A Womans Page.
Making it matter
We are taking the opportunity to highlight the increasingly important role that women have willingly
and unknowingly played in the history of the asbestos legacy. We choose our words carefully as many
women have acquired fatal illnesses such as mesothelioma through secondary exposure.
Following deaths of loved ones women have taken the lead over the years to campaign against the use of
asbestos and have set up support groups for victims and their relatives.
Within this bulletin there are articles from women who have been victims, campaigners, training
providers, a solicitor and those who work in the industry that specialises in the removal of asbestos.
This bulletin is providing a first glimpse into what the word asbestos means to women – there is so much
more we need to do. Primarily this bulletin is to pay tribute to the victims of exposure to the deadly
asbestos dust.
Wales – the challenge
The challenge is set to reach out to the women of Wales who have been subjected to horrors of an
asbestos related illness. Asbestos Awareness & Support Cymru was set up as a support group by two
women in 2012, Joanne Barnes- Mannings and Lorna Johns.
Asbestos has an international agenda and it is an issue for the people of Wales. Once diagnosed with
an asbestos related illness there are long lasting ramifications upon work and family life.
Message from Rebecca Evans, Assembly Member, Mid and West Wales.
On International Women’s Day we recognise the role that women have played in work, and pay respect to
the women who have died or have been injured in workplace accidents including those who have
suffered occupational disease such as mesothelioma.
In some ways women have been doubly at risk from asbestos disease. Women have not only
been exposed to asbestos in work themselves, but they have also had secondary exposure because they
have often done the bulk of the washing of asbestos contaminated clothing in the home.
Asbestos disease is often thought of being a condition that affects men, but International
Women’s Day is an opportunity to remind everyone that it affects women too.
“Turning Anger into Action” by Linda
Reinstein (ADAO)
On International Women’s Day, I am reminded by Eleanor Roosevelt’s wise words, “A woman is like a
tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.”
Despite the fact that we have known for decades that asbestos causes disease, exposure to
asbestos continues. Americans are led to believe that asbestos was banned, but this is far from the truth. I
know – my husband Alan lost his life to mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos.
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In 2003, when Alan was diagnosed with esothelioma, our daughter was only ten years old.
At that time, I had never heard of Mes•o•the•li•o•ma, couldn’t pronounce it, and then learned that there
was no cure. I felt alone, isolated, and paralyzed. Fueled by my intense grief about the diagnosis and
the realization that asbestos had not been banned in the U.S., I knew I had to turn my anger into action,
so I co-founded the non-profit Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). Shortly thereafter,
in 2006, Alan lost his battle with mesothelioma.
Since co-founding ADAO nine years ago, I have personally witnessed the power that the
asbestos industry has among never our Congress. Although a number of Senate and House bills calling
for an asbestos ban have been introduced in the last decade, none have passed. More than 50 other
countries have banned asbestos, but the United States has fallen prey to political wrangling. We have
seen the collateral damage that asbestos causes in our homes, schools, workplaces, and environment, but
profits are being prioritized over public health. It is unacceptable to allow asbestos imports to continue
while tolerating inaction from our government. The inconvenient truth is - asbestos kills. When I testify
and speak on Capitol Hill, I often repeat this hard, but truthful line: “For every life lost to asbestos, a
shattered family is left behind.”
As the digital revolution continues, asbestos victims, workers, and the scientific communities
around the world are uniting. ADAO has become the largest asbestos victims’ organization in the United
States dedicated to education, advocacy, and community to prevent asbestos-caused diseases.
Using social networks like Facebook, we instantaneously connect, share, and comfort each
other. No one is alone like my husband and I were. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small
group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
BIO: Linda Reinstein co-founded the nonprofit Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
in 2004, after her husband Alan was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Even after Alan passed away in 2006, Ms. Reinstein continues to serve as Executive Director of ADAO,
spearheading the organization’s global-focused education, advocacy, and community support
initiatives. Recognized as an expert with more than 35 years of nonprofit experience in building and
sustaining grassroots advocacy, she develops and executes integrated social media campaigns to
educate the public about the dangers of asbestos exposure, in addition to speaking to international
audiences, including the United States Congress and the United Nations.
“The Female Face of the Global Asbestos
Fightback “ by Laurie Kazan-Allen (IBAS)
Throughout the 20th century, thousands of British mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, aunts and
nieces died from asbestos-related diseases. Even though the use of asbestos was banned in 1999,
hazardous exposures to contamination in the built and natural environment continue. On International
Women’s Day it is fitting to commemorate the female victims of the deadly asbestos epidemic and to
pay tribute to so many accidental activists; women who by happenstance found themselves involved in a
battle caused by the greed of asbestos industrialists and the impotence of national governments.
In many countries around the world women have risen to the challenge created by the asbestos
deaths of their loved ones. Nancy Tait’s husband Bill was one of the first people in Britain to be diagnosed
with mesothelioma. When his employer denied liability for his disease, Nancy’s asbestos odyssey
began. Nancy became a renowned campaigner for the rights of asbestos victims and founded the
world’s first asbestos victims’ group – the Society for the Prevention of Asbestosis and Industrial
Diseases– in 1978.
Nancy Tait
In 1982, Mario Pavesi, an Italian worker at an asbestos-cement factory, was diagnosed with
mesothelioma. His wife Romana supported him during his illness and began a campaign against the
asbestos-cement factory in the town of Casale Monferrato. Over the next 30 years, Romana was the
inspiration and leader of a grassroots movement which succeeded in getting asbestos banned in Italy
and bringing former company directors to court for their role in the Italian asbestos tragedy.
The last but not least of the women to be commemorated on this day should be the
indomitable and irrepressible Fernanda Giannasi, a
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factory inspector for the Brazilian Ministry of Labour who first encountered asbestos during a routine visit
to a factory in the industrial town of Osasco, Sao Paulo. Working with employees from the Eternit
asbestos-cement factory, she located injured workers; together they went on to form the Brazilian
Association of the Asbestos-Exposed, a body which has revolutionized the Brazilian asbestos debate.
Fernanda Giannasi Romana Blasotti Pavesi
On this day, we remember all those women whose lives have been sacrificed to asbestos and
commemorate the efforts of the leaders who have turned personal tragedies into meaningful action.
