Survey reveals hidden toll from asbestos among women workers

Hundreds of woman are the hidden victims of a killer disease caused by asbestos, according to a new study.

Asbestos has left a deadly legacy women working in professions such as teaching, nursing and cleaning, 20 years after the substance was banned, says law firm Thompsons whose research found that found that women account for around one in every six mesothelioma-related deaths in Britain each year.

The report said women were direct victims of asbestos-related disease as well as grieving as widows, sisters, daughters and friends of men who have died.

Men are typically considered to be more at risk of developing the disease as exposure often took place in male-dominated industries such as manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding and other heavy industry.

Of the 2,526 mesothelioma deaths recorded in Britain in 2017, a total of 439 were women.

Its study found the disease was particularly prevalent in certain professions, including administrative occupations such as book-keeping, bank and post office clerks and secretarial roles, cleaners, sales assistants and retail cashiers, care workers and home carers, primary and nursery education professionals, nursing and midwifery.

Helen Tomlin, of Thompsons, said: "It is a common misconception that asbestos diseases only affect men who worked in factories or industry.

Ms Tomlin added: "Despite being banned for two decades, asbestos is still present in many public buildings such as council offices.”