DIY lung disease warning

Friday July 2nd, 2010

Do it yourself builders are placing themselves at risk because they do not realise they may be working with asbestos, campaigners warned today.

The substance, which causes lung disease, was used in materials as recently as 20 years ago.

It may be found in floor tiles, toilet cisterns and textured coatings on ceilings, according to the British Lung Foundation.

Today the charity is seeking to highlight the risk of the lung disease mesothelioma, which his linked to asbestos.

A survey of house-holders found that 65 per cent are not confident they could identify materials containing asbestos.

And just 29 per cent said they would check for materials containing asbestos.

TV presenter Craig Phillips, a DIY expert, is backing the campaign.

He said: “This campaign is particularly close to my heart as my uncle has been affected by asbestos exposure so I know exactly how dangerous asbestos can be.”

BLF chief executive Dame Helena Shovelton said mesothelioma is a “very cruel disease”.

She said: “Yet despite such a devastating illness, the general public knows very little about Mesothelioma, the lung cancer caused by asbestos.

“This year, the British Lung Foundation, the only charity working to support everyone affected by lung disease, is focusing on homeowners that do DIY. Our survey has highlighted that nearly half of all homeowners do not know that asbestos was actually used as a building material and could be in their homes today - in light of this there’s definitely more work that needs to be done to ensure people are Asbestos Aware.”

Tags: Fitness | General Health | Respiratory | UK News

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