Ladies, we salute you.
“NO Way TO GO” by bereaved wife, Wales,
who wishes to remain anonymous
To re-write a carer’s experience of caring for a loved one is not an easy task, perhaps less traumatic in the
early days of care since one is unaware of the changes on a day to day basis as the physical condition
worsens .
The carers are usually the next of kin or close relatives of the victim and therefore one is intensely
taken up with doing what is humanely possible to maintain the dignity and quality of life with maximum
comfort. Many who cared may say
“We wished we knew then what we know now, commonly used expressions”.
The very shortness of life once all the sentences and quotes of: inconclusive are erased or placed in the
other pages means that death too will be short.
Mesothelioma has no age barrier because of the length of time it remains within the victim before it
shows any symptoms. That individual could be thirty or forty years older from the first exposure to the
deadly fibres this could easily have passed on to other members of the family from the victims clothing or
any other form of dress. Example Peritoneal Mesothelioma by ingestion of fibres during
laundering or cleaning of contaminated clothing.
To care for a love one during the period of illness from mesothelioma means a twenty four seven task
of extreme concerns as said earlier wanting to maintain quality of life, anxious about loss of appetite
and all the side effects associated with the various medications loss of weight and in the latter stages
breathlessness, sleeplessness .Does one have a chance to ask “who cares for the carers? “ This is a time of
great stress when the carer tries not to be seen as failing.
Mesothelioma or the Killer Disease robs Mothers, children, uncles, sisters friends, and grand-children
of their nearest and dearest. Research must continue, training of specialists and medical staff, the
placement of Specialist Nurses in areas of high levels of contacts must be on-going. Awareness raising of
support networks in all areas as necessary should continue to be highlighted. I would add that all
General Practitioners should be aware and as a first point of contact be able to give the necessary support
to victims’ carers and families.
Words of thanks from Meso victim Mavis Nye
on receipt of the 1st IATP UK Meso Warrior
Award.
I must first thank IATP for honouring me today with this award. It came as a big surprise to me, because I
didn’t think I had done anything special to deserve it. I also thank Chris Ward who has so kindly sponsored
this award.
All I have done really is to first help myself to available knowledge to help me take control of
my future. And secondly pass that knowledge on to help as many people as I can.
That has taken the form of helping fellow suffers from Asbestos Exposure ,by putting this
information in an easier place to find, Like Mesowarriors and contacting MPs .Doctors and
even Prime Ministers of other countries, in order to bring awareness of the dangers that asbestos causes
and the suffering it creates. So I say thank you IATP. For this award today.
I would like to thank Christine(who I have spent so many hours on face book) and Mark for
their tireless devotion to broadening that awareness and actively working hard to bring that about.
I must thank Ray my husband for his continued understanding love and support during my journey.
I thank all my mesowarrior friends for their support and on a daily basis and for an ear to bend when I
need one and a shared laugh when times are tough.
I thank Terry and Nicky who have put their lives on
hold for the duration of this insidious disease.
Oddly enough this disease has changed my life in unexpected ways. Before my diagnosis, who would
have believed that quiet shy old me, would have articles printed in magazines, have interviews for
local and national newspapers and TV, and make videos for the British Lung Foundation and deliver
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speeches at the Novatel conference. I am a National Health Patient Representative, holding group and one to one
discussions with Doctors .Professor , Surgeons and NHS Senior trust Managers and now today Business
executives in the Asbestos industry.
I have written a book MesoWarriors My Story, this has seen sales all round the world and I
have started my next book . All income from my first book goes to Mesothelioma UK and this will
continue from my second book.
So I think I had a role to play in life and this one is mine. If I had a message to give today, to you, here
representing British Asbestos Industry, it would be: I would love to see asbestos banned all round
the world. Close the mines. Stop the spread of Mesothelioma. Spare the miners a slow painful
death. A worldwide refusal to deal with asbestos. Most urgently remove it from all our schools, all
schools to preserve and shield our future generations from its dangers.
I would ask you each to spread the word, to do your bit to continue the awareness and back the
cancer research for mesothelioma. This takes time, money and dedication and people in High Places, but
most of all money.
We know there is no cure and probably never will be. But by banning it and removing it from the
environment .That would be tantamount to a cure in my book.
I was diagnosed with mesothelioma 4 years ago and given 3 months. I was basically told go home put
your house in order. Go and do whatever you wanted to do now. But I didn’t give in. I will not give in without a
fight.
I will continue to fight for as long as I can. I ask you all to do the same.
This Asbestos legacy is a quietly marching death sentence. All hidden away taking, as in my case
over 40 years to surface.
So each of you here today could be in my shoes in the future. Fight it destroy it ,don’t give in.
As my husband once said. Mesothelioma didn’t know what it had taken on
when it started on me.
So you the Industry please go out there and fight with me
Mavis Nye
"Pleased To Meet You" a poem by Jo, a
daughter of meso victim, (In Mem of Banyan)
'Hope you guess my name,
But what's confusing you,
Is the nature of my game'
I'll help you along, I'll give you a clue,
As crocidolite, I'm referred to as 'Blue'
When I'm brown, I'm 'alias'- Amosite,
In my white form, Chrysotile,
You fools think I'm 'alright'
I've been around for thousands of years,
And now I'm here to confirm all your fears.
When you found me, you thought I was great,
And made good use of me,
Whilst sealing your fate,
Driven by profit, driven by greed,
On these weaknesses, I was able to feed.
For decades now, I've been in hiding,
You've spread me around,
My time I was biding,
I'm in the hospitals, I'm in the schools,
I attacked your men when they went to work with
their tools!
When you go home, and walk through the door,
Take care, I may be in the ceilings,
I may be in the floor,
Thermal insulation of boilers and pipes,
I'm in insulation boards of various types.
I separate my particles, so you don't even see,
How I can travel when disturbed,
Which allows me to roam free,
Down to your lung in one single breath,
I'll sit there for years and be the cause of your death.
Picture of Amanda Jones
I'll come home from work with you, all over your
clothes,
When you embrace your wife,
I may have my way with her...who knows?
And as you kiss your child and watch her sleep,
Into her wind pipe, I may even creep.
I'm evil you see, caused thousands to die,
I lie dormant...then surprise you,
And then watch you cry,
You've been warned, you know my disguise,
You're aware of the risks, can you afford to
compromise?
