safety of anyone who may come into contact with it.
If you fail to manage asbestos correctly not only are you putting lives at risk you could end up being prosecuted. Businesses that are successfully prosecuted for failing to adhere to asbestos laws can face huge fines and court costs and company bosses and managers may even receive prison sentences.
How can you get help?
If you’re not sure how to go about doing dealing with your asbestos we have produced a step-by-step guide – the Acorn Asbestos Antidote – which takes our clients from non-compliance with the law through to full compliance.
We also offer a free Asbestos Review Surgery service which provides firms with a 30-minute video call with one of our asbestos experts. These surgeries are designed to help businesses find out if they’re 100% compliant with asbestos regulations and laws. They give company bosses and managers the opportunity to discuss and diagnose their current asbestos compliance status and to ask any questions about asbestos that have been keeping them awake at night.
For more information about how Acorn can help you visit www.acorn-as.com or to find out more about ActionMeso visit actionmeso.org
