15th May 2008 the BBC reported that chemotherapy treatments which aim to prolong patients' lives and reduce suffering from asbestos-related cancer do not work, UK researchers suggest.
Mesothelioma, caused by asbestos exposure, is usually incurable, but some specialists hope chemo could delay death and improve quality of life.
The study in the Lancet found hundreds of patients saw no benefit. However, a US expert said other combinations of chemotherapy drugs could work better.
Treatment for mesothelioma is aimed principally at reducing its symptoms, and hopefully slowing down the progression of the illness.
The latest study looked at 409 patients, mainly from the UK, who were all given these standard treatments.
Some were additionally given doses of chemotherapy, and the effect on their disease compared.
While the chemotherapy patients did live slightly longer on average than those given just standard treatment, the researchers said the finding did not represent statistical proof, and could be misleading.
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7402650.stm
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Surveyor fined for asbestos breach
21st May 2008 Contract Journal reported that a surveyor has been fined for failing to carry out asbestos inspection work on a refurbishment job in Birmingham.
Raymond Joseph Boyle of Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, was convicted of a breach of The Control of Asbestos Regulations after undertaking demolition work that exposed people to asbestos.
He was fined £4,000 in total and ordered to pay costs of £4,016 at Birmingham Magistrates Court.
Raymond Joseph Boyle of Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, was convicted of a breach of The Control of Asbestos Regulations after undertaking demolition work that exposed people to asbestos.
He was fined £4,000 in total and ordered to pay costs of £4,016 at Birmingham Magistrates Court.
Asbestos fears over workers
Portsmouth.co.uk reported on 21st May 2008 that the health of hundreds of council contractors could have been put at risk in a blunder over asbestos safety rules.
For the past four years there are no records of any contractors doing day-to-day work at the civic offices at Portsmouth City Council being warned of where they might come into contact with the potentially deadly substance. Council policy states that all contract workers should sign a form confirming they know where asbestos is. Cleaners, plumbers, removal men and general handymen were all at risk because of the oversight. Diane McLellan, founder of Hampshire
Asbestos Support and Awareness Group, said: 'This is a clear- cut case of negligence. They have a duty of care that they have failed to meet.' Mike Arthur, deputy head of asset management service, said: 'This lapse is unfortunate, but we don't believe it has exposed anyone to any more risk. Procedures have now been tightened up and are being properly
For the past four years there are no records of any contractors doing day-to-day work at the civic offices at Portsmouth City Council being warned of where they might come into contact with the potentially deadly substance. Council policy states that all contract workers should sign a form confirming they know where asbestos is. Cleaners, plumbers, removal men and general handymen were all at risk because of the oversight. Diane McLellan, founder of Hampshire
Asbestos Support and Awareness Group, said: 'This is a clear- cut case of negligence. They have a duty of care that they have failed to meet.' Mike Arthur, deputy head of asset management service, said: 'This lapse is unfortunate, but we don't believe it has exposed anyone to any more risk. Procedures have now been tightened up and are being properly
Mesothelioma widow compensated seven years later
Legal and Medical reported on 16th, May 2008 that a widow received a £218,000 payout for her husbands death after a seven year wait.
The women’s husband died of mesothelioma in 2001 after exposure at the Turner and Newell factory at which he worked. Claims against the company were frozen in 2001 because their US parent company Federal Mogul went into administration in the UK.Payments to victims started emerging last year when a trust was set up by the administrators, approved by the High Court.
An employers' liability insurance fund will pay compensation to those who worked for T&N after 1969. This fund is financed from insurers, Royal Sun Alliance and Lloyds, who wrote employers' liability insurance from T&N after 1969.
To read the full article please click on the link below:
http://www.legal-medical.co.uk/news/11865.html?msgid=370376909&rcptid=5661
The women’s husband died of mesothelioma in 2001 after exposure at the Turner and Newell factory at which he worked. Claims against the company were frozen in 2001 because their US parent company Federal Mogul went into administration in the UK.Payments to victims started emerging last year when a trust was set up by the administrators, approved by the High Court.
An employers' liability insurance fund will pay compensation to those who worked for T&N after 1969. This fund is financed from insurers, Royal Sun Alliance and Lloyds, who wrote employers' liability insurance from T&N after 1969.
To read the full article please click on the link below:
http://www.legal-medical.co.uk/news/11865.html?msgid=370376909&rcptid=5661
Health threat of nanotubes may be similar to asbestos
Wednesday May 21 2008 the Guardian reported that Scientists have warned that carbon nanotubes could pose a cancer risk similar to that of asbestos, saying the government should restrict the use of the materials to protect human health.
Carbon nanotubes which are 300 times finer than a human hair, were developed in 1991 and have proved extremely useful, conferring great strength while being very light. They are superb conductors of heat and electricity and have been touted as wonder materials that could form the basis of a new generation of electronics.
In most products containing nanotubes, such as car body panels, tennis rackets, yacht masts and bike frames, the fibres are embedded in composite materials, which provide strength and lightness. In this form the cylindrical molecules of carbon are likely to be relatively harmless.
But the researchers say further studies are necessary to confirm it; it cannot be assumed that people could not be exposed to carbon nanotubes held in materials.
Scientists will have to show that exposure from products is safe, said Andrew Maynard, of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, in Washington. "What happens as you demolish products or throw them away in landfill sites? Is there a chance of carbon nanotubes coming out then and exposure occurring? We simply don't know the answer to that and that needs to be addressed."
"This is a reason for concern," Anthony Seaton, an expert in asbestos-related diseases, at the Institute of Occupational Medicine, in Edinburgh, said. "Asbestos started in the same way - people used it experimentally."
