Deadly legacy of asbestos

ASBESTOS-RELATED disease claimed the lives of 50 people in Oldham over a period of nearly 20 years.

But the figures for 1981 to 2000, are among the lowest for towns in the North-West.

Yet this is not a signal for complacency, according to the Health and Safety Executive, which has launched a new campaign: Asbestos — the Hidden Killer.

A spokesman said: “The death rate is increasing because of the long delay between initial exposure to asbestos and death —typically between 30 and 40 years.

“Nationally it is estimated that 20 tradesmen die every week from asbestos-related diseases. Even today, asbestos presents a real and relevant risk to plumbers, joiners, electricians and many other maintenance workers.”