Asbestos Awareness Week is held in the last week of November each year and is a reminder of the continuing effects of asbestos. Unfortunately, Australia has one of the world's highest rates of asbestos related disease. The use of asbestos in Australia has been banned since 2003, including its import and export. However, because of its use over many years, people continue to suffer the effects of asbestos exposure. According to an August 2010 Safe Work Australia report, Asbestos-related Disease Indicators, in the 10 years ending 2008, the number of deaths attributed to asbestosis has more than doubled, while deaths from mesothelioma have grown 50%. Adviceline Injury Lawyers continue to fight hard for victims of asbestos related diseases. For further information about entitlements arising as a result of an asbestos related disease please contact us on (03) 9321 9988.