The similarity between the size and structure of carbon nanotubes and asbestos fibres has always posed a question on how the former could affect lungs. The new research shows that, in mice, the tubes, like asbestos, cause inflammation of the mesothelium, the slippery membrane around some bodily organs. With asbestos fibres, the inflammation is a stage leading towards cancer.
The researchers, whose report is in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, compared the effects of short and long nanotubes. "Nanotubes behave like asbestos in the sense that long ones are harmful, short ones aren't, and that exposure to some sorts of carbon nanotubes could carry a risk," said Ken Donaldson, professor at the University of Edinburgh, and the study's leader.
He stressed that the team had not demonstrated that carbon nanotubes actually caused cancer but they thought the government should take the threat seriously and prevent people from being exposed.
Carbon nanotubes which are 300 times finer than a human hair, were developed in 1991 and have proved extremely useful, conferring great strength while being very light. They are superb conductors of heat and electricity and have been touted as wonder materials that could form the basis of a new generation of electronics.
In most products containing nanotubes, such as car body panels, tennis rackets, yacht masts and bike frames, the fibres are embedded in composite materials, which provide strength and lightness. In this form the cylindrical molecules of carbon are likely to be relatively harmless.
But the researchers say further studies are necessary to confirm it; it cannot be assumed that people could not be exposed to carbon nanotubes held in materials.
Scientists will have to show that exposure from products is safe, said Andrew Maynard, of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, in Washington. "What happens as you demolish products or throw them away in landfill sites? Is there a chance of carbon nanotubes coming out then and exposure occurring? We simply don't know the answer to that and that needs to be addressed."
"This is a reason for concern," Anthony Seaton, an expert in asbestos-related diseases, at the Institute of Occupational Medicine, in Edinburgh, said. "Asbestos started in the same way - people used it experimentally."
The similarity between the size and structure of carbon nanotubes and asbestos fibres has always posed a question on how the former could affect lungs. The new research shows that, in mice, the tubes, like asbestos, cause inflammation of the mesothelium, the slippery membrane around some bodily organs. With asbestos fibres, the inflammation is a stage leading towards cancer.
The researchers, whose report is in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, compared the effects of short and long nanotubes. "Nanotubes behave like asbestos in the sense that long ones are harmful, short ones aren't, and that exposure to some sorts of carbon nanotubes could carry a risk," said Ken Donaldson, professor at the University of Edinburgh, and the study's leader.
He stressed that the team had not demonstrated that carbon nanotubes actually caused cancer but they thought the government should take the threat seriously and prevent people from being exposed.
The image above is an artists impression of a nanotube, which
To read the full article please click on the link below:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/may/21/nanotechnology.controversiesinscience
To read the full article please click on the link below:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/may/21/nanotechnology.controversiesinscience
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
United Nations headquarters undergoes renovations
Los Angeles Times May 6th 2008 reported that The U.N. secretary-general and top diplomats made a groundbreaking move Monday to update and reform the world body -- or at least its antiquated headquarters.
Wielding shiny silver spades and wearing U.N. blue construction helmets, Ban Ki-moon and 16 other officials broke ground on the U.N.'s North Lawn to mark the beginning of a five-year, nearly $2-billion renovation. The gleaming edifice on the East River has hardly been updated since its completion in 1952 by a team of architects including Swiss-born Le Corbusier and Brazil's Oscar Niemeyer. The ceilings shed asbestos, the walls have lead paint and the dome of the General Assembly drips rain on diplomats' heads. Much of the building's machinery is obsolete, and craftsmen build their own replacement parts in workshops in the basement.
Technically international territory, the U.N. has been exempt from New York fire and safety codes, and during a courtesy inspection last year, it racked up 866 violations. Over five years, the building's interior will be gutted and rebuilt in a greener, more efficient and modern manner. But the U.N.'s gleaming blue-tinted exterior won't be changed, said New York architect Michael Adlerstein, who took over the project's management when the previous director got fed up with dealing with the U.N. system. Adlerstein previously renovated New York's Statue of Liberty and consulted on the preservation of India's Taj Mahal. Most of the 4,700 U.N. staffers will move in phases to a nearby office building, and heads of state will attend the annual General Assembly in a giant temporary building where the lawn now is. The Security Council will continue to hold meetings in the main U.N. building throughout the construction and will be shielded from asbestos and debris, contractors promised. The U.N. has been debating where and how to move its headquarters for nearly 10 years, as costs have spiraled. Among the options were moving it onto a cruise ship anchored in the East River, into a giant circus tent, into the Brooklyn Navy Yard or -- as some critics suggested -- out of the country altogether. Former U.S. Ambassador John R. Bolton once said that if the U.N. lost its top 10 floors, "it wouldn't make one bit of difference." But that was a potshot at the world body's inefficiency, not its architecture. As one of the world's slowest bureaucracies lost opportunities in one of the world's hottest real estate markets, the Secretariat decided to erect the temporary building on the lawn."Spring is a time of rebirth," Ban said as he prepared to pick up his shovel. "Today we turn the soil which the United Nations stands on to mark the rebirth, or renovation, of our headquarters," he said.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-groundbreak6-2008may06,0,6794135.story
Wielding shiny silver spades and wearing U.N. blue construction helmets, Ban Ki-moon and 16 other officials broke ground on the U.N.'s North Lawn to mark the beginning of a five-year, nearly $2-billion renovation. The gleaming edifice on the East River has hardly been updated since its completion in 1952 by a team of architects including Swiss-born Le Corbusier and Brazil's Oscar Niemeyer. The ceilings shed asbestos, the walls have lead paint and the dome of the General Assembly drips rain on diplomats' heads. Much of the building's machinery is obsolete, and craftsmen build their own replacement parts in workshops in the basement.
