SSV approach leading asbestos cancer specialists

mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) conference at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester

Spodden Valley campaigners attended to ask for help from some of the UK’s leading cancer specialists in a promised Health Impact Assessment as 180 healthcare professionals met at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester for a mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) conference.  

As Rochdale Online has reported, Greater Manchester has some of the highest asbestos cancer rates in the UK. 

The conference informed medical professionals about diagnosis and treatment of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, which kills over 2000 people every year in the UK.

The Save Spodden Valley campaign appealed for technical and scientific help with a promised Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of the Spodden Valley.

SSV co-ordinator Jason Addy said: “This has been an important conference. Currently, there is no cure for asbestos related cancer. It is important that all the facts are known about asbestos and the diseases it can cause.

"As for the Spodden Valley, one further cancer death is one too many. Exposure to asbestos in 2006 can and must be prevented. A thorough Health Impact Assessment may go some way to ensure that health concerns are addressed.”

A Health Impact Assessment was promised at a meeting of the Multi-agency group earlier this year. Rochdale Councillors and officers together with senior representatives of the Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency, Health Protection Agency and Primary Care Trust agreed that an Assessment will be directed to all Rochdalians and is expected to take about 6 months.

No date was set for the Health Impact Assessment apart from it expected to start after the recommendations of the Atkins Global report had been assessed.