Safe Work Australia has recently published its report Mesothelioma in Australia: Incidence and Mortality, highlighting the dangers of exposure to Asbestos.

Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer that typically occurs 20 to 40 years after asbestos exposure. Since 1982, 93% of cases in Australia have involved mesothelioma of the pleura (cancer affecting the protective lining of the lungs and chest cavity).

In 2012, 638 deaths were attributed to this disease, the highest number of reported deaths since 1997.

“In light of the Mr Fluffy home insulation scheme that not only has affected hundreds of households in the ACT and NSW, we once again, call upon State and Territory Governments to establish a publishable register of known households that are installed with potentially deadly home insulation products,” said the Chief Executive Officer of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), Mr Suresh Manickam.

“This action protects electrical contractors and their employees as well as providing upfront information for current and potential householders.

“For the future safety of the electrical contracting sector, we urge Governments to act swiftly in order to avoid any repeat of the Mr Fluffy case.”

Please find the attached link to the Safe Work Australia report, Mesothelioma in Australia.