Tradesmen across Scotland are the target of a new national campaign warning them to beware of a hidden killer − asbestos.

A total of 2617 of Scottish men died from mesothelioma − a cancer caused by breathing in the deadly fibres − between 1981 and 2005, higher than the national average. (A full breakdown of figures can be found in "notes to editors")

Every week across Britain around 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related diseases and the numbers are increasing.

Workers most at risk of exposure to asbestos are those most likely to disturb or damage it and breathe in the fibres such as plumbers, joiners and electricians.

It is these groups that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is working to protect through its 'Asbestos: The hidden killer' campaign which launched on 2 November.

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It aims to raise awareness of the risks posed by asbestos and how workers can best protect themselves.

Anyone working on a building that was built or refurbished before the year 2000 could be exposed to asbestos without even knowing it. In the UK, around 500,000 non-domestic buildings contain asbestos and it remains a very real threat.

Greg Haywood, Head of HSE's Asbestos Licensing Unit, based in Edinburgh, said: "Asbestos is Britain's biggest industrial killer and remains a very real threat to workers in Scotland.

"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 100 per cent certain that there is no asbestos where you are working, then don't start work. It is not worth the risk.

"Think of it as not just protecting yourself, but also protecting your family and loved ones from unnecessary heartache."

The campaign is being supported by unions, employers' representatives, health charities, sufferers and victims groups.

(CD/BMcC)