text: Though many consider it to be yesterday's problem, some 5,000 people still die from asbestos-related diseases each year, making it a bigger killer than road traffic accidents. With around 20 tradespeople dying each week as a result from past exposure to asbestos too, it's far from the rapidly dwindling issue many presume it to be. That's why award-winning artist Joe Joiner, from East London, whose great-grandmother died after being exposed to the substance, has created a moving new art installation in tribute. Over 5000 people die from asbestos-related diseases each year, making it a bigger killer than road accidents . Over 50 families, all grieving for a loved one lost to asbestos exposure, have contributed heartfelt messages to a new moving artwork to help raise awareness, unveiled this week in Covent Garden, London . Currently on display in Covent Garden, London, the installation is made up of heartfelt messages from people who have lost loved ones to asbestos-related diseases. Many are widows whose husbands were exposed during trade work, children who have lost fathers, and others mourning wives, mothers and grandparents. Over 50 families have contributed to the art project, with personal messages to their departed. Created as part of HSE’s Beware Asbestos campaign, the artwork is made up of two huge glass boxes, inside which the messages float around representing a breathing pair of lungs. Award-winning artist Joe Joiner, from East London, has created the art installation as part of HSE’s Beware Asbestos campaign. Joe, whose great-grandmother died after being exposed to asbestos while working at a factory, revealed he initially thought it was a last-century phenomenon. However, while talking about his project with friends and family, more and more cases made themselves known . The messages, written on pieces of paper, are symbolic of the microscopic asbestos fibres inhaled by those exposed. Causing deadly diseases including mesothelioma, an aggressive form of lung cancer, asbestos can be a deadly killer to those unaware of its presence. Among the contributors is Lauren Ross, 56, from Didsbury, Manchester, who lost her husband Frank in 2007. Lauren Ross, 56, from Didsbury, Manchester, lost her husband Frank, a shop fitter and joiner, in 2007 to mesothelioma, an aggressive form of lung cancer caused by exposure to microscopic asbestos fibres . Mrs Ross joined other widows and families who have lost loved ones to asbestos-related diseases at the unveiling of the art installation in Covent Garden, London. She has vowed to continue raising awareness . A  shop fitter and joiner for most of his life, Frank died of mesothelioma aged 60, just a year after he was diagnosed with the condition. 'He first felt a pain in his side on holiday at the end of August 2005 and was treated at first for a pulled muscle,' recalls Mrs Ross. 'In January, he was sent for a chest X-ray due to the pain and some shortage of breath. Poignant: The messages in the installation are symbolic of the microscopic asbestos fibres inhaled by those exposed . 'He was told on 13 January what they thought he had and had further tests from there. He died a year later in February. 'What really upset Frank was the fact that he must have been bringing asbestos into our house for years, potentially affecting me and our four children,' she added. 'This was something he had absolutely no idea about.' Created as part of HSE’s Beware Asbestos campaign, the artwork is made up of two huge glass boxes, inside which the messages float around representing a breathing pair of lungs . Despite experiencing a great deal of pain, Frank continued to raise awareness about the risks of asbestos, and necessary measures to protect workers. 'Since his death I am determined to continue his work in raising awareness, and also to make it clear to tradespeople that - unless you follow all the necessary safety procedures - there is a chance you are taking asbestos home to the ones you love,' says Mrs Ross. 'I want people to be aware that deaths from exposure to asbestos are not a historic issue, but something that can happen to anyone today if the appropriate measures aren’t taken.' Over 50 families have contributed to the art project, with personal messages to their departed loved ones .
target: Award-winning artist has created tribute to loved ones killed by asbestos .
  The installation, unveiled in London, contains over 50 heartbreaking notes .
  More than 5000 people die from asbestos-related diseases each year .