And employers...beware, of the risks you may take,
Your workers will suffer,
The law you will break,
Deaths you will cause, if you do not comply,
'You knew the consequences', the judge will reply.
I'm ubiquitous see? You know where I lurk,
It's not over, I wait for you,
When you carry out your work,
Over the years, many have died,
Lives torn apart and thousands have cried.
'Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name?'
You're aware of the rules,
This is not a game,
I'm here and I'm causing all kinds of chaos,
Good luck for the future, Yours Truly......
ASBESTOS
“Women and Asbestos” by Amanda Jones,
Solicitor in Thompson’s Regional Asbestos
Team, Wales and South West England
When people consider asbestos related disease they usually see it as something which affects men.
Whilst the majority of asbestos related disease sufferers are men, an increasing number of women
are being diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive asbestos related terminal cancer which
affects the lining of the lung Amanda Jones
It is also important to understand that when asbestos disease strikes a man the impact also affects his wife,
partner, children, or grandchildren who bear much of the emotional and practical burden of caring for their
loved one and witnessing his suffering. John Donne, the poet, said that “no man is an island”. How true
that is in the context of asbestos disease. During the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s asbestos was widely
used in building materials, fire proofing, thermal and electrical insulation, roofing and flooring products, as
well as heat resistant materials. It was seen as the magic mineral.
Imports of asbestos into the UK were at their highest from about 1955 to 1980. Although UK government
introduced a ban on the import of blue and brown asbestos in 1985 it was not until 1999 that a similar
ban was imposed for white asbestos. Much of this asbestos remains in place in over
500,000 industrial, commercial and public workplace premises in the UK.
The main conditions which can arise from inhaling asbestos dust and fibres are pleural plaques, pleural
thickening, asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Each of them takes decades to develop after
exposure - what is called the latency period - varying from about 15 to 60 years.
Cases of pleural plaques, pleural thickening and asbestosis have been diagnosed in the female
population but are relatively rare. However, as mesothelioma can be caused by relatively low level or
brief exposure to asbestos, this is a disease which we are now seeing increasingly being diagnosed in
women.
Many women were exposed to asbestos during their own working lives in factories, schools, hospitals or
offices. However, the highest proportion of women who develop mesothelioma appear to be those who
were exposed to asbestos from the work clothing of their loved ones, whether husband, son or father.
Their menfolk often worked in industries where asbestos exposure was high and led to fibres being
brought home on their contaminated work clothes. On 30 October 1965 an article was published in The
Sunday Times reporting on the research of Muriel Newhouse and Hilda Thompson who had
highlighted that women were developing mesothelioma as a result of being exposed to
asbestos being brought home on their relatives’ clothing. That research set the legal ‘date of
knowledge’ so that from then onwards women so exposed might advance a claim against their relative's
negligent employers for causing the disease. There have been numerous cases of wives and
daughters of dockyard and other workers who have gone on to develop mesothelioma as a result of being
exposed to asbestos in this way. Female relatives of carpenters, laggers, electricians, plumbers and fitters
who brought asbestos home on their overalls may also be affected. In one very sad case, my firm acted
for a Welsh family where asbestos had killed a daughter, her brother and her father - she had been
exposed from sitting on her father’s knee when he came home from work. He was to die from the
disease but little did he know that his daughter (and son) would too, all through no fault of their own.
There have also been cases reported of women who worked in hospitals being exposed to asbestos whilst
renovation work took place around them. Teachers have also died from mesothelioma due to asbestos in
schools.
As a woman solicitor specialising in representing clients with asbestos related disease I have the
honour of acting for both men and women. I see only too clearly the devastating impact on their lives
on a daily basis; how families struggle to come to terms with the diagnosis and try to cope with the
huge burden of this most cruel of all industrial diseases. Women also play an instrumental role in the care of
asbestos victims with a fantastic network of specialist lung cancer nurses working across Wales offering
both medical and emotional support and assistance throughout the patients’ journey. An asbestos disease
diagnosis to a woman can be particularly traumatic. Very often the women will be confused as to how,
when, and where she could have been exposed to asbestos. Sometimes, early symptoms are diagnosed
as being due gynaecological issues or even breast problems.
Where the exposure to asbestos has arisen from their menfolk's work clothing, it adds another hugely
emotional dimension, which is very difficult for both partners to cope with. What anger and guilt must be
left behind!
I am delighted to hear of the work being done in Wales by Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru. I
am able to speak first hand of the work AASC have done by supporting many of my clients whom I have
referred to them for help. The support network which AASC is developing throughout Wales has
allowed many asbestos disease sufferers and their family members to meet up with other families and
victims going through the same experience. AASC have recently also arranged additional care,
equipment and support.
On International Women’s Day, I applaud AASC for highlighting the fact that asbestos disease not only
affects men, but women too. AASC is providing support so that both men and women who travel this
painful road together dealing with asbestos illness can contact others who have gone through similar
experiences and help them to empower each other.
“The Asbestos Sector – What a woman can
contribute” by Christine Winter, IATP non-
voting Chair Person.
When Lorna at ASSC invited me to contribute to the bulletin profiling Women within the asbestos sectors
I had to take a step back and give the topic considerable thought, look outside our specific sector
(asbestos training) at our Partners, Associates, Colleagues and IATP!
What an eye opener! Women are achieving amazing results and facilitating change, not only in the UK,
across the globe. I look around me and “Ladies we are not alone” Australia meso warrior Lou Williams
making a big impact, Brazil Fernanda Giannasi Federal Factory Inspector ABREA, Canada: Sandra
Kinart Chair of Victims of Chemical Valley and Leah Neilson and her sister Stacy who organise the annual
“Walk to Remember Victims of Asbestos” USA:
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CEO Linda Reinstein and her daughter Emily ADAO making a huge difference USA and across the
globe, Ann Samuelson ADAO Volunteer and Advocate. UK: IBAS, Laurie Kazan Alan
campaigning globally and EU, to name but a few.
Importantly there is a huge global community of Meso Warriors, campaigning, educating, contributing
to research and raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos to communities, individuals, organisations
and authorities. UK: Mavis Nye collaborates with British Lung Foundation check out her video!
