A CAMPAIGN is targeting the North-East’s tradesmen and businesses, warning them of the life-threatening dangers of asbestos.

A total of 2,087 people from the North-East died from the fatal lung disease mesothelioma – caused by breathing in asbestos fibres – between 1981 and 2005, according to figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Last week, the HSE revealed that the male death rate in the North-East from the disease rose to 89.52 per million during the past two years – the highest rate in England. Today, the HSE will launch a campaign to target workers it says are most at risk of exposure to the material by disturbing it or damaging it – such as plumbers, joiners and electricians.

It will include a massive poster campaign, along with leaflets that will be sent to individuals and industry trade groups warning of the risk, and revealing how workers can minimise the risk by using protective equipment and clothing.

A roadshow with experts from the HSE will also tour colleges in the region to inform and educate students wanting to become tradesmen.

Across Britain, it is estimated that about 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related diseases every week, a number that is increasing.

Asbestos was a commonly used material for insulation and fireproofing during the Sixties and Seventies.

Its use was outlawed by 1999, but there are thought to be about 500,000 non-domestic buildings in the UK built or refurbished before then that still contain it.

Chris Gillies, the HSE’s principal North-East inspector, said asbestos was the region’s biggest industrial killer, and caused more deaths than road accidents.

He said: “The most simple, but important advice is, if you are not 100 per cent certain that there is no asbestos where you are working, then do not start work. It is not worth the risk.

“Think of it as not just protecting yourself, but also protecting your family and loved ones from unnecessary heartache.”

HSE figures show that Teesside was one of the worst areas for deaths from mesothelioma between 1981 and 2005, with 154 in Stockton, 108 in Redcar and east Cleveland and 97 in Hartlepool.

In North Yorkshire, 300 men died during the period from mesothelioma.

The campaign website is at hse.gov.uk/hiddenkiller