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all types of asbestos
blue, brown and white,
have caused mesothelioma |
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Improving Claims Handling for Mesothelioma Cases
1 November 2006
Mr Steve Daly
Workplace Health Division
Department for Work and Pensions
The Adelphi
1-11 John Adam Street
London WC2N 6HT
Thank you for your letter dated 1 September 2006 which invites OEDA to suggest changes which would improve the handling of claims for those suffering from mesothelioma.
Statistics show that about 500 people who die from mesothelioma each year are unable to claim DWP industrial disablement benefits or compensation provided by the DWP because either
- they were self-employed when they inhaled asbestos dust or
- they (especially wives who washed workersí clothes) inhaled asbestos dust taken
home from the workplace on clothing.
- Also, accidental damage, demolition, maintenance work, telephone, gas and
- electricity installations, careless disposal of old asbestos materials, may all release
asbestos fibres into our environment.
The thousands of tonnes of asbestos now throughout the UK were all imported by industry or government.
As present benefits and compensation are paid only to those who inhaled asbestos during paid employment.
Adequate industrial benefits and compensation should be paid to mesothelioma patients and their dependants.
Payments should be made at a level which would provide best possible care for all patients and maintain the standard of living of patients and their dependants.
The UK Government should also contribute, generously, to International funding of Research to find an effective treatment for mesothelioma. Not all patients can tolerate Pemetrexed (also referred to as Alimta). Those who can are reported to live approximately 3 months longer. Many claim it improves their quality of life, but it is certainly not the ‘cure’ they need.
Nancy Tait MBE Hon DUniv |