Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Asbestos Risk & Safe Environments

November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month — a vital opportunity to highlight the connection between asbestos exposure and lung cancer, and to educate property owners, employers, and residents on maintaining safe environments through proper asbestos management.

---

Why Asbestos Risk Education Matters for Lung Cancer Prevention

Lung Cancer Awareness Month highlights the link between asbestos exposure and lung disease in UK workplaces and homes.

Asbestos and lung cancer: Asbestos fibres remain one of the leading occupational causes of lung cancer in the UK, contributing to thousands of preventable deaths each year.

Hidden danger: Asbestos can still be found in many homes, schools, hospitals, and workplaces built before 2000, where it was commonly used in construction materials.

High-risk groups: Those most at risk include construction workers, property managers, landlords, tradespeople, and anyone involved in renovation or maintenance of older buildings.

---

What Is Asbestos — and Why Is It Dangerous?

Definition: Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals once prized for their fire resistance and insulation properties.

Asbestos remains a hidden hazard in many buildings, posing risks of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis decades after exposure.

Health risks: When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibres that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Prolonged exposure may lead to:

• Lung cancer

• Mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining)

• Asbestosis (chronic lung scarring)

• 
  

These illnesses often develop decades after exposure, making early identification and control essential.

Common asbestos-containing materials include:

• Roof sheets and cement panels

• Floor tiles and adhesives

• Textured coatings (e.g., Artex)

• Pipe lagging and insulation board

• Soffits, undercloaking, and guttering

---

Asbestos-Related Diseases

1. Lung Cancer Prolonged asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in those who also smoke. Asbestos fibres cause chronic inflammation and scarring, damaging DNA within lung cells.

2. Mesothelioma A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.

   👉 For specialist support, resources, and patient information, visit Mesothelioma UK — a national charity providing expert care and guidance for those affected.

3. Asbestosis A chronic, progressive lung condition caused by heavy, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres. It leads to lung scarring (fibrosis), breathlessness, and reduced oxygen capacity.

4. Diffuse Pleural Thickening A non-cancerous condition where the lung lining thickens and restricts breathing, often following long-term exposure. Although not as severe as mesothelioma, it can cause lasting impairment and discomfort.

   
   

These diseases often develop 20–40 years after exposure, making early detection and asbestos control vital for prevention.

---

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer

Lung cancer may not always have symptoms early on. The symptoms of lung cancer can include:

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

• a cough for 3 weeks or more

• a change in a cough you have had for a long time

• a chest infection that does not get better, or repeated chest infections

• feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason

• coughing up blood

• losing weight for no obvious reason

• feeling tired

• chest or shoulder pain that does not get better

• a hoarse voice for 3 weeks or more.

  
  

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to get them checked by your GP.

For more information about signs and symptoms visit Macmillan Cancer Support.

---

How to Protect Yourself: The Importance of Asbestos Surveys

⚠️ Legal requirement: Under UK asbestos regulations (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012), dutyholders must identify and manage asbestos in all non-domestic properties.

Professional asbestos surveys: Only qualified asbestos surveyors can safely locate and assess asbestos materials. At Breathe Environmental Services Ltd, we provide:

✅ Comprehensive, site-specific asbestos management & refurbishment surveys tailored to your property type

✅ Expert support and guidance from start to finish

✅ Referrals to licensed asbestos removal contractors when required

Our mission is simple: to make asbestos management safe, compliant, and easy to understand.

---

Take Action This Lung Cancer Awareness Month

• Book an asbestos survey: If your property was built before 2000, arrange a professional inspection today.

• Educate your team: Share this post to raise awareness and promote safety in your workplace.

• Stay compliant: Protect your health, your staff, and your business from the dangers of hidden asbestos.

  
  

For fast, professional asbestos surveys and complete peace of mind, contact us today.