Workers affected by deadly building material

For years asbestos was unknowingly inhaled by workers and remained dormant in their lungs, only to go on to cause serious diseases in later life.

Asbestos currently kills around 5,000 workers each year, claiming more lives than motorists involved in accidents on the road.

In the north-east and the Highlands, many people were exposed to the toxic substance through their work in the mining, railway, shipyard and building industries.

When materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air, and just one fibre of asbestos inhaled into the lungs can cause serious problems.

Once inhaled, the substance can cause mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening. Asbestos can be found in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000.