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date: 17 January 2006

embargo: For immediate release

Support the British Lung Foundation and Action Mesothelioma Day

Mesothelioma - or meso , is a chest cancer that develops up to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. Cases are set to peak in the next decade in the UK. The British Lung Foundation is gearing up for Action Mesothelioma Day on 27^th February.

Mesothelioma is a malignant lung disease which results mainly from exposure to asbestos. Someone dies every five hours from mesothelioma in the UK.

The Northern TUC, in conjunction with both its Health and Safety Working Party and the Tyne and Wear Asbestos Support Group, are supporting the Action Day, and are also backing the Mesothelioma Charter and encouraging as many people as possible to sign it and show their support, too.

The Charter, amongst other things, argues for more and better rights for sufferers, calls upon the Government to have mesothelioma made a national priority by the Cancer Tsar, ensure the Health and safety executive vigorously enforce existing regulations on asbestos and calls upon employers to work with unions and individuals to ensure enforcement of current regulations to safeguard all employees, and identify all asbestos in their properties and organise its safe removal where practical or necessary work is being carried out.

Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC regional Secretary said, "Mesothelioma is the most virulent and violent asbestos-related illnesses, from diagnosis victims have a very short time to get any kind of help in terms of benefits or any advice relating to compensation claims. And this has to be managed during what is an incredibly traumatic and painful time for the victim and their family.

"This petition campaigns for much better, more effective and quicker support for Mesothelioma sufferers and the TUC urges everyone in the region to sign up to it."

To read the whole of the Charter and to add your name to support the British Lung Foundation on these issues please go to: http://www.lunguk.org/involved.asp?id=2

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The British Lung Foundation was established by Professor Malcolm Green and a group of lung specialists from London's Royal Brompton Hospital in 1985. It has maintained strong links with the medical profession, as well as utilising the talents of people from all walks of life who share a determination to try to conquer lung disease in the 21^st Century.

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Register for the TUC's press extranet : a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

- A series of TUC rights leaflets are available on our website and from the know your rights line 0870 600 4 882. Lines are open every day from 9am-9pm. Calls are charged at the national rate.

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Susanne Nichol T: 0191 227 5553; M: 07771 873108 E: snichol@tuc.org.uk

Press release (500 words) issued 18 Jan 2006