It is clear that more needs to be done to screen high risk groups in Scotland for asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

This fact should be underlined by the predictions of Clydeside Action on Asbestos, which says that deaths from asbestos-related diseases in Scotland will peak this year.

Furthermore, says the charity, taking such measures should be fairly uncomplicated, with diagnostic tools such as x-rays and blood tests simple and relatively cheap to perform.

However, it pointed out that even such relatively economic measures require greater investment, and it is up to the government to demonstrate just how seriously it takes the issue. So far the National Screening Committee has said that it will not consider screening for asbestos illnesses.

There are many reasons why better screening makes sense, from ensuring justice for affected families in the form of asbestos compensation to improving treatment timescales and therefore enhancing the lifespan and quality of life of patients.

There is no doubt that asbestos is the biggest industrial disease killer in Britain's history. For example, it is thought that asbestos illnesses such as mesothelioma kill around 4,000 construction workers each year.

Early screening, says Clydeside, allows for early detection which in turn helps patients "start making plans for their life and their families and so forth, but also to receive any form of treatment that may be available."

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