Technically international territory, the U.N. has been exempt from New York fire and safety codes, and during a courtesy inspection last year, it racked up 866 violations. Over five years, the building's interior will be gutted and rebuilt in a greener, more efficient and modern manner. But the U.N.'s gleaming blue-tinted exterior won't be changed, said New York architect Michael Adlerstein, who took over the project's management when the previous director got fed up with dealing with the U.N. system. Adlerstein previously renovated New York's Statue of Liberty and consulted on the preservation of India's Taj Mahal. Most of the 4,700 U.N. staffers will move in phases to a nearby office building, and heads of state will attend the annual General Assembly in a giant temporary building where the lawn now is. The Security Council will continue to hold meetings in the main U.N. building throughout the construction and will be shielded from asbestos and debris, contractors promised. The U.N. has been debating where and how to move its headquarters for nearly 10 years, as costs have spiraled. Among the options were moving it onto a cruise ship anchored in the East River, into a giant circus tent, into the Brooklyn Navy Yard or -- as some critics suggested -- out of the country altogether. Former U.S. Ambassador John R. Bolton once said that if the U.N. lost its top 10 floors, "it wouldn't make one bit of difference." But that was a potshot at the world body's inefficiency, not its architecture. As one of the world's slowest bureaucracies lost opportunities in one of the world's hottest real estate markets, the Secretariat decided to erect the temporary building on the lawn."Spring is a time of rebirth," Ban said as he prepared to pick up his shovel. "Today we turn the soil which the United Nations stands on to mark the rebirth, or renovation, of our headquarters," he said.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-groundbreak6-2008may06,0,6794135.story
Unions make work safer
Risks 3rd May 2008 reported that trade unions are by far the best vehicle to win better safety at work, transport union RMT has said.
The union's comments came on Workers' Memorial Day, 28 April, which saw the biggest ever list of commemorative events in the UK and worldwide. RMT said that Britain's new corporate manslaughter law still lets killer bosses off the hook - and that unions remain workers' best friend.
'After the Southall, Ladbroke Grove, Hatfield and Potters Bar rail crashes that killed 49, 20 years after the Piper Alpha rig disaster saw 167 workers die, five years after four of our members were killed by a runaway trolley at Tebay, profit is still being put ahead of safety,' RMT general secretary Bob Crow said.
'The trade union movement has fought for years for a corporate manslaughter law that would finally make individual bosses shoulder responsibility for the needless deaths their negligence causes,' he said, but added the law 'will not deliver justice because it won't put killer bosses in the dock, and slapping fines on corporations is simply not enough.' The union leader concluded: 'The message has to be: if you want to be safer at work, join the union and fight alongside your workmates to make your boss take safety seriously.'
Unite called for more rights for union health and safety representatives to maximise this union safety effect. Health and safety officer Rob Miguel said the high injury rates on construction sites showed 'we need greater powers for union health and safety representatives to inspect these sites. Increasing their power means reducing the chances of injuries and fatalities in the future.'
The union's comments came on Workers' Memorial Day, 28 April, which saw the biggest ever list of commemorative events in the UK and worldwide. RMT said that Britain's new corporate manslaughter law still lets killer bosses off the hook - and that unions remain workers' best friend.
'After the Southall, Ladbroke Grove, Hatfield and Potters Bar rail crashes that killed 49, 20 years after the Piper Alpha rig disaster saw 167 workers die, five years after four of our members were killed by a runaway trolley at Tebay, profit is still being put ahead of safety,' RMT general secretary Bob Crow said.
'The trade union movement has fought for years for a corporate manslaughter law that would finally make individual bosses shoulder responsibility for the needless deaths their negligence causes,' he said, but added the law 'will not deliver justice because it won't put killer bosses in the dock, and slapping fines on corporations is simply not enough.' The union leader concluded: 'The message has to be: if you want to be safer at work, join the union and fight alongside your workmates to make your boss take safety seriously.'
Unite called for more rights for union health and safety representatives to maximise this union safety effect. Health and safety officer Rob Miguel said the high injury rates on construction sites showed 'we need greater powers for union health and safety representatives to inspect these sites. Increasing their power means reducing the chances of injuries and fatalities in the future.'
Protest at HSE's bad move
Risks 3rd May 2008
Unions in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have warned its planned HQ move from London to Bootle will lead to a haemorrhage of experienced staff. Over 100 PCS members working at HSE's London HQ joined Workers' Memorial Day protesters outside the building. PCS says of the 320 staff told they would have to move, over 60 staff have already chosen to leave instead and only 12 have expressed an interest in relocating. So far only 28 staff have been recruited in Bootle. It said this means 'HSE will lose the competence, knowledge and know-how of a further 250 staff over the next two years.' PCS HSE branch secretary Chris Hurley said: 'Management say that savings from moving out of London will enable HSE to improve inspection rates across the country. In fact, London HQ only accounts for 1.5 per cent of total budget. Also, the original business case assumed that 40 per cent of staff would go to the North West. In fact it's less than 4 per cent. This loss will devastate the organisation. It is time for management to think again before it is too late.' PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka presented a petition to HSE chief executive Geoffrey Podger opposing the move. The union leader commented: 'Members in HSE are delivering improvements to the lives of millions in this country. Yet management think it is acceptable to lose these experienced staff. In addition to the personal traumas being imposed on staff, the loss of so much experience puts all workers at risk. This petition ought to cause management to pause and think again about the action they are taking.'
