Thousands of people are sadly suffering from diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. Although such services as asbestos surveys help to reduce sufferer numbers in the longer term, the widespread use of the lethal substance in all manner of pre-2000 buildings is continuing to make its legacy felt through new diagnoses of asbestos-related diseases.
We have all been reminded of that here at Salvum by the story of the daughter of a retired teacher from Buckinghamshire calling for the government to act on the presence of asbestos in the country’s schools, after her mother was diagnosed with mesothelioma. This almost always terminal cancer of the lung lining is one of the most common asbestos-related conditions.
Call for measures to raise awareness of school-based asbestos
Sue Stephens taught at various schools in Buckinghamshire for more than three decades and believes that her cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos at some point during her career. Mesothelioma is notorious for its tendency to lie dormant for many years, even decades, before showing any detectable symptoms.
Her daughter Lucie has now launched a petition asking the Government to impose a mandatory requirement for all schools in the UK to produce an annual report establishing the type and condition of any asbestos present in their buildings, in addition to sharing this report with all parents and staff.
In addition to these annual reports, Lucie is demanding that the Government introduces a policy of the phased removal of asbestos from all schools by 2028. The petition quickly neared its goal of 2,000 signatures in just under five days, a clear indication of how seriously the matter is taken by many of the public.
Lucie commented: “Although mum is in the last weeks of her life, she is horrified that teachers and pupils continue to be exposed to asbestos in schools. I’ve promised her that I will do my best to make sure no-one else has to suffer like she has. It has gone on for far too long and I hate the thought that other people will suffer like Mum, when this disease is completely preventable.”
Talk to Salvum about your asbestos safety requirements
While there is little that we can do to prevent such sad stories as that concerning Lucie’s mother appearing in the future in instances where the initial asbestos exposure occurred potentially decades ago, we can certainly help to prevent such stories several decades into the future with our wide range of asbestos-related services.
Simply contact our team today for the most professional, expert assistance with ensuring that those using your own buildings are kept genuinely safe from exposure to asbestos.