Debbie Brewer, Jan Egerton and many others sharing their journey with Mesothelioma and educating
others. US Heather Von St James, originator of Lungleaven day, raising funds and asbestos
awareness.
Many amazing Ladies head up innovative charities and projects in the UK, DAST Joanne Carlin
(Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team) a hands on charity. AASC facilitating change and support in
Wales. Chris Knighton (Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund) launched the 1st
Europe Mesothelioma Tissue Bank (MesobanK) which will have a huge impact on research both
nationally and internationally for decades to come; The June Hancock Trust, plus so many more.
How does IATP benefit from a female Chair? 2013 we hosted our 1st Annual Dinner and Awards
Ceremony, this event was a first of its kind, we brought patients-meso warriors, meso widows and
male & female industry leaders together with business leaders and executives. Jean Prentice
received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her life-long commitment to improving asbestos analysis
and work practises, Mavis Nye, meso-warrior and Mesothelioma patient received the UK Meso Warrior
Award. Never before have I witnessed a whole room of Ladies and Gents so moved and inspired by her
speech! Linda Reinstein ADAO flew in from LA to receive the Global Impact Award, a Meso Widow;
again her speech moved emotions and opened a window of change in perception for the future.
My Hope is that collectively by involving those living with the consequence of asbestos exposure, those
who work with it, our Members that train in the UK and abroad, we can make a difference. Asbestos is a
global problem and I believe women have a very important part to play in the changes the world needs
to recognise.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's
the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Women have a huge role to fulfil.. No one said it would be easy, however we are more than half way
there and it’s all about changing perception and in fairness none of IATP’s achievements would be
possible without the IATP Directors, the Working Group and the Members, I am merely a conduit.
“My working life “ by Amy Harris, MSS
Consulting, Cardiff, Wales.
I have worked for MSS Consulting, a Welsh asbestos management company, for nearly nine years. I started
as a Bulk Analyst, testing samples for asbestos, an Asbestos Surveyor working in the field, Quality
Manager responsible for our UKAS accreditations, and now I am responsible for the commercial and
strategic development of the business.
The level of asbestos awareness in the UK has definitely increased over the years, and we have seen
our sales double in the last year alone due to an increased demand for our services. A typical week
for me can include visiting clients such as housing associations, councils and commercial organisations,
right through to large industrial sites such as nuclear power stations. All of our clients have asbestos
within their premises in some form or another, and it’s our job to help them keep their staff safe.
As a growing Small to Medium Enterprise, we have created many jobs and training opportunities at MSS
over the past few years. Most of our customers are male, and the asbestos industry has traditionally been
male dominated. Times are changing now – the male to female ratio is altering, especially in the newer or
‘second generation’ asbestos companies like MSS. We
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have trained female Laboratory Analysts and Surveyors working out in the field, as well as
administrators and Project Managers. We find both their attention to detail and sensitivity when dealing
with asbestos which is such an emotive issue, to be really valuable to our customers.
Amy Harris
And so onwards.....
This journey across the globe has illustrated just how significant a role women can and do play in the world
of asbestos. Research is being undertaken to try and find improved methods of treatment and a cure for
the diseases related to asbestos exposure. There are strong messages that asbestos should be completely
banned in so many countries.
In Wales we need to encourage those who feel that they may have been exposed to come forward to
receive appropriate treatment. As with most illnesses the sooner a disease is detected the better. It is so
important as these stories have described that we ensure that knowledge is enhanced and that support
networks function effectively to enable the best care possible to be provided.
There are still many out there who may be reluctant to come forward oblivious to the fact that they may
have been exposed to asbestos fibres. There is still a need to deliver educational updates to health and
social professionals. So sad to hear a the daughter of a meso victim in Wales say “ Our GP was treating my
Mum for old age – and then when she had a diagnosis of mesothelioma there was so little time
left”.
Darryl J. Dixon, from Australia is completing a Masters in Emergency Management through Charles
Sturt University at the Australian Graduate School of Policing. His research topic is ‘The exposure of
emergency service personnel to asbestos’. Mr Dixon’s research aim is to compare current
Australian emergency services training, policies and procedures when the likelihood of exposure to
asbestos is suspected or confirmed, ensuring they comply with Australian Standards and current
Australian best practice policies. This is the first known research of its kind to be undertaken in
Australia.
“With as many as one in three Australian homes containing asbestos and no acceptable safe level of exposure to asbestos
fibres, the risk of emergency service personnel attending an incident where asbestos is present is extremely high” Mr
Dixon said. “More recently the issue of asbestos contamination at disasters has gained considerable media
attention including the ‘Black Saturday 2009 Bushfire’s and only last month 31 of 36 homes tested after being destroyed by
a large bushfire in Coonabarabran have returned positive for asbestos contamination”.
For Darryl, 33, this research is personal as he is currently an emergency service officer and maybe
required to attend asbestos incidents. More importantly his grandfather has asbestosis after being
exposed to asbestos containing materials for over 40 years whilst working at a defence facility in Sydney
Harbour. “I’ve seen first-hand how devastating and debilitating asbestos diseases are and if my research and its
findings can mitigate or eliminate asbestos exposures and therefore prevent just one person contracting an asbestos related
disease then it will be worthwhile”
The final product of Darryl's research due to be completed in June this year will support the
recommendations of the 2012 Australian Governments Asbestos Management Review by
consisting of three stages:A full report based on the research undertaken; An ‘Asbestos Awareness
Workshop’ that can be used by any emergency service or organisation to provide an induction on
how to work with asbestos in the workplace or at incident scenes;A journal article for a peer reviewed
publication. Darryl can be contacted atasbestosstudy@bigpond.com or on twitter
@asbestosstudy
More research into the impact of this deathly substance needs to take place. Emergency personnel
and construction workers in Wales could be putting themselves at risk. Through research we can raise
awareness, improve care and prevent further unnecessary exposures. Asbestos Awareness &
Support Cymru hopes to further explore the different experiences of women and asbestos in Wales. Thank
you to all those who have contributed so willingly to this bulletin. Asbestos has serious health
consequences which adversely affect the social, psychological and economic fabric of a community.