Unions in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have warned its planned HQ move from London to Bootle will lead to a haemorrhage of experienced staff. Over 100 PCS members working at HSE's London HQ joined Workers' Memorial Day protesters outside the building. PCS says of the 320 staff told they would have to move, over 60 staff have already chosen to leave instead and only 12 have expressed an interest in relocating. So far only 28 staff have been recruited in Bootle. It said this means 'HSE will lose the competence, knowledge and know-how of a further 250 staff over the next two years.' PCS HSE branch secretary Chris Hurley said: 'Management say that savings from moving out of London will enable HSE to improve inspection rates across the country. In fact, London HQ only accounts for 1.5 per cent of total budget. Also, the original business case assumed that 40 per cent of staff would go to the North West. In fact it's less than 4 per cent. This loss will devastate the organisation. It is time for management to think again before it is too late.' PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka presented a petition to HSE chief executive Geoffrey Podger opposing the move. The union leader commented: 'Members in HSE are delivering improvements to the lives of millions in this country. Yet management think it is acceptable to lose these experienced staff. In addition to the personal traumas being imposed on staff, the loss of so much experience puts all workers at risk. This petition ought to cause management to pause and think again about the action they are taking.'
Global Unions call for asbestos ban support
Risks 26th April 2008 reported that global union federations representing tens of millions of workers in the construction and metal sectors have renewed their call for a global asbestos ban.
Anita Normark, general secretary of the Building and Woodworkers' International (BWI), wrote last month to the Canadian Labour Congress appealing for help from Canadian trade unions to end the export of Canadian chrysotile asbestos to the developing world.
Normark pointed out that trade unions in Asia, Africa and Latin America are struggling to avoid an epidemic of asbestos diseases on a scale even more frightening than that seen already in industrialised countries. BWI said Canada mines about 250 thousand tons of chrysotile asbestos a year and exports it to developing countries, mainly in Asia, where information on the hazards and control measures to protect workers and communities from exposure are 'non-existent.' The Canadian government funds the Chrysotile Institute, described by BWI as 'an industry propaganda machine that markets asbestos and funds corrupt scientists to lie to public health officials, workers and consumers, selling this deadly substance by deception.'
BWI urged Canada's unions to attack their government's 'cynical policy.' Mirroring action taken by BWI affiliates worldwide, the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) wrote to the Geneva embassies and consulates of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam this month calling for a ban on the use of asbestos and compensation for workers harmed by asbestos.
Anita Normark, general secretary of the Building and Woodworkers' International (BWI), wrote last month to the Canadian Labour Congress appealing for help from Canadian trade unions to end the export of Canadian chrysotile asbestos to the developing world.
Normark pointed out that trade unions in Asia, Africa and Latin America are struggling to avoid an epidemic of asbestos diseases on a scale even more frightening than that seen already in industrialised countries. BWI said Canada mines about 250 thousand tons of chrysotile asbestos a year and exports it to developing countries, mainly in Asia, where information on the hazards and control measures to protect workers and communities from exposure are 'non-existent.' The Canadian government funds the Chrysotile Institute, described by BWI as 'an industry propaganda machine that markets asbestos and funds corrupt scientists to lie to public health officials, workers and consumers, selling this deadly substance by deception.'
BWI urged Canada's unions to attack their government's 'cynical policy.' Mirroring action taken by BWI affiliates worldwide, the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) wrote to the Geneva embassies and consulates of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam this month calling for a ban on the use of asbestos and compensation for workers harmed by asbestos.
Shipyard exposures caused asbestosis
Risks 26th April 2008 reported that a Unite member has been awarded £20,000 in provisional damages after exposure to asbestos in a shipyard wrecked his health.
Peter Guy developed asbestosis after being exposed to the dangerous dust while working for Harland & Wolf shipyard during the 1960s. The condition has left him unable to do gardening and other jobs around the house and he has had to give up his passion for swimming.
Mr Guy, 74, was a repairer electrician for the firm and worked on board the cruise liners that came to the yard for refitting. He said he was not warned of the dangers or given any protective clothing. He contacted Unite when he was diagnosed with asbestosis in 2005.
Peter Guy developed asbestosis after being exposed to the dangerous dust while working for Harland & Wolf shipyard during the 1960s. The condition has left him unable to do gardening and other jobs around the house and he has had to give up his passion for swimming.
Mr Guy, 74, was a repairer electrician for the firm and worked on board the cruise liners that came to the yard for refitting. He said he was not warned of the dangers or given any protective clothing. He contacted Unite when he was diagnosed with asbestosis in 2005.
New asbestos law is not a big help
Barking and Dagenham Post 25th April 2008 reported that a new law which makes it possible to prosecute companies for the deaths of workers, will not help families of asbestos victims.
The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, which came into force on April 6, cannot be backdated to deaths which may have been caused before that date. Mike Merritt from the London Hazard Centre said the law will not be retrospective. Barking and Dagenham was an asbestos hotspot, and many former employees of the Cape Asbestos factory in Harts Lane, Barking, which closed in the 60s, are still suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Victims and their families can, however, claim compensation from the company's £40m compensation fund. Mick Connolly from the Barking and Dagenham Asbestos Support Group, estimates that about 600 people may have died in the borough as a result of asbestos exposure.He said: "It's very difficult to be precise, there are various diseases related to asbestos."Many potential victims of asbestos are not aware that they can claim damages."We only know of people who came to us, and that's the tip of the iceberg."Free advice for asbestos victims and their families is available on every last Wednesday of the month at Barking Town Hall. For information call 8554 5192 or 8227 2102.
http://www.bdpost.co.uk/content/barkinganddagenham/post/news/story.aspx?brand=BDPOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsbdp&itemid=WeED25%20Apr%202008%2015%3A45%3A03%3A860
The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, which came into force on April 6, cannot be backdated to deaths which may have been caused before that date. Mike Merritt from the London Hazard Centre said the law will not be retrospective. Barking and Dagenham was an asbestos hotspot, and many former employees of the Cape Asbestos factory in Harts Lane, Barking, which closed in the 60s, are still suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Victims and their families can, however, claim compensation from the company's £40m compensation fund. Mick Connolly from the Barking and Dagenham Asbestos Support Group, estimates that about 600 people may have died in the borough as a result of asbestos exposure.He said: "It's very difficult to be precise, there are various diseases related to asbestos."Many potential victims of asbestos are not aware that they can claim damages."We only know of people who came to us, and that's the tip of the iceberg."Free advice for asbestos victims and their families is available on every last Wednesday of the month at Barking Town Hall. For information call 8554 5192 or 8227 2102.
http://www.bdpost.co.uk/content/barkinganddagenham/post/news/story.aspx?brand=BDPOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsbdp&itemid=WeED25%20Apr%202008%2015%3A45%3A03%3A860
Asbestos found at Norfok school
Eastern Daily Press 28th April 2008 reported that asbestos has been found in broken ceiling panels at a west Norfolk school.
