UK has the highest mesothelioma death rate for Teachers
Last Updated on 2 March 2023
Latest facts and figures show the effects of asbestos in schools have reached an even higher death rate with teachers dying from mesothelioma.
Death rate of teachers dying from mesothelioma soars
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous silicate mineral which was used in a variety of products for hundreds of years such as building materials. Inhaling asbestos fibres aggravates lung tissues, which cause them to scar and develop illnesses such as mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung.
The United Kingdom possesses one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world, largely because the UK government permitted the use of asbestos long after other countries outlawed the mineral’s use.
Last year in 2021, a total of 23 teachers died of mesothelioma. In total, statistics collated by the HSE show that between the years 2001-2010 there were 75 teachers who died of mesothelioma,. And between the years 2011-2020 there were 111 teachers who died from mesothelioma, meaning the UK has the highest death rate in the world.
Children are particularly vulnerable to developing mesothelioma. A five year old child that is exposed is five times more likely to contract mesothelioma than someone exposed to asbestos in their 30’s.
It is reported that between 200 and 300 people die each year from exposure to asbestos as school children.
So why do we still have asbestos in schools?
There are now petitions in place to make parents aware of where they are sending their children.
The Government should introduce and implement a policy for the management of all asbestos in all schools to ensure the safety and health of our children and teachers.
Please click here to see a copy of an example letter that you can send to your child’s school for their safety regarding asbestos. There is also a petition in place to protect children and teachers from asbestos exposure in school.
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