- Latest News
It will be a sombre but significant moment at 11am on Friday morning when the Whyalla Asbestos Victim Support Group (WAVSG) holds its annual memorial service.
The local group holds special significance when it comes to the issue of asbestos-related illnesses. Whyalla has, in the past, had industries that have been proven to have caused asbestos-related illnesses such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, ovarian and other cancers.
At Friday’s service on November 24, there will be many people travelling back to Whyalla from other regions for the event at the Mount Laura Homestead. Many of these are people who have worked in Whyalla and contracted asbestos-related illnesses or been affected by a family member or friend falling ill after working in Whyalla.
President of the WAVSG, John Arthur is just one of thousands who has been rocked by asbestos illness. He contracted his asbestosis from a six-month stint at a manufacturing company in Elizabeth, the same company his brother Colin worked at before losing his battle with the illnesses.
John now must see a doctor regularly, can’t do the things he used to do without running out of breath and must now just play a waiting game to see if his asbestosis is going to turn into a more serious issue.
“I do have to take things easier now because I run out of breath easily,” John said.
“I have pain killers for the pain in my chest but I try to not take them too often.
“It is just a case of looking after myself the best I can but like my doctor says, it’s not a case of if I’ll contract the more serious disease, it is when.”
John said that is why Friday’s memorial service was so important. He said it was a service to remember those that have lost their battle with asbestos-related illnesses but also to think of those still battling illness and as a warning to others that it is still possible to contract a deadly disease from exposure to asbestos.
“It only takes one tiny fibre, not even as thick as the hair on your head,” John said.
“There is asbestos everywhere in our communities, from the eves of houses to old kids’ cubby houses, fences and borders in the garden.
“Anyone can come across asbestos and become infected.
“It is so important if you find anything you suspect of being asbestos to leave it alone and call in the experts to get rid of it.”
This is where the WAVSG plays another of its roles. The organisation has an office at 87-89 Essington Lewis Avenue where it has information and people who can help victims or asbestos and those seeking information of how to dispose of it.
The WAVSG is a self-funded body so it also sells goods from the office to help keep it running and providing invaluable support for individuals and their families. Part of that support is providing a lawyer once a month on a no-win, no pay basis for people to find out about compensation for asbestos illnesses contracted from workplaces and other responsible sites.
“I’ve received compensation but it’s no compensation when you consider how these illnesses can impact your life,” John said.
“You simply can’t be complacent about asbestos.”
Friday’s memorial is open to any interested persons who want to come along to pay their respects or find out more about asbestos-related illness. Whyalla councillor David Knox will be one of the speakers with other councillors expected to be in attendance.
The service will start at 11am followed by an informal get-together with some light entertainment from Alison Hams and Mark Tempany and a barbecue lunch. Donations to the WAVSG are very much appreciated to help continue the work and support it provides.
For more information drop into the group’s Essington Lewis office or call 8645 0555.
Picture: It may look harmless but this piece of asbestos could kill you.
Key asbestos facts
Cancers caused or thought to be caused by asbestos include:
- Malignant mesothelioma – Mesothelioma is a cancer that begins in any of the areas where mesothelium is found but commonly occurs in the pleura (the membranes around the lungs.) It is an aggressive cancer, with only 5 to 10 percent of people surviving 5 years beyond their diagnosis.
- Lung cancer – Lung cancers other than mesothelioma are also increased by exposure. Both non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are increased.
- Ovarian cancer – Less well known is the increased risk of ovarian cancer. In a review of studies to date, it was thought that occupational exposure to asbestos increased ovarian cancer risk by around 70 percent.
- Other cancers – Studies thus far have been mixed, and it’s uncertain whether or not asbestos exposure increases the risk of laryngeal cancer (cancer of the throat,) or colorectal cancer.
Medical Conditions Caused by Asbestos Exposure
Less well known, but an even greater problem is lung disease related to asbestos exposure. Some of these conditions include:
- Asbestosis – Asbestosis is a condition in which pulmonary fibrosis (scarring) occurs due to asbestos exposure. This condition, in addition to causing symptoms on its own, further increases the risk of lung cancer.
- Pleural plaques.
- Pleural thickening.
- Pleural effusions - Some people exposed to asbestos develop a build-up of fluid between the membranes that line the lungs. This has been called benign asbestos-related pleural effusions (BAPEs).
What Level of Exposure is Dangerous?
A common question is, "how much asbestos do I need to be exposed to be at risk?" The answer is that there is no level of asbestos exposure that is safe.
Facts source: verywell.com