Over the last several years there have been numerous reports of mesothelioma deaths among former staffers of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). This week UK publisher the Observer reported that the media company has paid a total £1.64m to compensate 11 families that lost loved ones. The amount is the equivalent of roughly $2.2 million in American dollars.
Asbestos in BBC Buildings Blamed for Mesothelioma
The list of mesothelioma victims whose families were compensated includes television producers, make-up artists and set builders who worked for the company between 1959 and 1998. The news of the payouts followed a freedom of information request by the Observer, a UK newspaper that began its investigation after news broke about claims filed by families of ex-BBC symphony orchestra personnel who died of the disease.
All of the mesothelioma victims whose families received compensation worked at BBC locations that were riddled with asbestos. In 2006 the broadcaster had sent a warning to all current and former employees alerting them to asbestos in a variety of studio locations, citing possible exposure through asbestos falling from cable ducts. The BBC has broadcast television programs since 1936, and its Alexandra Palace studios are considered “the birthplace of television.” In total there are at least 18 work locations involved in the claims.
United Kingdom Structures Continue to Pose Mesothelioma Threat
According to Liz Darlison, chief executive of Mesothelioma UK and a part-time NHS nurse, asbestos is an enormous problem in the United Kingdom. “Ninety-five percent of our hospitals and 85% of our schools still contain some asbestos,” she said. Roughly 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United Kingdom each year.
An attorney who represents families of other BBC staff who had died of mesothelioma believes that there are many more victims of asbestos exposure who have either not yet been diagnosed or who haven’t come forward. “There must be hundreds if not a few thousand people [who were] exposed to asbestos by the BBC, given the number of locations but also the long number of years asbestos was present in BBC locations.”
Asbestos exposure has led to significant illness and death from mesothelioma worldwide. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed and you need information about your options, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
