There are some occupations that are commonly linked with mesothelioma, these tend to be physical jobs, often in the construction industry such as joiners, laggers, labourers, electricians and plumbers. This is because these workers were exposed to asbestos when working directly with asbestos products, cutting sheets of asbestos or mixing asbestos powder to form lagging.
An occupation less often linked to mesothelioma is that of an orchestra member. However, two members of the BBC symphony orchestra have sadly passed away due to mesothelioma. A violinist, Edwin Dodd, who passed away in January 2021 at the age of 89 and a horn player, Christopher Larkin, who sadly passed away in April 2021 at the age of 73.
Exposure to asbestos at Maida Vale
Christopher Larkin’s widow, Patricia is now bringing a claim against the BBC as it is believed that he was exposed to asbestos when working at their Maida Vale studios in London.
The studios, located on Delaware Road, Maida Vale, West London, house seven sound studios and were built in 1909, originally being used as a roller-skating rink and club. It was one of the BBC’s earliest premises and was used as the hub for the BBC news during the Second World War. In 1934 the rink and club were stripped back to the building’s shell, rebuilt and became home to the BBC Symphony Orchestra where they play in the largest studio, MV1.
Given that the studios were built in 1909 and renovated in 1934, not to mention other necessary works that would have been done over the years, it would be surprising if there wasn’t asbestos present in some forms. Asbestos was hailed as a wonder product due to its versatility and fire-proofing properties, not to mention its low cost and so it was used extensively in the construction industry.
Danger of asbestos
Despite there being indications that asbestos caused health problems in the 1920’s and possibly earlier, asbestos continued to be used and it was not until 1985 that blue and brown asbestos were banned in the UK and 1999 when white asbestos was finally banned. However, in the 1960’s, companies did know, or should have known, of the dangers of asbestos and should have taken steps to minimise workers’ exposure to the deadly substance.
Disclosure in the case against the BBC sadly shows that they were aware of the presence of asbestos at the studios and whilst there was some asbestos removed over the years, a substantial amount remains. It was stated at an inquest that Mr Larkin was exposed to asbestos at the studios between 1979 and 2015 with reports of asbestos being present in “various states of repair”.
Mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos
Exposure to asbestos can cause a number of conditions including pleural thickening, asbestosis, asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma. Whilst conditions like asbestosis require repeated, heavy exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma only requires minimal exposure to put someone at risk of developing the incurable cancer.
Asbestos being present in a building is not necessarily dangerous. If the asbestos is contained and in a good state of repair, it should not pose any health risks. It is when asbestos is damaged or disturbed that it becomes dangerous as the asbestos fibres can become airborne and can be inhaled or ingested.
If you are concerned about asbestos in your home or any other building, we would recommend you do not touch or disturb it, and contact a specialist asbestos removal company who will be able to advise you fully on how the asbestos should be dealt with.
If you require assistance in pursuing an asbestos compensation claim for mesothelioma or any other asbestos disease then please contact us today on our freephone number 0800 038 6767. Alternatively, head over to the ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.