The National Library of Wales to light up blue for Mesothelioma

29.06.2022

The National Library of Wales will shine with blue light on 1 July 2022 as part of the national Go Blue for Meso campaign to raise awareness of the asbestos cancer, Mesothelioma, and the dangers of asbestos.

This is part of a wider campaign – Action Mesothelioma Day – which will see landmarks and homes across the UK will light up blue to put a spotlight on Mesothelioma, a disease that deserves more attention because asbestos hasn’t gone away:

• Asbestos is still in around 85% of schools, 90% of hospitals and many other public and private buildings.
• More people die from exposure to asbestos than die in road traffic accidents per year.
• Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is entirely preventable.
• Over 2,700 people per year are diagnosed with Mesothelioma, the majority die within six months of diagnosis, 60% die within a year and fewer than 10% of people with Mesothelioma survive beyond 3 years in the UK.

Organised by individuals affected by Mesothelioma, the campaign uses the act of lighting up a home or focal point in a village, town or city as a way to raise awareness, to remember loved ones who have sadly died of the disease and to acknowledge those living with this type of cancer.

Pedr ap Llwyd, Chief Executive and Librarian of the National Library of Wales said:
“The Library is proud to lend our support to many causes, including this very important campaign to raise awareness of Mesothelioma.  This year, we want to show the world the importance of drawing attention to this tough cancer, which has affected so many lives. By lighting the Library blue on Action Mesothelioma Day we will be helping to highlight a disease that many people know very little about.”

The #GoBlueForMeso campaign is part of the UK Mesothelioma Alliance’s ActionMeso campaign, which brings together the diverse Mesothelioma community with a single voice.

If you would like to take part or find out more about Go Blue for Meso, please visit www.actionmeso.org/goblue

About Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer linked to exposure to asbestos. Individuals may inhale or ingest asbestos fibres, which then embed in organ linings. The fibres cause irritation and scarring over time, which may then cause cell mutation and cancer. Mesothelioma symptoms can take between 10 and 50 years to develop, however there are increasing numbers of younger people being diagnosed, in particular a statistically significant increase in diagnoses of younger women.

**Mae'r datganiad yma hefyd ar gael yn y Gymraeg**

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Further information:
Nia Dafydd
nia.dafydd@llgc.org.uk or 01970 632871