Action Mesothelioma Day 2011 - Friday 1st July 2011

The CWU have issued the following letter to branches, providing details of this year's campaign day on Mesothelioma awareness.

Dave Joyce, CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer (left in pic with Lord Bill McKenzie) wrote in LTB542/11:

'Action Mesothelioma Day is on July 1st and the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department will be supporting the day and encouraging Health and Safety Reps, Branches and Regional Health and Safety Forums to support the day, support the events taking place across the UK and start raising awareness.

Mesothelioma kills over 2000 people a year in the UK and leaves many thousands more without a loved one. Action Mesothelioma Day is a tribute to all those people still suffering from this terrible disease.

Mesothelioma is a terminal chest cancer that develops between 15 and 60 years after exposure to asbestos. It affects the Mesothelium, which is a thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the chest wall where it is known as the pleura, and abdomen, where it is known as the peritoneum.

We are working with both Mesothelioma (UK) and the British Lung Foundation (BLF) who provide information and support for people affected by Mesothelioma and campaign to raise awareness of mesothelioma and to improve the treatment and care of people who are affected by this cruel cancer. This campaigning culminates each year on Action Mesothelioma Day, which will take place on Friday 1st July 2011.

Action Mesothelioma Day 2010 took place on 2nd July and focused on DIY in the home with the aim to raise awareness of the dangers of disturbing asbestos containing materials in a residential environment.'

The LTB containing several downloadable documents, gives this stark warning:

'Asbestos is not a thing of the past and is still present in many homes today.

The British Lung Foundation aimed to make people aware of this when carrying out any home improvements themselves. The campaign also informed people of the responsibilities they have to safely dispose of asbestos even if it is uncovered by a tradesperson contracted to do the DIY. The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department have run two campaigns on "Asbestos in the Home" awareness raising amongst members and Reps.'

The LTB also goes on to provide information about the events planned around the country for Action Mesothelioma Day 2011 being held on Friday 1st July 20111st July 2011

See also: CWU Issues Asbestos In The Home Campaign Warning May 2011

Download the full LTB542/11 from the E-Library Database using keyword Mesothelioma. You can also use this to check what is happening locally on the campaign day, 1st July.

Download other documents on Asbestos from the E-Library Database, by selecting category of Asbestos.

Source: CWU

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