It was discovered in a changing room at the Downham Market High School earlier in the week, during a routine inspection. As the broken ceiling panels contained asbestos, the area was immediately sealed off to staff and students. Pupils were unable to collect their clothes, bags and even GSCE coursework and revision notes, which had to be left in the changing room on the advice of inspectors.
It means some pupils cannot get hold of their essential work, and some have raised concerns thatthis could affect their final exam results.
However, headteacher Ian Bloom has now contacted the examination board to ensure that none of the pupils will be affected. It is also understood that a specialist team dealing with the asbestos are attempting to scan coursework from the boys' bags and giving them a digital copy on a memory stick. Staff are also working with other students who have the same revision notes to see if they can help too.
To read the full story please click on the link below: http://new.edp24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=edponline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED25%20Apr%202008%2016%3A35%3A13%3A050
It was discovered in a changing room at the Downham Market High School earlier in the week, during a routine inspection. As the broken ceiling panels contained asbestos, the area was immediately sealed off to staff and students. Pupils were unable to collect their clothes, bags and even GSCE coursework and revision notes, which had to be left in the changing room on the advice of inspectors.
It means some pupils cannot get hold of their essential work, and some have raised concerns thatthis could affect their final exam results.
However, headteacher Ian Bloom has now contacted the examination board to ensure that none of the pupils will be affected. It is also understood that a specialist team dealing with the asbestos are attempting to scan coursework from the boys' bags and giving them a digital copy on a memory stick. Staff are also working with other students who have the same revision notes to see if they can help too.
To read the full story please click on the link below: http://new.edp24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=edponline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED25%20Apr%202008%2016%3A35%3A13%3A050
North is a dangerous workplace
NE Business.co.uk reported on April 28th 2008 that the North East remains a dangerous place to work. The last count by the Health and Safety Executive shows that 112,000 North East people suffered an illness or injury caused or made worse by their work. That’s around 10% of the region’s working population, far higher than the rest of England, and it does not appear to be declining.
The most recent report shows there were five people killed at work and over 1,300 ‘major injuries’ to working people. Again, this rate was higher here compared to the rest of the country.
On top of this, death from mesothelioma in the North East is substantially higher than the national average. Regional differences reflect the historic distribution of asbestos using-industries, especially shipbuilding, railway engineering and the production of asbestos insulation.
Behind each one of these statistics is a very human, often tragic, story of lives lost or ruined. This is even more horrific because the vast majority of incidents leading to injury or illness are avoidable. Yet the understandable attention given to the impact of gun crime completely dwarfs the scant regard paid to workers losing their lives year after year through the negligence and indolence of bad employers. Morally, this ongoing slaughter is an outrage. Economically, it is unacceptable and unaffordable. The cost to business directly is astronomical.
There is much associated with the region’s history resonating with injury and ill-health. The latest report, however, shows that the new service economy is at least as likely to be contributing to the next generation of workers made too ill to work by poor occupational health management at work. The British Medical Journal describes this period as dangerous as any in history to be a worker.
TUC analysis shows that as few as one in five workers receives any kind of occupational health provision at work or through their employer. While this remains the case there can be little doubt that we will not see any significant reduction in the scale of occupational ill-health, injury and debility we’re enduring today.
For trade unions this has been a high agenda item for over 100 years. Evidence shows when employers work with trade unions on health and safety management the workplace becomes twice as safe. The ongoing trauma demonstrates, as working people throughout the world will be today, that much, much more needs to be done to protect the health and safety of working people.
http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/journal-business-news/2008/04/28/north-is-a-dangerous-workplace-51140-20828273/
The most recent report shows there were five people killed at work and over 1,300 ‘major injuries’ to working people. Again, this rate was higher here compared to the rest of the country.
On top of this, death from mesothelioma in the North East is substantially higher than the national average. Regional differences reflect the historic distribution of asbestos using-industries, especially shipbuilding, railway engineering and the production of asbestos insulation.
Behind each one of these statistics is a very human, often tragic, story of lives lost or ruined. This is even more horrific because the vast majority of incidents leading to injury or illness are avoidable. Yet the understandable attention given to the impact of gun crime completely dwarfs the scant regard paid to workers losing their lives year after year through the negligence and indolence of bad employers. Morally, this ongoing slaughter is an outrage. Economically, it is unacceptable and unaffordable. The cost to business directly is astronomical.
There is much associated with the region’s history resonating with injury and ill-health. The latest report, however, shows that the new service economy is at least as likely to be contributing to the next generation of workers made too ill to work by poor occupational health management at work. The British Medical Journal describes this period as dangerous as any in history to be a worker.
TUC analysis shows that as few as one in five workers receives any kind of occupational health provision at work or through their employer. While this remains the case there can be little doubt that we will not see any significant reduction in the scale of occupational ill-health, injury and debility we’re enduring today.
For trade unions this has been a high agenda item for over 100 years. Evidence shows when employers work with trade unions on health and safety management the workplace becomes twice as safe. The ongoing trauma demonstrates, as working people throughout the world will be today, that much, much more needs to be done to protect the health and safety of working people.
http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/journal-business-news/2008/04/28/north-is-a-dangerous-workplace-51140-20828273/
University allays asbestos fears
This is Hampshire.net reported on 26th April 2008 that the University of Winchester has moved to reassure students worried by the possibility of asbestos being present in halls that are soon to be knocked down.
