The headline warning of 2018 cancer crisis has been known for some considerable time with the expected peak, only the tip of the iceberg, remaining with us for several generations as it slowly declines. I have cuttings from 2004, : "Asbestos time bomb" and the : "Time bomb in schools", 12 years ago.
A HSE publication July 2016 states that mesothelioma deaths should begin to decline after 2020 but has hedged its bets regarding future deaths.
Longer-term predictions comprise sources of uncertainty, being dependent on assumptions based on parameters for which there is no basis – the extent of population exposure beyond the 1980s.
A quote from an Action Mesothelioma Day event believes that we need to send a strong message that the legacy of extensive use of asbestos continues to be a blight on the landscape of our communities. It doesn't belong in the past, nor can it be ignored – we cannot allow that to happen. This year's event at The Forum we only saw one person attend who was not a regular attendee.
Today we face many obstructions to obtain justice and compensation for victims. It is time that our free press publicised these obstructions. Prevent the destruction of employment records by Companies House, ARD's develops years after exposure hence the need to find employment and insurance records. There are also issues at HMRC, which being an arm of government has responsibilities in respecting the civic rights of its citizens. Fund our Border Controls to prevent the imports of materials containing asbestos.
But above all we need the sustainable funding into genetic and genomic research to understand the mutations that cause mesothelioma. Progress can only continue if research and technical staff are retained by being able to rely on funding, some being provided by LIBOR.
Finally having read the report of the House of Lords debate October 27 along with the All Party Parliamentary Group meeting Tuesday November 1 where some of these issues are to be debated I can only hope that progress is made. But from past experience for every step forward there is another backwards, an example is found in last week's TUC risks regarding the trade in Chrysotile (white asbestos) including stating that the material is safe to use.
Bob Pointer
Deal Avenue
Walney
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