The risks associated with asbestos have long been established.

The first Government regulations highlighting the potential dangers were published in 1932, although public awareness then became apparent throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

You only have to look at what people working in close proximity to asbestos now wear in order to fully appreciate its dangers.

Sadly, for the bulk of the people who worked with or near to asbestos years ago, no such protection was available and there still remains the risk for them to develop an asbestos related condition.

It was assumed that there is a 30 to 40-year delay, from being exposed to asbestos to developing a lung related problem.

To be fair, it is still a grey area as to how long the latency period is and how far back the exposure emanates, however the bulk of the clients we represent are between the age of 60 and 90 years.

Mesothelioma is the common type of asbestos related condition and Cancer Research UK estimate that some 2,700 people are diagnosed with this condition every year.

This number is relatively low compared to other types of cancer, although the condition is sadly terminal.

There are a number of clinical trials currently in progress, including immunotherapy treatment.

Chemotherapy treatment is available on the NHS although this provides more time rather than a cure.

Figures issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provided a chart that suggested that the likely peak development for mesothelioma would be between 2015 and 2020, with the condition then starting to decline in numbers over the next 10 years or so, so we hope to see fewer cases.

Source: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/