A student contacted the Hampshire Chronicle after seeing workmen in white boiler suits to say he was concerned that there might be asbestos at Parchment House, off Queens Road.
A university spokesman said contractors were taking precautions against any asbestos fibres that may be released as a result of sheet asbestos being removed.
"Sheet asbestos poses no risk unless it is damaged or disturbed. All health and safety requirements were fully met."
The student said: "What actually happened was around about this sort of time last year I had a friend who was living there at the time and we went to the housing office about some other issue.
"He asked somebody there if there was asbestos in there and she (someone at the office) basically said no'."
He said this month some "asbestos removal people" had moved in and fenced off the halls. The student said his friend had now left the university and that he thought Parchment and Colebrook Houses were now empty.
"There's been guys down there with the white boiler suits on. I'm just annoyed that we asked and they said no', but the answer appears to be yes'."
But the university said there was nothing to worry about.
Parchment House, along with nearby Colebrook House, are to be demolished to make way for new halls of residence that will house almost 400 students.
Seven blocks will be built on the site and are due to be ready for the September 2009 intake, drastically reducing the number of students the university has to house in Stanmore.
A spokesman said: "When the University of Winchester rented Parchment and Colebrook from the Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare Trust, it contracted a specialist company to undertake an asbestos survey of the buildings.
"The survey revealed no exposed asbestos and confirmed that the buildings were safe to occupy. It was suspected that sheet asbestos could be present in the enclosed service cores, which were not accessible to the residences.
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/hampshirenews/display.var.2226056.0.university_allays_asbestos_fears.php
A student contacted the Hampshire Chronicle after seeing workmen in white boiler suits to say he was concerned that there might be asbestos at Parchment House, off Queens Road.
A university spokesman said contractors were taking precautions against any asbestos fibres that may be released as a result of sheet asbestos being removed.
"Sheet asbestos poses no risk unless it is damaged or disturbed. All health and safety requirements were fully met."
The student said: "What actually happened was around about this sort of time last year I had a friend who was living there at the time and we went to the housing office about some other issue.
"He asked somebody there if there was asbestos in there and she (someone at the office) basically said no'."
He said this month some "asbestos removal people" had moved in and fenced off the halls. The student said his friend had now left the university and that he thought Parchment and Colebrook Houses were now empty.
"There's been guys down there with the white boiler suits on. I'm just annoyed that we asked and they said no', but the answer appears to be yes'."
But the university said there was nothing to worry about.
Parchment House, along with nearby Colebrook House, are to be demolished to make way for new halls of residence that will house almost 400 students.
Seven blocks will be built on the site and are due to be ready for the September 2009 intake, drastically reducing the number of students the university has to house in Stanmore.
A spokesman said: "When the University of Winchester rented Parchment and Colebrook from the Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare Trust, it contracted a specialist company to undertake an asbestos survey of the buildings.
"The survey revealed no exposed asbestos and confirmed that the buildings were safe to occupy. It was suspected that sheet asbestos could be present in the enclosed service cores, which were not accessible to the residences.
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/hampshirenews/display.var.2226056.0.university_allays_asbestos_fears.php
Post mortems suspended on bodies of Wexford family of four after asbestos is found at site of fire
The Belfast Telegraph reported on April 27, 2008 that post mortems on the bodies of a family of four found dead after a fire in their home in Co Wexford yesterday have been suspended due to the presence of asbestos at the site of the fire.
Garda say the crime scene investigation has also been suspended.
The levels of asbestos have been determined and additional personal protection equipment has been secured this evening.
The crime scene investigation will resume in the morning but Garda are holding off on making a decision about the post mortems until then.
Dermot and Lorraine Flood and their two young children six year old Mark and five year old Julie were found dead at their home in Clonroche on Saturday morning.
Garda say they are treating the deaths as suspicious and that both parents had additional injuries not consistent with a fire.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/article3652146.ece
Garda say the crime scene investigation has also been suspended.
The levels of asbestos have been determined and additional personal protection equipment has been secured this evening.
The crime scene investigation will resume in the morning but Garda are holding off on making a decision about the post mortems until then.
Dermot and Lorraine Flood and their two young children six year old Mark and five year old Julie were found dead at their home in Clonroche on Saturday morning.
Garda say they are treating the deaths as suspicious and that both parents had additional injuries not consistent with a fire.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/article3652146.ece
Consultation launched on ghost ship permit
Environmental Data Interactive, UK - 16 Apr 2008 reported that the public are being asked to comment on a proposed Environmental Permit for a company that has been fighting to dismantle potentially toxic waste ships at a site in the northeast since 2003.
Able UK won a contract from the US Maritime Administration to dismantle the so-called ghost ships five years ago, but the company faced a long battle before winning planning permission from the local council in November 2007 to fulfil the contract at a site in Graythorp, near Hartlepool.
The Environment Agency has now begun a public consultation on the Environmental Permit for the site, which is among a number of permits and consents that have to be granted before the ships can be dismantled. Since the four vessels arrived in the dock in 2003, they have been the subject of bitter wrangling between Able UK and environmental protestors. Now the public is being given another chance to voice any concerns about the site. Bob Pailor, from the Environment Agency, said: "As a public body we try to take account of a wide range of people's views when we make decision on applications for permits. "We would welcome comments on the proposed Environmental Permit and its conditions. These comments will be considered as part of our decision making process."