Sharing and networking helps to make the fight with asbestos that bit stronge
We are taking the opportunity to highlight the increasingly important role that women have willingly
and unknowingly played in the history of the asbestos legacy. We choose our words carefully as many
women have acquired fatal illnesses such as mesothelioma through secondary exposure.
Following deaths of loved ones women have taken the lead over the years to campaign against the use of
asbestos and have set up support groups for victims and their relatives.
Within this bulletin there are articles from women who have been victims, campaigners, training
providers, a solicitor and those who work in the industry that specialises in the removal of asbestos.
This bulletin is providing a first glimpse into what the word asbestos means to women – there is so much
more we need to do. Primarily this bulletin is to pay tribute to the victims of exposure to the deadly
asbestos dust.
Wales – the challenge
The challenge is set to reach out to the women of Wales who have been subjected to horrors of an
asbestos related illness. Asbestos Awareness & Support Cymru was set up as a support group by two
women in 2012, Joanne Barnes- Mannings and Lorna Johns.
Asbestos has an international agenda and it is an issue for the people of Wales. Once diagnosed with
an asbestos related illness there are long lasting ramifications upon work and family life.
Message from Rebecca Evans, Assembly Member, Mid and West Wales.
On International Women’s Day we recognise the role that women have played in work, and pay respect to
the women who have died or have been injured in workplace accidents including those who have
suffered occupational disease such as mesothelioma.
In some ways women have been doubly at risk from asbestos disease. Women have not only
been exposed to asbestos in work themselves, but they have also had secondary exposure because they
have often done the bulk of the washing of asbestos contaminated clothing in the home.
Asbestos disease is often thought of being a condition that affects men, but International
Women’s Day is an opportunity to remind everyone that it affects women too.
“Turning Anger into Action” by Linda
Reinstein (ADAO)
On International Women’s Day, I am reminded by Eleanor Roosevelt’s wise words, “A woman is like a
tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.”
Despite the fact that we have known for decades that asbestos causes disease, exposure to
asbestos continues. Americans are led to believe that asbestos was banned, but this is far from the truth. I
know – my husband Alan lost his life to mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos.
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In 2003, when Alan was diagnosed with esothelioma, our daughter was only ten years old.
At that time, I had never heard of Mes•o•the•li•o•ma, couldn’t pronounce it, and then learned that there
was no cure. I felt alone, isolated, and paralyzed. Fueled by my intense grief about the diagnosis and
the realization that asbestos had not been banned in the U.S., I knew I had to turn my anger into action,
so I co-founded the non-profit Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). Shortly thereafter,
in 2006, Alan lost his battle with mesothelioma.
Since co-founding ADAO nine years ago, I have personally witnessed the power that the
asbestos industry has among never our Congress. Although a number of Senate and House bills calling
for an asbestos ban have been introduced in the last decade, none have passed. More than 50 other
countries have banned asbestos, but the United States has fallen prey to political wrangling. We have
seen the collateral damage that asbestos causes in our homes, schools, workplaces, and environment, but
profits are being prioritized over public health. It is unacceptable to allow asbestos imports to continue
while tolerating inaction from our government. The inconvenient truth is - asbestos kills. When I testify
and speak on Capitol Hill, I often repeat this hard, but truthful line: “For every life lost to asbestos, a
shattered family is left behind.”
As the digital revolution continues, asbestos victims, workers, and the scientific communities
around the world are uniting. ADAO has become the largest asbestos victims’ organization in the United
States dedicated to education, advocacy, and community to prevent asbestos-caused diseases.
Using social networks like Facebook, we instantaneously connect, share, and comfort each
other. No one is alone like my husband and I were. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small
group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
BIO: Linda Reinstein co-founded the nonprofit Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
in 2004, after her husband Alan was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Even after Alan passed away in 2006, Ms. Reinstein continues to serve as Executive Director of ADAO,
spearheading the organization’s global-focused education, advocacy, and community support
initiatives. Recognized as an expert with more than 35 years of nonprofit experience in building and
sustaining grassroots advocacy, she develops and executes integrated social media campaigns to
educate the public about the dangers of asbestos exposure, in addition to speaking to international
audiences, including the United States Congress and the United Nations.
“The Female Face of the Global Asbestos
Fightback “ by Laurie Kazan-Allen (IBAS)
Throughout the 20th century, thousands of British mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, aunts and
nieces died from asbestos-related diseases. Even though the use of asbestos was banned in 1999,
hazardous exposures to contamination in the built and natural environment continue. On International
Women’s Day it is fitting to commemorate the female victims of the deadly asbestos epidemic and to
pay tribute to so many accidental activists; women who by happenstance found themselves involved in a
battle caused by the greed of asbestos industrialists and the impotence of national governments.
In many countries around the world women have risen to the challenge created by the asbestos
deaths of their loved ones. Nancy Tait’s husband Bill was one of the first people in Britain to be diagnosed
with mesothelioma. When his employer denied liability for his disease, Nancy’s asbestos odyssey
began. Nancy became a renowned campaigner for the rights of asbestos victims and founded the
world’s first asbestos victims’ group – the Society for the Prevention of Asbestosis and Industrial
Diseases– in 1978.
Nancy Tait
In 1982, Mario Pavesi, an Italian worker at an asbestos-cement factory, was diagnosed with
mesothelioma. His wife Romana supported him during his illness and began a campaign against the
asbestos-cement factory in the town of Casale Monferrato. Over the next 30 years, Romana was the
inspiration and leader of a grassroots movement which succeeded in getting asbestos banned in Italy
and bringing former company directors to court for their role in the Italian asbestos tragedy.
The last but not least of the women to be commemorated on this day should be the
indomitable and irrepressible Fernanda Giannasi, a
C:\Users\Francis\Downloads\Fernada.JPG
Romana 1 asbestos.jpg
factory inspector for the Brazilian Ministry of Labour who first encountered asbestos during a routine visit
to a factory in the industrial town of Osasco, Sao Paulo. Working with employees from the Eternit
asbestos-cement factory, she located injured workers; together they went on to form the Brazilian
Association of the Asbestos-Exposed, a body which has revolutionized the Brazilian asbestos debate.
Fernanda Giannasi Romana Blasotti Pavesi
On this day, we remember all those women whose lives have been sacrificed to asbestos and
commemorate the efforts of the leaders who have turned personal tragedies into meaningful action.
Ladies, we salute you.
