Asbestos-related illness

John McFall wishes to do all he can to help sufferers of asbestos-related diseases including asbestosis, mesothelioma and pleural plaques.

These diseases are a particular problem in West Dunbartonshire, due to the former heavy industries such as shipbuilding and engineering. The area has the highest incidence of deaths from mesothelioma in the UK.

John McFall has campaigned for government support for all sufferers of asbestos-related diseases.

Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that results from exposure to asbestos. It kills one person every five hours in the UK and there is as yet no cure. The disease can often take 30 years to develop.

This means that the UK may face an epidemic of asbestos-related conditions in 2011-2015 as people exposed to asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s are diagnosed with the disease.

Watch

John McFall welcomes asbestos campaigners in London after their 1200 mile bike ride. See larger size video

In July 2009, John McFall supported the "breathtaking journey" bike ride from Clydebank to London, which aimed to acheive justice for the victims of asbestos related diseases.
See video opposite

In October 2008, John McFall supported a campaign to shed light on employers' liability insurance policies. Many sufferers do not get symptoms until between 15 and 60 years after they have been in contact with asbestos. This has made it difficult for many sufferers to get compensation for their condition.

Also in 2008, John McFall supported the British Lung Foundation's Action Mesothelioma Day campaign in the House of Commons. The campaign called for greater efforts to be made to improve treatment and care for people with mesothelioma. It was previously found that not enough time and resources were being put into the prevention and treatment of mesothelioma.

There is a great need for more research into mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions; better treatments; and more awareness amongst tradespeople of the continuing dangers of contact with asbestos.

Recent News

16 December 2009

Article in the House Magazine about compesation for sufferers of asbestos exposure

6 July 2009
Asbestos campaigners arrive in London

2 July 2009
Video: Asbestos campaigners cycle from Clydebank to London

26 June 2009
Asbestos campaigners cycle the length of Britain to stop to Britain’s biggest workplace killer

12 May 2009
Remembrance Day for 2 million people killed at work

21st October 2008
McFall backs campaign to help asbestos victims

2nd February 2008
John McFall backs lung disease campaign

23rd January 2008
John McFall backs drug decision victory for mesothelioma patients

11th July 2007
Decision allows access to Alimta for mesothelioma patients

8th July 2007
MP says government is on course to meet claims in mesothelioma cases