THE number of people dying from the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma is higher in Bolton than anywhere else in Greater Manchester, figures have revealed.

More than 100 deaths were attributed to the disease between 1981 and 2000, figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show. The breakdown is 97 men and 10 women.

Bolton’s figures are the worst in the county and second worst in the North-west. Barrow-in-Furness recorded the worst figures, with 145 deaths from the disease.

And the death rate is set to increase because of the long delay between exposure to asbestos and death.

Trades Union Congress regional secretary Alan Manning said: “These are not just statistics, they are all stories of pain, hardship and bereavement that could have and should have been prevented.

“It is essential that workers are fully aware of the dangers and of the safest way to work. Employers and contractors also need to recognise their obligations to provide safe working conditions.

“Asbestos remains a hidden killer of tradesmen and women, hidden because its health effects often aren’t known until decades after exposure.”

The HSE revealed the figures as part of its “Asbestos: the hidden killer campaign”, running to the end of this month. The executive wants to educate tradesmen about the danger of asbestos.

The substance could be in any building built or refurbished before 2000. It is estimated that, nationally, around 500,000 commercial buildings could contain asbestos. When they need repairing, and the asbestos fibres are disturbed, they are likely to be inhaled as a deadly dust.

Tradesmen can get a free information pack by calling 0845 345 0055 or from www.hse.gov.uk/hiddenkiller.