“NO Way TO GO” by bereaved wife, Wales,
who wishes to remain anonymous
To re-write a carer’s experience of caring for a loved one is not an easy task, perhaps less traumatic in the
early days of care since one is unaware of the changes on a day to day basis as the physical condition
worsens .
The carers are usually the next of kin or close relatives of the victim and therefore one is intensely
taken up with doing what is humanely possible to maintain the dignity and quality of life with maximum
comfort. Many who cared may say
“We wished we knew then what we know now, commonly used expressions”.
The very shortness of life once all the sentences and quotes of: inconclusive are erased or placed in the
other pages means that death too will be short.
Mesothelioma has no age barrier because of the length of time it remains within the victim before it
shows any symptoms. That individual could be thirty or forty years older from the first exposure to the
deadly fibres this could easily have passed on to other members of the family from the victims clothing or
any other form of dress. Example Peritoneal Mesothelioma by ingestion of fibres during
laundering or cleaning of contaminated clothing.
To care for a love one during the period of illness from mesothelioma means a twenty four seven task
of extreme concerns as said earlier wanting to maintain quality of life, anxious about loss of appetite
and all the side effects associated with the various medications loss of weight and in the latter stages
breathlessness, sleeplessness .Does one have a chance to ask “who cares for the carers? “ This is a time of
great stress when the carer tries not to be seen as failing.
Mesothelioma or the Killer Disease robs Mothers, children, uncles, sisters friends, and grand-children
of their nearest and dearest. Research must continue, training of specialists and medical staff, the
placement of Specialist Nurses in areas of high levels of contacts must be on-going. Awareness raising of
support networks in all areas as necessary should continue to be highlighted. I would add that all
General Practitioners should be aware and as a first point of contact be able to give the necessary support
to victims’ carers and families.
Words of thanks from Meso victim Mavis Nye
on receipt of the 1st IATP UK Meso Warrior
Award.
I must first thank IATP for honouring me today with this award. It came as a big surprise to me, because I
didn’t think I had done anything special to deserve it. I also thank Chris Ward who has so kindly sponsored
this award.
All I have done really is to first help myself to available knowledge to help me take control of
my future. And secondly pass that knowledge on to help as many people as I can.
That has taken the form of helping fellow suffers from Asbestos Exposure ,by putting this
information in an easier place to find, Like Mesowarriors and contacting MPs .Doctors and
even Prime Ministers of other countries, in order to bring awareness of the dangers that asbestos causes
and the suffering it creates. So I say thank you IATP. For this award today.
I would like to thank Christine(who I have spent so many hours on face book) and Mark for
their tireless devotion to broadening that awareness and actively working hard to bring that about.
I must thank Ray my husband for his continued understanding love and support during my journey.
I thank all my mesowarrior friends for their support and on a daily basis and for an ear to bend when I
need one and a shared laugh when times are tough.
I thank Terry and Nicky who have put their lives on
hold for the duration of this insidious disease.
Oddly enough this disease has changed my life in unexpected ways. Before my diagnosis, who would
have believed that quiet shy old me, would have articles printed in magazines, have interviews for
local and national newspapers and TV, and make videos for the British Lung Foundation and deliver
Mavis Nye.jpg
speeches at the Novatel conference. I am a National Health Patient Representative, holding group and one to one
discussions with Doctors .Professor , Surgeons and NHS Senior trust Managers and now today Business
executives in the Asbestos industry.
I have written a book MesoWarriors My Story, this has seen sales all round the world and I
have started my next book . All income from my first book goes to Mesothelioma UK and this will
continue from my second book.
So I think I had a role to play in life and this one is mine. If I had a message to give today, to you, here
representing British Asbestos Industry, it would be: I would love to see asbestos banned all round
the world. Close the mines. Stop the spread of Mesothelioma. Spare the miners a slow painful
death. A worldwide refusal to deal with asbestos. Most urgently remove it from all our schools, all
schools to preserve and shield our future generations from its dangers.
I would ask you each to spread the word, to do your bit to continue the awareness and back the
cancer research for mesothelioma. This takes time, money and dedication and people in High Places, but
most of all money.
We know there is no cure and probably never will be. But by banning it and removing it from the
environment .That would be tantamount to a cure in my book.
I was diagnosed with mesothelioma 4 years ago and given 3 months. I was basically told go home put
your house in order. Go and do whatever you wanted to do now. But I didn’t give in. I will not give in without a
fight.
I will continue to fight for as long as I can. I ask you all to do the same.
This Asbestos legacy is a quietly marching death sentence. All hidden away taking, as in my case
over 40 years to surface.
So each of you here today could be in my shoes in the future. Fight it destroy it ,don’t give in.
As my husband once said. Mesothelioma didn’t know what it had taken on
when it started on me.
So you the Industry please go out there and fight with me
Mavis Nye
"Pleased To Meet You" a poem by Jo, a
daughter of meso victim, (In Mem of Banyan)
'Hope you guess my name,
But what's confusing you,
Is the nature of my game'
I'll help you along, I'll give you a clue,
As crocidolite, I'm referred to as 'Blue'
When I'm brown, I'm 'alias'- Amosite,
In my white form, Chrysotile,
You fools think I'm 'alright'
I've been around for thousands of years,
And now I'm here to confirm all your fears.
When you found me, you thought I was great,
And made good use of me,
Whilst sealing your fate,
Driven by profit, driven by greed,
On these weaknesses, I was able to feed.
For decades now, I've been in hiding,
You've spread me around,
My time I was biding,
I'm in the hospitals, I'm in the schools,
I attacked your men when they went to work with
their tools!
When you go home, and walk through the door,
Take care, I may be in the ceilings,
I may be in the floor,
Thermal insulation of boilers and pipes,
I'm in insulation boards of various types.
I separate my particles, so you don't even see,
How I can travel when disturbed,
Which allows me to roam free,
Down to your lung in one single breath,
I'll sit there for years and be the cause of your death.
Picture of Amanda Jones
I'll come home from work with you, all over your
clothes,
When you embrace your wife,
I may have my way with her...who knows?
And as you kiss your child and watch her sleep,
Into her wind pipe, I may even creep.
I'm evil you see, caused thousands to die,
I lie dormant...then surprise you,
And then watch you cry,
You've been warned, you know my disguise,
You're aware of the risks, can you afford to
compromise?