The US vessels covered under the contract, which are all of post-war design, contain hazardous materials such as asbestos which could pose a threat to human health. Last November, Able UK was fined £22,000 at Hartlepool Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to two offences of failing to deal with asbestos in line with landfill regulations at its Seaton Meadows site. Able UK was unavailable for comment.
http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=14503&channel=0
Able UK won a contract from the US Maritime Administration to dismantle the so-called ghost ships five years ago, but the company faced a long battle before winning planning permission from the local council in November 2007 to fulfil the contract at a site in Graythorp, near Hartlepool.
The Environment Agency has now begun a public consultation on the Environmental Permit for the site, which is among a number of permits and consents that have to be granted before the ships can be dismantled. Since the four vessels arrived in the dock in 2003, they have been the subject of bitter wrangling between Able UK and environmental protestors. Now the public is being given another chance to voice any concerns about the site. Bob Pailor, from the Environment Agency, said: "As a public body we try to take account of a wide range of people's views when we make decision on applications for permits. "We would welcome comments on the proposed Environmental Permit and its conditions. These comments will be considered as part of our decision making process."
The US vessels covered under the contract, which are all of post-war design, contain hazardous materials such as asbestos which could pose a threat to human health. Last November, Able UK was fined £22,000 at Hartlepool Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to two offences of failing to deal with asbestos in line with landfill regulations at its Seaton Meadows site. Able UK was unavailable for comment.
http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=14503&channel=0
York is one of UK’s greenest cities
York Press 15th April 2008 reported that new figures have revealed that York is among the top 20 eco towns and cities in the UK.
A national website has ranked York 18th out of 324 in terms of the number of recycling centres, conservation groups and eco-friendly businesses per capita.
For every 4,091 residents, the city has one recycling centre, one Green councillor, one farm shop, one environmental consultant, one insulation installer, one conservation group, one organic food shop, one double glazing business and one asbestos removal service.
Topping the green table was Norwich, with a score of 1,736 residents, and bringing up the rear was Kilmarnock, in East Ayrshire, with 19,692 residents.
To read the full account please click on the link below:
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/yorknews/display.var.2197132.0.york_is_one_of_uks_greenest_cities.php
A national website has ranked York 18th out of 324 in terms of the number of recycling centres, conservation groups and eco-friendly businesses per capita.
For every 4,091 residents, the city has one recycling centre, one Green councillor, one farm shop, one environmental consultant, one insulation installer, one conservation group, one organic food shop, one double glazing business and one asbestos removal service.
Topping the green table was Norwich, with a score of 1,736 residents, and bringing up the rear was Kilmarnock, in East Ayrshire, with 19,692 residents.
To read the full account please click on the link below:
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/yorknews/display.var.2197132.0.york_is_one_of_uks_greenest_cities.php
Pavilion asbestos scandal
Indymedia.co.uk, 14th April 2008 accused Pavilion Housing Association of behaving like a new slum landlord. I said that the description could equally apply to many other housing associations, who are more concerned with empire building and making money for themselves and inflating their fat act salaries than looking after their tenants.
Pavion failed to take proper precautions when removing hazardous asbestos. In April, garages at the entrance to Firgrove Court were in the process of being demolished. Firgrove Court, a small estate of social housing, is earmarked for demolition, the tenants to be kicked out of their homes, the site then redeveloped as a car park for a superstore, part of the unwanted town centre redevelopment in Farnborough.
Many of the maisonettes have sat empty for years, kitchens and bathrooms ripped out to render the properties uninhabitable. All that remained was the shell of the garages, their roofs and doors having been ripped off. The asbestos roofs, much of the asbestos crumbling, was in two piles in front of the garages. No special precautions had been taken for dealing with asbestos. The crumbling asbestos simply dumped in front of the derelict, half demolished garages.
Tipped off that there was more activity down at Firgrove Court where they had been dismantling garages and dumping asbestos, a reporter went down expecting the evidence to have been removed and the asbestos gone. He found all the garages had gone, but in addition to the two piles of asbestos roofs that were there earlier, there was now in addition a pile of crumbling asbestos. Asbestos in situ and not crumbling is ok, but if it is removed and if it is crumbling, then it is very dangerous and should only be removed by specialist contractors. It has to be handled and disposed of as hazardous waste.
By the end of the week, it appeared as though all the evidence had gone, or so it seemed. But there was a large industrial skip filled with crumblin asbestos, exposed to the elements.
One of the remaining residents, who Pavilion had not yet been able to force out of her home watched the demolition take place, and she was shocked by what she saw. No special precautions had been taken to deal with the asbestos. She said the workmen were not even wearing gloves or masks. I also spoke with her husband, he confirmed no gloves, no masks, no special precautions taken for handling asbestos, he then added that asbestos dust was blowing around.
It had been very windy all week. A former employee of Pavilion told of asbestos contamination at a number of properties in Aldershot which Pavilion tried to cover up. One of these locations is a block of maisonettes. The maisonettes should have been demolished years ago and the tenants relocated. Instead, as no one wishes to live there, Pavilion uses the maisonettes as a sink into which they dump troublesome families, making the maisonettes blighted in more sense than one.
The maisonettes are subsiding, they are contaminated with asbestos, the asbestos is crumbling.
Pavilion has refused to take any action to remove the asbestos, preferring instead to lie to the tenants and tell them the asbestos is 'safe'. At least, that was their position a year ago.
To read the full account, please click on the link below:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/04/396456.html
Pavion failed to take proper precautions when removing hazardous asbestos. In April, garages at the entrance to Firgrove Court were in the process of being demolished. Firgrove Court, a small estate of social housing, is earmarked for demolition, the tenants to be kicked out of their homes, the site then redeveloped as a car park for a superstore, part of the unwanted town centre redevelopment in Farnborough.
