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Following on from recent research into the ignorance of tradesmen over the dangers of asbestos, a new campaign has been set up by the National Health and Safety Executive to warn people of its dangers.

The Asbestos the hidden killer campaign is looking to particularly target the North West where four of its local authorities are in the top 20 for male and female asbestos related deaths.

The problem was recently highlighted by research by the British Lung Foundation and it revealed that 20 tradesmen die every week as a result of breathing in asbestos fibres during the course of their work.

"People regard asbestos as something only previous generations were exposed to," said Steve Coldrick, head of HSE's Disease Reduction Programme. "But it is still a present danger.

"Anyone working in a building built or refurbished before the year 2000 should be aware that it could contain asbestos and take the necessary precautions to work safely."    

Every year 4,000 people nationally die of asbestos related diseases - more than the number killed in road traffic accidents.

Free information packs for tradesmen are available from the HSE by calling 0845 345 0055 or can be found here.

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