Asbestos Campaigners Take Action On Pleural Plaques Ruling

Pleural plaques are essentially a scarring of the lungs caused by repeated exposure to asbestos over a long period of time. One in seven of those diagnosed with pleural plaques will develop mesothelioma, an aggressive form of lung cancer directly linked with asbestos exposure. The number of mesothelioma cases is rising and is set to peak in 2020 with over 10,000 people dying from the disease.

Until October 2007, when the Lords ruled that pleural plaques did not qualify as a disease, those diagnosed with pleural plaques were able to claim compensation. Despite the disease being symptomless, victims can suffer from a number of debilitating mental and physical conditions.

Since the ruling the construction workers' union UCATT has been putting pressure on the Government to take action on the ruling and uphold the claims of victims of pleural plaques.

The union has just launched a major postcard campaign, particularly focusing on the Yorkshire and Humberside region, which has one of the highest levels of asbestos victims in England, with 167 dying from mesothelioma in 2007 alone.

David Oglesby, UCATT's regional official for Hull said "The Law Lords decision was outrageous and was a total injustice. Employers cannot get away with playing fast and loose with workers' lives."

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