‘Something needs to be done’ to protect another generation

A warning has been issued that “something needs to be done” before asbestos severely affects a new generation.

At a meeting held yesterday by national charity Asbestos Action, the increase in illnesses caused by the toxic substance was starkly highlighted.

The organisation, which supports people impacted by asbestos, said the boost to mainland construction from work in the North Sea had also exposed workers to the deadly substance.

From June to October, it was revealed, there had been 11 new cases reported to the charity, which supports all those affected by asbestos exposure.

The new cases came from a variety of locations, including Aberdeen, Macduff, Stonehaven, Ellon and Keith.

Asbestos Action also recorded a rise in the number of people diagnosed with mesothelioma, a type of cancer that develops in the lining of some of the body’s organs, and can spread rapidly.

John Fearn, the charity’s manager, said: “In the last few years across the north-east, those seeking health, social and legal support has increased in an unprecedented scale – so much so we’ve employed an Aberdeen-based respiratory nurse to assist those in need.

“When people die in these numbers across north-east roads, the public spotlight rightly highlights safety issues – however, we rarely hear of officials supporting sufferers of asbestos.”

Among those at yesterday’s meeting, held at the Jurys Inn in Aberdeen, were lawyers, medical staff and dozens of people affected by asbestos exposure.

Robert McWhinnie, from Netherley in Aberdeenshire, contracted asbestosis – a long-term chronic lung condition – after he worked for the Royal Navy.

He said: “We used to use an air hose to blow asbestos off the pipes in the ship’s boiler room, and it was like a snowstorm with hundreds of fibres.”

It only takes one fibre of asbestos to potentially damage the lungs.

The 78-year-old continued: “The first symptom I noticed was that I was getting exhausted walking up the stairs at my office on Sinclair Road in Aberdeen. I was breathing like an old bull.

“I was sent to ARI by my GP, and the doctor quizzed me about asbestos exposure.

“I quit smoking in my 20s, and I genuinely think if I hadn’t, my lungs wouldn’t have been strong enough to cope with asbestosis, and that I wouldn’t be here today.”

According to Asbestos Action, 16 of its members have died from asbestos-related illnesses in the last 10 months.

Supported by law firm Digby Brown, the charity has sought compensation for people who were exposed to the material by, what they argue, were dangerous practices by construction firms in the wake of the oil boom.

Digby Brown associate Mark Nicholson stressed the importance of urging local authorities to help implement change.

He said: “Asbestos is not a problem of the past, as so many people think.

“Disease caused by asbestos is preventable, and is a risk to both current and future generations.

“We need to raise awareness of this and something needs to be done.”

Robert McWhinnie contracted asbestosis after working for the Royal Navy