Recent survey by the Health and Safety Executive showed 387 asbestos-related deaths in Sunderland since 1981.

The HSE has launched Asbestos: the Hidden Killer campaign in the region which is running up until the end of November on posters and on radio. This survey also showed that 20 tradesmen a week dye from asbestos-related diseases and that number is likely to rise.

Jill Morrell, head of public affairs at the British Lung Foundation, said: “The HSE campaign is vital because research shows that only one in ten tradesmen know that exposure to asbestos can prove fatal. The asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma is a cruel disease which as yet has no cure. We must do all we can to prevent more people dying from this preventable disease."

Former Premiership footballer Ian Wright is supporting the campaign. Officials hope that this campaign will make workers aware that although asbestos was banned many years ago, the risk is still there.