And employers...beware, of the risks you may take,
Your workers will suffer,
The law you will break,
Deaths you will cause, if you do not comply,
'You knew the consequences', the judge will reply.
I'm ubiquitous see? You know where I lurk,
It's not over, I wait for you,
When you carry out your work,
Over the years, many have died,
Lives torn apart and thousands have cried.
'Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name?'
You're aware of the rules,
This is not a game,
I'm here and I'm causing all kinds of chaos,
Good luck for the future, Yours Truly......
ASBESTOS
“Women and Asbestos” by Amanda Jones,
Solicitor in Thompson’s Regional Asbestos
Team, Wales and South West England
When people consider asbestos related disease they usually see it as something which affects men.
Whilst the majority of asbestos related disease sufferers are men, an increasing number of women
are being diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive asbestos related terminal cancer which
affects the lining of the lung Amanda Jones
It is also important to understand that when asbestos disease strikes a man the impact also affects his wife,
partner, children, or grandchildren who bear much of the emotional and practical burden of caring for their
loved one and witnessing his suffering. John Donne, the poet, said that “no man is an island”. How true
that is in the context of asbestos disease. During the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s asbestos was widely
used in building materials, fire proofing, thermal and electrical insulation, roofing and flooring products, as
well as heat resistant materials. It was seen as the magic mineral.
Imports of asbestos into the UK were at their highest from about 1955 to 1980. Although UK government
introduced a ban on the import of blue and brown asbestos in 1985 it was not until 1999 that a similar
ban was imposed for white asbestos. Much of this asbestos remains in place in over
500,000 industrial, commercial and public workplace premises in the UK.
The main conditions which can arise from inhaling asbestos dust and fibres are pleural plaques, pleural
thickening, asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Each of them takes decades to develop after
exposure - what is called the latency period - varying from about 15 to 60 years.
Cases of pleural plaques, pleural thickening and asbestosis have been diagnosed in the female
population but are relatively rare. However, as mesothelioma can be caused by relatively low level or
brief exposure to asbestos, this is a disease which we are now seeing increasingly being diagnosed in
women.
Many women were exposed to asbestos during their own working lives in factories, schools, hospitals or
offices. However, the highest proportion of women who develop mesothelioma appear to be those who
were exposed to asbestos from the work clothing of their loved ones, whether husband, son or father.
Their menfolk often worked in industries where asbestos exposure was high and led to fibres being
brought home on their contaminated work clothes. On 30 October 1965 an article was published in The
Sunday Times reporting on the research of Muriel Newhouse and Hilda Thompson who had
highlighted that women were developing mesothelioma as a result of being exposed to
asbestos being brought home on their relatives’ clothing. That research set the legal ‘date of
knowledge’ so that from then onwards women so exposed might advance a claim against their relative's
negligent employers for causing the disease. There have been numerous cases of wives and
daughters of dockyard and other workers who have gone on to develop mesothelioma as a result of being
exposed to asbestos in this way. Female relatives of carpenters, laggers, electricians, plumbers and fitters
who brought asbestos home on their overalls may also be affected. In one very sad case, my firm acted
for a Welsh family where asbestos had killed a daughter, her brother and her father - she had been
exposed from sitting on her father’s knee when he came home from work. He was to die from the
disease but little did he know that his daughter (and son) would too, all through no fault of their own.
There have also been cases reported of women who worked in hospitals being exposed to asbestos whilst
renovation work took place around them. Teachers have also died from mesothelioma due to asbestos in
schools.
As a woman solicitor specialising in representing clients with asbestos related disease I have the
honour of acting for both men and women. I see only too clearly the devastating impact on their lives
on a daily basis; how families struggle to come to terms with the diagnosis and try to cope with the
huge burden of this most cruel of all industrial diseases. Women also play an instrumental role in the care of
asbestos victims with a fantastic network of specialist lung cancer nurses working across Wales offering
both medical and emotional support and assistance throughout the patients’ journey. An asbestos disease
diagnosis to a woman can be particularly traumatic. Very often the women will be confused as to how,
when, and where she could have been exposed to asbestos. Sometimes, early symptoms are diagnosed
as being due gynaecological issues or even breast problems.
Where the exposure to asbestos has arisen from their menfolk's work clothing, it adds another hugely
emotional dimension, which is very difficult for both partners to cope with. What anger and guilt must be
left behind!
I am delighted to hear of the work being done in Wales by Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru. I
am able to speak first hand of the work AASC have done by supporting many of my clients whom I have
referred to them for help. The support network which AASC is developing throughout Wales has
allowed many asbestos disease sufferers and their family members to meet up with other families and
victims going through the same experience. AASC have recently also arranged additional care,
equipment and support.
On International Women’s Day, I applaud AASC for highlighting the fact that asbestos disease not only
affects men, but women too. AASC is providing support so that both men and women who travel this
painful road together dealing with asbestos illness can contact others who have gone through similar
experiences and help them to empower each other.
“The Asbestos Sector – What a woman can
contribute” by Christine Winter, IATP non-
voting Chair Person.
When Lorna at ASSC invited me to contribute to the bulletin profiling Women within the asbestos sectors
I had to take a step back and give the topic considerable thought, look outside our specific sector
(asbestos training) at our Partners, Associates, Colleagues and IATP!
What an eye opener! Women are achieving amazing results and facilitating change, not only in the UK,
across the globe. I look around me and “Ladies we are not alone” Australia meso warrior Lou Williams
making a big impact, Brazil Fernanda Giannasi Federal Factory Inspector ABREA, Canada: Sandra
Kinart Chair of Victims of Chemical Valley and Leah Neilson and her sister Stacy who organise the annual
“Walk to Remember Victims of Asbestos” USA:
Christine Winter.jpg
CEO Linda Reinstein and her daughter Emily ADAO making a huge difference USA and across the
globe, Ann Samuelson ADAO Volunteer and Advocate. UK: IBAS, Laurie Kazan Alan
campaigning globally and EU, to name but a few.
Importantly there is a huge global community of Meso Warriors, campaigning, educating, contributing
to research and raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos to communities, individuals, organisations
and authorities. UK: Mavis Nye collaborates with British Lung Foundation check out her video!
