Johnson & Johnson faces about 40,000 lawsuits from people claiming its talc products caused cancer due to contamination with asbestos, a known carcinogen.

J&J have always publicly denied its talcum powder products cause cancer however documents unearthed in court indicating executives were well aware of carcinogenic asbestos contamination in talcum powder products as far back as 1950. Despite some consideration to switching main ingredients from talc, J&J never ceased selling their potentially hazardous product – choosing not to protect consumers but instead prioritising profits over people’s safety.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in various industries due to its unique properties, including heat resistance, insulation, and strength. Asbestos fibers are thin and invisible to the eye, flexible, and durable, which makes them resistant to heat, fire, and chemical damage.

However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As a result, many countries have banned the use of asbestos. In the UK alone there are over 5000 deaths related to Asbestos each year.

Despite the known health risks associated with asbestos, it is still present in many older buildings and products, and proper precautions are required when handling or removing asbestos-containing materials.

Should you be employed or employ people that could disturb or have exposure to asbestos then you have a legal requirement to provide asbestos training. Common occupations that could lead to someone being exposed to asbestos include;

 

  • Heating and ventilation engineers
  • Demolition workers
  • Carpenters and joiners
  • Plumbers
  • Roofing contractors
  • Painters and decorators
  • Plasterers
  • Construction workers
  • Fire and burglar alarm installers
  • Shop fitters
  • Gas fitters
  • Computer and data installers
  • General maintenance staff eg caretakers
  • Telecommunications engineers
  • Architects, building surveyors, and other such professionals
  • Cable layers
  • Electricians

 

This list does not include all occupations at risk from potential exposure to asbestos.

Essential 6 provides Asbestos Awareness courses that are accredited by the IATP (independent Asbestos Training Providers). These are delivered by Asbestos Surveyors and the course content covers the following;

  • How to Identify the properties of asbestos and outline the history of its use

 

  • Effects on your health, including the increased risk of developing lung cancer for asbestos workers who smoke

 

  • Outline the types, uses and likely occurrence of asbestos and asbestos containing materials and know how to avoid the risk of disturbing asbestos material

 

  • How to identify asbestos containing materials in buildings and machinery

 

  • Identify the main statutory provisions that relate to asbestos to keep you compliant with UK legislation

 

  • Know the correct procedures to follow in an emergency should you disturb and become contaminated with an asbestos containing material

 

The asbestos training course can be delivered at your premises or our training rooms across the UK and typically last for 3 hours concluding in a 30 question multiple choice test with certification being awarded by the IATP.

To book your asbestos awareness training course call us on 0845 272 3558 or email info@essential6.co.uk.