Asbestos cancer film goes 'viral' for Action Mesothelioma Day

Jason Addy, Save Spodden Valley

A film that Save Spodden Valley campaign co-ordinator, Jason Addy, helped to produce for a group of national asbestos victim support charities has been added to the Health and Safety Executive’s Website – a poignant way to mark Action Mesothelioma Day.

Today (1 July) is Action Mesothelioma Day. The issues relating to this asbestos related cancer have been marked by victims, families and friends from Rochdale and throughout Greater Manchester congregating at Lincoln Square, Manchester. 

Mr Addy volunteered to help produce the video which features families who have been affected by the disease whose only known cause is exposure to asbestos.

It also features an internationally respected cancer Professor from Christies Hospital, Nick Thatcher, who confirms that very light, even “trivial” exposure to asbestos can cause.

Mr Addy said: “It was a privilege to meet these people and to be able to be witness to their stories.

“It is a sad fact that most of those asbestos cancer sufferers interviewed died soon after filming.

“Their deaths really brought it home to me just how important it is to make sure that the old Turner's asbestos site is treated with utmost respect.

“The products and decisions once made at that site have a toxic legacies that must be addressed to ensure that history doesn't repeat itself”.

The 8 minute film has become quite a sensation on the internet.

Mr Addy continued: “It is to be welcomed that the national agency that is responsible for health and safety has chosen to use our film to highlight the potential hazards of low level exposure to asbestos dust.

“Many of those who are now dying from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma did not work in asbestos factories or places that used vast quantities of the mineral. Those who are now dying often came into contact with asbestos in fleeting ways as electricians, engineers, plumbers and maintenance workers.

“Even schoolteachers are dying of mesothelioma so the effects of relatively low level exposure to asbestos must be addressed to ensure that future generations are not put at risk”.

The video can be viewed here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/videos/mesothelioma-video.htm