Debbie Brewer, Jan Egerton and many others sharing their journey with Mesothelioma and educating
others. US Heather Von St James, originator of Lungleaven day, raising funds and asbestos
awareness.
Many amazing Ladies head up innovative charities and projects in the UK, DAST Joanne Carlin
(Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team) a hands on charity. AASC facilitating change and support in
Wales. Chris Knighton (Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund) launched the 1st
Europe Mesothelioma Tissue Bank (MesobanK) which will have a huge impact on research both
nationally and internationally for decades to come; The June Hancock Trust, plus so many more.
How does IATP benefit from a female Chair? 2013 we hosted our 1st Annual Dinner and Awards
Ceremony, this event was a first of its kind, we brought patients-meso warriors, meso widows and
male & female industry leaders together with business leaders and executives. Jean Prentice
received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her life-long commitment to improving asbestos analysis
and work practises, Mavis Nye, meso-warrior and Mesothelioma patient received the UK Meso Warrior
Award. Never before have I witnessed a whole room of Ladies and Gents so moved and inspired by her
speech! Linda Reinstein ADAO flew in from LA to receive the Global Impact Award, a Meso Widow;
again her speech moved emotions and opened a window of change in perception for the future.
My Hope is that collectively by involving those living with the consequence of asbestos exposure, those
who work with it, our Members that train in the UK and abroad, we can make a difference. Asbestos is a
global problem and I believe women have a very important part to play in the changes the world needs
to recognise.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's
the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Women have a huge role to fulfil.. No one said it would be easy, however we are more than half way
there and it’s all about changing perception and in fairness none of IATP’s achievements would be
possible without the IATP Directors, the Working Group and the Members, I am merely a conduit.
“My working life “ by Amy Harris, MSS
Consulting, Cardiff, Wales.
I have worked for MSS Consulting, a Welsh asbestos management company, for nearly nine years. I started
as a Bulk Analyst, testing samples for asbestos, an Asbestos Surveyor working in the field, Quality
Manager responsible for our UKAS accreditations, and now I am responsible for the commercial and
strategic development of the business.
The level of asbestos awareness in the UK has definitely increased over the years, and we have seen
our sales double in the last year alone due to an increased demand for our services. A typical week
for me can include visiting clients such as housing associations, councils and commercial organisations,
right through to large industrial sites such as nuclear power stations. All of our clients have asbestos
within their premises in some form or another, and it’s our job to help them keep their staff safe.
As a growing Small to Medium Enterprise, we have created many jobs and training opportunities at MSS
over the past few years. Most of our customers are male, and the asbestos industry has traditionally been
male dominated. Times are changing now – the male to female ratio is altering, especially in the newer or
‘second generation’ asbestos companies like MSS. We
Amy HARRIS 2.jpg
have trained female Laboratory Analysts and Surveyors working out in the field, as well as
administrators and Project Managers. We find both their attention to detail and sensitivity when dealing
with asbestos which is such an emotive issue, to be really valuable to our customers.
Amy Harris
And so onwards.....
This journey across the globe has illustrated just how significant a role women can and do play in the world
of asbestos. Research is being undertaken to try and find improved methods of treatment and a cure for
the diseases related to asbestos exposure. There are strong messages that asbestos should be completely
banned in so many countries.
In Wales we need to encourage those who feel that they may have been exposed to come forward to
receive appropriate treatment. As with most illnesses the sooner a disease is detected the better. It is so
important as these stories have described that we ensure that knowledge is enhanced and that support
networks function effectively to enable the best care possible to be provided.
There are still many out there who may be reluctant to come forward oblivious to the fact that they may
have been exposed to asbestos fibres. There is still a need to deliver educational updates to health and
social professionals. So sad to hear a the daughter of a meso victim in Wales say “ Our GP was treating my
Mum for old age – and then when she had a diagnosis of mesothelioma there was so little time
left”.
Darryl J. Dixon, from Australia is completing a Masters in Emergency Management through Charles
Sturt University at the Australian Graduate School of Policing. His research topic is ‘The exposure of
emergency service personnel to asbestos’. Mr Dixon’s research aim is to compare current
Australian emergency services training, policies and procedures when the likelihood of exposure to
asbestos is suspected or confirmed, ensuring they comply with Australian Standards and current
Australian best practice policies. This is the first known research of its kind to be undertaken in
Australia.
“With as many as one in three Australian homes containing asbestos and no acceptable safe level of exposure to asbestos
fibres, the risk of emergency service personnel attending an incident where asbestos is present is extremely high” Mr
Dixon said. “More recently the issue of asbestos contamination at disasters has gained considerable media
attention including the ‘Black Saturday 2009 Bushfire’s and only last month 31 of 36 homes tested after being destroyed by
a large bushfire in Coonabarabran have returned positive for asbestos contamination”.
For Darryl, 33, this research is personal as he is currently an emergency service officer and maybe
required to attend asbestos incidents. More importantly his grandfather has asbestosis after being
exposed to asbestos containing materials for over 40 years whilst working at a defence facility in Sydney
Harbour. “I’ve seen first-hand how devastating and debilitating asbestos diseases are and if my research and its
findings can mitigate or eliminate asbestos exposures and therefore prevent just one person contracting an asbestos related
disease then it will be worthwhile”
The final product of Darryl's research due to be completed in June this year will support the
recommendations of the 2012 Australian Governments Asbestos Management Review by
consisting of three stages:A full report based on the research undertaken; An ‘Asbestos Awareness
Workshop’ that can be used by any emergency service or organisation to provide an induction on
how to work with asbestos in the workplace or at incident scenes;A journal article for a peer reviewed
publication. Darryl can be contacted atasbestosstudy@bigpond.com or on twitter
@asbestosstudy
More research into the impact of this deathly substance needs to take place. Emergency personnel
and construction workers in Wales could be putting themselves at risk. Through research we can raise
awareness, improve care and prevent further unnecessary exposures. Asbestos Awareness &
Support Cymru hopes to further explore the different experiences of women and asbestos in Wales. Thank
you to all those who have contributed so willingly to this bulletin. Asbestos has serious health
consequences which adversely affect the social, psychological and economic fabric of a community.
Sharing and networking helps to make the fight with asbestos that bit stronge