Many of the maisonettes have sat empty for years, kitchens and bathrooms ripped out to render the properties uninhabitable. All that remained was the shell of the garages, their roofs and doors having been ripped off. The asbestos roofs, much of the asbestos crumbling, was in two piles in front of the garages. No special precautions had been taken for dealing with asbestos. The crumbling asbestos simply dumped in front of the derelict, half demolished garages.
Tipped off that there was more activity down at Firgrove Court where they had been dismantling garages and dumping asbestos, a reporter went down expecting the evidence to have been removed and the asbestos gone. He found all the garages had gone, but in addition to the two piles of asbestos roofs that were there earlier, there was now in addition a pile of crumbling asbestos. Asbestos in situ and not crumbling is ok, but if it is removed and if it is crumbling, then it is very dangerous and should only be removed by specialist contractors. It has to be handled and disposed of as hazardous waste.
By the end of the week, it appeared as though all the evidence had gone, or so it seemed. But there was a large industrial skip filled with crumblin asbestos, exposed to the elements.
One of the remaining residents, who Pavilion had not yet been able to force out of her home watched the demolition take place, and she was shocked by what she saw. No special precautions had been taken to deal with the asbestos. She said the workmen were not even wearing gloves or masks. I also spoke with her husband, he confirmed no gloves, no masks, no special precautions taken for handling asbestos, he then added that asbestos dust was blowing around.
It had been very windy all week. A former employee of Pavilion told of asbestos contamination at a number of properties in Aldershot which Pavilion tried to cover up. One of these locations is a block of maisonettes. The maisonettes should have been demolished years ago and the tenants relocated. Instead, as no one wishes to live there, Pavilion uses the maisonettes as a sink into which they dump troublesome families, making the maisonettes blighted in more sense than one.
The maisonettes are subsiding, they are contaminated with asbestos, the asbestos is crumbling.
Pavilion has refused to take any action to remove the asbestos, preferring instead to lie to the tenants and tell them the asbestos is 'safe'. At least, that was their position a year ago.
To read the full account, please click on the link below:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/04/396456.html
Anti-asbestos drug could prevent harmful effects
The Daily Telegraph 10/04/08 reported that a drug that could protect people from the harmful effects of inhaling asbestos fibres decades ago has been found.
A study, published in Science, that for the first time explains how the fibres lead to the chronic lung inflammation that causes cancer.
Prof Jürg Tschopp of the University of Lausanne and colleagues in Europe and the United States report that the inflammation is linked to a complex of proteins, known as the Nalp3 inflammasome.
This protein complex is also involved in other inflammatory processes such as gout, which can be treated with a drug called Anakinra.
Now the team believes that this same drug may also be useful for slowing the progression of asbestosis, silicosis or other lung diseases linked with inhaling mineral fibres.
Asbestosis is the scarring of lung tissue resulting from the chronic inflammation triggered by the particles, which in turn makes the lung less efficient and breathing more difficult.
"Because exposure to asbestos increases not only the risk of asbestosis, but also lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other uncurable cancers, this suggested new treatment is highly desirable," says Prof Tschopp.
He said that use of Anakinra would be used for prevention and not a cure. "Rather persons exposed to asbestos in the past and thus at high risk to get asbestosis or lung cancer could be treated with an inhibitor drug."
Given the success of treating gout this way, "we are therefore quite optimistic that the same treatment will work for asbestosis."
"We have not started yet, but I am sure that somewhere in the world clinicians will."
Dr Joanna Owens, Cancer Research UK senior scientific officer, comments: "This important laboratory research brings us a step closer to understanding how asbestos causes the chronic inflammation that can lead to cancer.
"These results should help scientists find better ways to treat people who have been exposed to asbestos in the past. But Anakinra will need thorough testing in clinical trials before we'll know if it's safe and effective at preventing asbestos-related cancers."
The use of asbestos half a century ago has triggered an epidemic that will kill 200,000 people in Britain through lung cancer and mesothelioma, an untreatable cancer of the mesothelium, a thin membrane that lines the chest.
To read the full article please click on the link below:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/earth/2008/04/10/sciasbes110.xml
A study, published in Science, that for the first time explains how the fibres lead to the chronic lung inflammation that causes cancer.
Prof Jürg Tschopp of the University of Lausanne and colleagues in Europe and the United States report that the inflammation is linked to a complex of proteins, known as the Nalp3 inflammasome.
This protein complex is also involved in other inflammatory processes such as gout, which can be treated with a drug called Anakinra.
Now the team believes that this same drug may also be useful for slowing the progression of asbestosis, silicosis or other lung diseases linked with inhaling mineral fibres.
Asbestosis is the scarring of lung tissue resulting from the chronic inflammation triggered by the particles, which in turn makes the lung less efficient and breathing more difficult.
"Because exposure to asbestos increases not only the risk of asbestosis, but also lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other uncurable cancers, this suggested new treatment is highly desirable," says Prof Tschopp.
He said that use of Anakinra would be used for prevention and not a cure. "Rather persons exposed to asbestos in the past and thus at high risk to get asbestosis or lung cancer could be treated with an inhibitor drug."
Given the success of treating gout this way, "we are therefore quite optimistic that the same treatment will work for asbestosis."
"We have not started yet, but I am sure that somewhere in the world clinicians will."
Dr Joanna Owens, Cancer Research UK senior scientific officer, comments: "This important laboratory research brings us a step closer to understanding how asbestos causes the chronic inflammation that can lead to cancer.
"These results should help scientists find better ways to treat people who have been exposed to asbestos in the past. But Anakinra will need thorough testing in clinical trials before we'll know if it's safe and effective at preventing asbestos-related cancers."
The use of asbestos half a century ago has triggered an epidemic that will kill 200,000 people in Britain through lung cancer and mesothelioma, an untreatable cancer of the mesothelium, a thin membrane that lines the chest.
To read the full article please click on the link below:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/earth/2008/04/10/sciasbes110.xml
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