Spreading asbestos awareness is not always easy. If you mention the mineral to a friend, it might not be likely that they have heard the word before, let alone know that the substance kills 12,000 to 15,000 Americans each year. More needs to be done to recognize this silent killer and those it has affected.
In Scotland, a memorial was recently unveiled doing just that. Over five hundred names of victims who died to asbestos-related diseases have been engraved onto a stainless steel sculpture honoring their lives. Many of those exposed to asbestos were diagnosed with fatal diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
The International Asbestos Memorial – The Known and Unknown, is intended to remember those who have lost their lives due to asbestos exposure, and those that will succumb to asbestos-related diseases in the future. The designer, Jephson Robb, said that “the memorial was based upon the mission of seeking truth and justice.” We like that sound of that, as it is what our team of asbestos attorneys strives for every day, as well.
Every year, more names will be added to the memorial on International Workers’ Memorial Day.
Funds have been raised for the memorial since 2002, so the unveiling of the memorial was truly a celebration. Many family members were present to watch their loved ones’ names revealed on the sculpture.
Is there a family member or friend that you have lost to an asbestos-related disease? Leave their name in a comment below and we will be sure to include them in our own memorial on the site.
Sources: The National | The National | Asbestos Nation
