A recent British study has found that 1 out of every 10 Australian carpenters born prior to 1950 will die of asbestos-related mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer. The study estimates that mesothelioma will kill a total of 30,000 Australians between 2000 and 2050. Researchers say that a major factor in the mortality rate among carpenters is use of asbestos cement sheeting and roofing, which were cut with power saws. Cutting the materials releases asbestos fibers into the air where it could be inhaled by carpenters working without respiratory protection. These researchers predict that the rate of mesothelioma among carpenters in the United States will not be as high because different construction materials and methods were used.
For the full story, go to the Wollondilly Advertiser.
