Menu
02/10/2003
Lung disease statistics unveiled
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today published updated statistics on work related mesothelioma deaths by geographical area within Great Britain.
The statistics are based on previously published death information covering the twenty-year period 1981-2000.
The analyses presented are: mortality rates for counties (including local authority districts within counties) and unitary authorities, compared with the average for Great Britain; and assessments of whether the number of mesothelioma deaths in each area increased more or less rapidly over time than total for Great Britain.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that principally affects the external lining of the lungs (pleura) and lower digestive tract (peritoneum). It has a strong association with exposure to asbestos dust. It is exceptionally rare in the absence of exposure to asbestos.
The statistics show that the areas with highest mesothelioma mortality in males are West Dumbartonshire, Barrow-in-Furness, Plymouth, Portsmouth and South Tyneside, which are associated with past exposure to asbestos in shipbuilding.
Other areas with the high overall rates generally associated with past asbestos exposure are those close to or containing railway engineering sites including Eastleigh, Crewe and Nantwich, and factories which made asbestos products, such as Barking, Dagenham and Newham.
Women tend to have much lower mortality rates than men – typically around 15% of the annual mesothelioma mortality is in females. The areas with the highest mesothelioma mortality rates for women were Barking and Dagenham (associated with asbestos product manufacturing), Sunderland (shipbuilding and manufacturing), and Blackburn with Darwen (gas mask manufacturing during the war). These results are less reliable than those for the males, since they are based on fewer deaths.
HSE statistician, Damien McElvenny, said: "The statistics relate to the period 1981- 2000 and generally reflect asbestos exposure in the 1970s and earlier decades. Due to death certificates reporting the usual place of residence at the time of death, the extent that people who worked with asbestos have moved away from the areas in which they were exposed will naturally have some effect on the geographical distribution of mesothelioma deaths."
Typically, there are between 15 and 60 years between first exposure to asbestos and the onset of mesothelioma, which is then almost invariably fatal within one to two years. Recent deaths therefore reflect working conditions of the past and do not represent risks for people currently working in each area.
(gmcg)
The statistics are based on previously published death information covering the twenty-year period 1981-2000.
The analyses presented are: mortality rates for counties (including local authority districts within counties) and unitary authorities, compared with the average for Great Britain; and assessments of whether the number of mesothelioma deaths in each area increased more or less rapidly over time than total for Great Britain.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that principally affects the external lining of the lungs (pleura) and lower digestive tract (peritoneum). It has a strong association with exposure to asbestos dust. It is exceptionally rare in the absence of exposure to asbestos.
The statistics show that the areas with highest mesothelioma mortality in males are West Dumbartonshire, Barrow-in-Furness, Plymouth, Portsmouth and South Tyneside, which are associated with past exposure to asbestos in shipbuilding.
Other areas with the high overall rates generally associated with past asbestos exposure are those close to or containing railway engineering sites including Eastleigh, Crewe and Nantwich, and factories which made asbestos products, such as Barking, Dagenham and Newham.
Women tend to have much lower mortality rates than men – typically around 15% of the annual mesothelioma mortality is in females. The areas with the highest mesothelioma mortality rates for women were Barking and Dagenham (associated with asbestos product manufacturing), Sunderland (shipbuilding and manufacturing), and Blackburn with Darwen (gas mask manufacturing during the war). These results are less reliable than those for the males, since they are based on fewer deaths.
HSE statistician, Damien McElvenny, said: "The statistics relate to the period 1981- 2000 and generally reflect asbestos exposure in the 1970s and earlier decades. Due to death certificates reporting the usual place of residence at the time of death, the extent that people who worked with asbestos have moved away from the areas in which they were exposed will naturally have some effect on the geographical distribution of mesothelioma deaths."
Typically, there are between 15 and 60 years between first exposure to asbestos and the onset of mesothelioma, which is then almost invariably fatal within one to two years. Recent deaths therefore reflect working conditions of the past and do not represent risks for people currently working in each area.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 November 2010
North Tyneside Boss Fined For Asbestos Failings
The boss of a refurbishment company has been fined for failing to provide adequate information, instruction and training to workers in the proper procedures when dealing with asbestos.
North Tyneside Boss Fined For Asbestos Failings
The boss of a refurbishment company has been fined for failing to provide adequate information, instruction and training to workers in the proper procedures when dealing with asbestos.
09 March 2011
Company Fined For Asbestos Exposure
A refurbishment company has been fined after workers and the public were exposed to asbestos in a Leicestershire village. Shengxuan Company Ltd was converting a shop in Borough Street, Castle Donington, into a restaurant in June 2010.
Company Fined For Asbestos Exposure
A refurbishment company has been fined after workers and the public were exposed to asbestos in a Leicestershire village. Shengxuan Company Ltd was converting a shop in Borough Street, Castle Donington, into a restaurant in June 2010.
28 June 2010
Union Slams 'Work Until You Drop' Bid
Proposed changes to the age of retirement in the UK have been savaged by a leading trade union. Construction union UCATT have reacted with disgust to the announcement that the retirement age is set to be increased to 66 by 2016 with the expectation it will soon be increased to 70.
Union Slams 'Work Until You Drop' Bid
Proposed changes to the age of retirement in the UK have been savaged by a leading trade union. Construction union UCATT have reacted with disgust to the announcement that the retirement age is set to be increased to 66 by 2016 with the expectation it will soon be increased to 70.
05 September 2014
One In Five Child Deaths Preventable, Research Reveals
One in five child deaths in England is preventable, according to research by the University of Warwick. Much more could be done to cut future deaths, a new three-part series on child deaths in high-income countries, published in The Lancet, has revealed.
One In Five Child Deaths Preventable, Research Reveals
One in five child deaths in England is preventable, according to research by the University of Warwick. Much more could be done to cut future deaths, a new three-part series on child deaths in high-income countries, published in The Lancet, has revealed.
08 January 2004
Nine US soldiers killed in helicopter crash
Nine US soldiers have been killed after their Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Iraq, it has been reported today. It is not yet clear whether the crash was the result of a technical difficulty or gunfire. The crash claimed the lives of all those on board.
Nine US soldiers killed in helicopter crash
Nine US soldiers have been killed after their Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Iraq, it has been reported today. It is not yet clear whether the crash was the result of a technical difficulty or gunfire. The crash claimed the lives of all those on board.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
