November – Lung Cancer Awareness Month

This November, the HSE is emphasising the importance of protecting workers’ health from Occupational Lung Diseases by recognizing November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

The HSE reports that an estimated 12,000 people die annually from work-related lung diseases, with around 5,000 of these deaths linked to asbestos exposure.

As a result of this, the HSE is currently running two campaigns to highlight the risks of asbestos exposure and how to manage it for safety and compliance. You can learn more about the Asbestos and You and Asbestos – Your Duty campaigns on Casa’s website.

Asbestos exposure is responsible for 90% of Mesothelioma cases – a cancer which can affect the lungs lining (the pleura), known as pleural mesothelioma.

Despite the use of Asbestos being banned in 1999, it is essential that we continue to raise awareness of the dangers surrounding asbestos exposure. This cancer is completely avoidable, and often only occurs decades after exposure.

You can read more about Lung Cancer Awareness Month on the HSE’s website here.