Health Atlas Shows Significant Local Variations in Mesothelioma

1st May 2014

A new ‘Environmental Health Atlas’ published by the UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) showing fourteen health conditions mapped at small-area level shows high levels of geographical variation in Mesothelioma.

The atlas, researched by the SAHSU at Imperial College London, shows relative risks (the risk in a census ward relative to the risk in England and Wales) averaged over a 25 year period (1985-2009) where possible. For mesothelioma, high levels of geographical variation are clearly visible1, whereas other more common cancers such as breast cancer show very little geographical variation, suggesting environmental factors are less likely to be playing a large role in determining the risk level.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that principally affects the pleura (the external lining of the lung) and the peritoneum (the lining of the lower digestive tract). Mesothelioma has a strong association with exposure to asbestos and current estimates suggest that around 85% of all male mesotheliomas are attributable to occupational exposures, with most deaths occurring now being a consequence of the long latency period (i.e. the time between initial exposure to asbestos and the manifestation of the disease) which is typically between 30 and 40 years2.

Localised variations in prevalence of mesothelioma are clearly representative of past occupational exposures, particularly in areas with a history of heavy industries such as shipbuilding, metalworking and industrial engineering.

Asbestos is still the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK2 and although its long-term, fatal health risks are well-documented, asbestos, having been used extensively in construction materials up until the late 1990s, is still present in a significant number of buildings, posing an ongoing risk.

Understanding and managing the ongoing risks from asbestos is an extremely important and responsible role of property management. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 which came into force on 6 April 2012, outlines the dutyholder’s responsibility to:

  • take reasonable steps to find out if there are materials containing asbestos in non-domestic premises, and if so, its amount, where it is and what condition it is in;
  • presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence that they do not;
  • make, and keep up-to-date, a record of the location and condition of the asbestos containing materials – or materials which are presumed to contain asbestos;
  • assess the risk of anyone being exposed to fibres from the materials identified;
  • prepare a plan that sets out in detail how the risks from these materials will be managed;
  • take the necessary steps to put the plan into action;
  • periodically review and monitor the plan and the arrangements to act on it so that the plan remains relevant and up-to-date; and
  • provide information on the location and condition of the materials to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb them.

For non-domestic premises, the “dutyholder” is the person or organisation that has a clear responsibility for the maintenance or repair of the premises through an explicit agreement such as a tenancy agreement or contract (this can be the property owner, the leaseholder/s or a managing agent). However, there is also clear value in ensuring all those who may be exposed to asbestos at work know what to do to protect themselves and others.  To view the Environmental Health Atlas, click here.

The S2 Partnership delivers asbestos management services which ensure compliance and protect health. Our team of experienced, qualified consultants and surveyors provide asbestos surveys, sampling, management systems and project management to offer a complete asbestos risk management solution. If you would like specific advice or assistance on any of the issues detailed above, please contact our specialist asbestos team.

1: Source: http://www.insight.mrc.ac.uk/2014/04/28/five-interesting-things-from-the-postcode-health-atlas/
2: Source: www.hse.gov.uk
Environmental Health Atlas available at: http://www.envhealthatlas.co.uk/homepage/