The thousands of men and women who have lost their lives to asbestos related disease were remembered today. A special memorial was held by Clydeside Action on Asbestos to remember those who have died, and remember the families and friends who have lost a loved one.
Johann Lamont, leader of the Scottish Labour Party gave the opening address:
We must recognise the consequences of widespread use of asbestos in previous decades. Workers were exposed to asbestos in a broad range of professions from traditional industries such as manufacturing and construction to teaching and health-care. Others were exposed to asbestos washing overalls and work clothes, or simply from living in the vicinity of factories that produced asbestos products. The legacy of this widespread use of asbestos continues to have a devastating effect on the lives of people living in Scotland, and beyond. We must work together to ensure that the services and support are in place to help people following diagnosis.
Mesothelioma, a tumour in the lining of the lung, is a terminal illness. Far from being an illness confined to the past, the number of people being diagnosed continues to rise each year as it can take an average of 20 to 40 years for an asbestos related condition to develop following exposure.
Mrs Phyllis Craig, Senior Welfare Rights Officer added:
It is important to raise awareness of the fact that men and women in the UK are being diagnosed with an asbestos related condition in 2013. This will continue for many years to come because of the long period of time between exposure to asbestos and the development of an asbestos related condition. There is a perception that asbestos related conditions stopped being diagnosed with the decline of traditional industries but this is simply not the case. We are holding a memorial day because so many people have lost their lives, and continue to lose their lives because they were exposed to asbestos.
Mr Bill Kidd MSP continued:
It is particularly relevant to have a memorial day specifically for those who have lost their lives to asbestos related disease, as part of the wider range of events that are being held elsewhere in support of International Workers Memorial Day. It is important to remember those who died from asbestos related conditions simply because of the type of work they did or where they lived. We must ensure that we protect younger generations by educating them about the dangers of asbestos exposure, and that health and safety procedures are strictly adhered to, to prevent such tragedy in the future.
Mr Dave Moxham, Deputy General Secretary STUC also addressed the event:
This day is extremely meaningful and important to so many people. I have had the privilege of speaking to people living with an asbestos related condition, and with those who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma or asbestos related lung cancer. The reality of living with a diagnosis of a long term asbestos related disease can be challenging enough. Being diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos related lung cancer changes your reality and your future. We cannot forget those who have died from these conditions and we cannot forget that now and for the foreseeable future, lives will continue to be lost because of exposure to asbestos. We must all work together with Clydeside Action on Asbestos to make sure that the legacy of asbestos related disease is not forgotten, and that those living with a condition have access to justice and to the services that will help them to cope with their illness.
Laura Blane, lead solicitor of asbestos related cases at Thompsons Solicitors continued:
I have seen a substantial increase in the number of cases that we have for people who have mesothelioma or asbestos related lung cancer. It is extremely important that we secure compensation for the person with the illness as quickly as possible however we are continually hampered in this by challenges and delays by the insurers. The memorial event highlights the reality of losing a loved one to asbestos related disease. The loss and grief of friends and family serves as a stark and poignant reminder of the lasting harm caused by the negligence of employers who allowed their workers to be exposed to asbestos.
This year, our annual memorial service was especially poignant for CAA as we remembered our friend and colleague Audrey, who sadly passed away from mesothelioma on 13 March this year . Audrey’s family joined us in honouring her memory and her husband and daughter laid a wreath together. We would like to extend a special thanks to Audrey’s family for attending. We miss her dearly.
