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Dangers of asbestos are brought to book

Katie Storey
15/ 8/2008

THERE was standing room only at the Town Hall on Tuesday night as the Save Spodden Valley campaign group turned out in force to support the launch of a new book on the dangers of asbestos.

‘Defending the Indefensible’ was written by John McCulloch and Geoffrey Tweedale and brings to light the facts about the global asbestos industry, charting its widespread use from the late 19th century through to its current use in Third World countries.

Asbestos was originally hailed as a miracle product and Rochdale was home to the biggest factory in the world, the Turner and Newall plant off Rooley Moor Road, where thousands of local people were employed.

However, staff were unaware of the risks of asbestos dust and its effects on health in later life. Mesothelioma, an aggressive form of lung cancer, only becomes evident up to 25 years after exposure.

Since December 2004 the Save Spodden Valley group has been fighting plans to build 600 houses and a children’s nursery on the Turner’s site.

Members invited Mr Tweedale to launch his book in Rochdale to highlight their ongoing battle.

Campaign co-ordinater Jason Addy said: "If asbestos is still used in developing countries their children are facing death until the 22nd century.

"It’s an honour to have a book launch like this and I’d like to make ‘Defending the Indefensible’ available in all Rochdale libraries.

"Let’s keep battling, not only in Rochdale and Spodden Valley, but also for those children in Asia."

Hilda Palmer from Greater Manchester Hazards Centre added: "This is a fight for our lives and a fight for the truth, but make no mistake, it’s a big fight.

"We have to make the authorities listen. That’s the only thing that will keep us safe."

‘Defending the Indefensible’ is available from Oxford University Press, priced £20.