THE “hidden killer” which has claimed the lives of more than 100 York men is the subject of a new information campaign by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Between 1981 and 2005, 114 men in the area, many of them former workers at the York Carriageworks, died from mesothelioma – a cancer caused by breathing in deadly asbestos fibres.

With about 20 tradesmen dying from asbestos-related conditions every week in the UK, the HSE is now targeting those most at risk through its Asbestos: The Hidden Killer campaign, launched on Monday.

The executive said those most at risk from mesothelioma were those who disturb or damage asbestos through their work, such as plumbers, joiners and electricians.

David Snowball, HSE regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Asbestos is Britain’s biggest industrial killer.

“Contrary to what many people believe, the risks are not a thing of the past. Asbestos-related illnesses claim the lives of 4,000 people every year – more than die in road accidents.

“The most simple but important advice is if you are not sure that there is no asbestos where you are working, then don’t start work. It is simply not worth the risk.”

He warned anyone working on a building which was built or refurbished before the year 2000 could be exposed to asbestos without knowing it.

In the UK, about 500,000 non-domestic buildings contain asbestos.

The Hidden Killer campaign is being supported by unions, employers’ representatives, health charities, sufferers and victims groups. It aims to raise awareness of the risks posed by asbestos and how workers can best protect themselves For more information on the campaign visit www.hse.gov.uk/hiddenkiller, which offers advice on where asbestos-containing materials may be present, what they look like, how they should be dealt with and where to find training.

Tradesmen can also get a free asbestos information pack by phone 0845 345 0055.