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Dockyard Laundry May Have Saved Women From Asbestos Diseases

In an annual report from the government’s Chief Medical Officer, it has been suggested that figures show laundry facilities at Devonport Dockyard may have prevented a number of women from developing the asbestos related disease, mesothelioma.

Second Hand Asbestos Exposure

It is widely accepted that ‘second hand’ exposure to asbestos, for example through contact with a partner or spouse’s contaminated work clothing, can cause asbestos related conditions to develop.

There have been many reported cases of family members of asbestos workers, women in particular, becoming ill with diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural thickening.

Fewer Asbestos Victims

The afore-mentioned report looks at the men to women ratio of mesothelioma victims in the Plymouth area compared with other shipyard areas. The proportions are noticeably different, with 25 male victims to each female victim in Plymouth compared to an 8 to 1 ratio in Southampton and 9 to 1 in Portsmouth.

The majority of male mesothelioma sufferers in Plymouth worked at the Devonport Dockyard, which provided laundry facilities on-site for their work clothing. Southampton and Portsmouth however did not have these facilities.

It is therefore thought that in the areas where laundry facilities were not provided, workmen brought home their clothing to be washed and their families were exposed to asbestos in this way.

Industrial Disease Compensation Claims

If you or a member of your family has been affected by an industrial disease caused by exposure to asbestos, our specialist lawyers may be able to assist you in claiming compensation.

Contact us on 0800 0328511 or by completing an online claim enquiry form for cost free advice and assistance.