Introduction 3-5. DAST s service 5-6. Our Support Group Compensation and Benefits Action Mesothelioma Day

Transcription

1 DAST Annual Report

2 Contents Introduction 3-5 DAST s service 5-6 Our Support Group 7-11 Compensation and Benefits Action Mesothelioma Day Mesothelioma in the Midlands Conference Mesothelioma Act Fundraising Contact Details and Acknowledgments

3 Introduction by Dave Trigg WELCOME TO THIS THE DAST ANNUAL REPORT FOR Thank you for taking the time to pick up and read this - the DAST Annual report. As with last year's report I don't think anything has changed from that which I wrote in the first two paragraphs: the workload has again increased. With a region covering the whole of the East Dave Trigg Midlands and with more people being aware of the existence of DAST and the incidence of asbestos diseases ever increasing, then the workload has to increase; and with the increase in workload comes the penalty that is an increase in costs incurred by the team; therefore, any grant, donation, bequest will be most welcome. We now have a fund raiser working part-time. Sarah has done a remarkable job in raising the DAST profile, bringing in much needed funds and she has also further developed our 'Fundraising Strategy 2013' document to take us forward into Awareness meetings Joanne and the team have been out and about with the 'Asbestos in the Home' exhibition. It is portable so if any organisation would like to run it please contact the office. We are now thinking about a theme for We held our usual November event at the 'Spot Centre' in Derby; this, as always, was well received by all who attended, and is a credit to Joanne and the team who organised it. We also acted as hosts, again at the 'Spot Centre', for the joint East Midlands/West Midlands Support Groups annual awareness event. These events are always popular with you, so if you have any suggestions for 3

4 topics that you would like to see presented at these events please let us know. At the joint meeting we had Kate Green. MP, Shadow Minister (Work and Pensions) as a speaker, she also spoke at the recent All Party Parliamentary Safety & Health Group Asbestos sub- Committee seminar. At both events she gave an overview of what a future Labour government will deliver regarding asbestos issues. We will be holding any new Labour Government to these promises. 4 Mesothelioma Bill Last year I wrote about the consultation process for the Mesothelioma Bill, where I stated "The consultation process for this Bill really cannot be called a consultation. It was drawn up behind closed doors by the Association of British Insurers and the government. Despite strenuous efforts by claimants solicitors; claimants groups including DAST; trade unions; medical experts and some strands of the media, their views were totally ignored. The scheme proposed by the ABI, being the one, only one, in the consultation. It has several flaws to it and is watered down from what is felt to be the ideal solution". This was only an opinion based on how our groups and friends had been treated during the consultation process. More information was leaked during this past year supporting our thoughts. It was also obvious during the debates on the Bill in the Commons where references to a done deal were made by the Government. (See 'Hansard' for Jan 'Mesothelioma Bill). Even more was to come out on 1st August 2014 when The House of Commons Justice Select Committee published a report 'Mesothelioma Claims' which looked at the consultation process and did indeed find it flawed and acknowledged the link between the insurance industry and the government. It showed that the Bill was drawn up by the two parties for the benefit of the insurers, to the detriment of those who need, and are legally entitled to the compensation, the mesothelioma sufferers and their families, where the insurers cannot be found. Disgraceful.

5 Thank you As with previous years I would like to thank all who have helped DAST this past year, and previous years; our panel solicitors and the Trade Unions with whom we work closely. Finally special thanks have to go to Joanne and Natalie and new member Paul (who works part-time) who do all the hard work on a day to day basis, going out to see claimants, following up on cases and also organising the events that we hold each year. THANK YOU. Dave Trigg, Chair. DAST DAST s service DAST offers help and support to anyone diagnosed with an asbestos related disease as well as their family and carers. We offer a home visit to everyone who needs our service and we travel throughout the East Midlands. The holistic service includes advice on welfare benefits and Government Compensation. We also advise about Civil Compensation either through Trade Union membership or former Trade Union membership, or through our expert panel of Solicitors, who act for Trade Unions and, therefore, have detailed knowledge and understanding of working conditions. DAST continues to work with Macmillan Cancer Support, to steer the work of the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST). Macmillan Cancer Support has also funded Coffee Mornings and the Mesothelioma in the Midlands Conference and we are very grateful for their continued support of DAST. Throughout the year we receive many requests about travel insurance and, therefore, can supply you with a range of insurance companies from different sources including Macmillan Cancer Support. We also have a range of other resources to help you live a better quality of life. 5

6 Examples of our work:- Case Study 1 - Working in the claimant s best interests - researching work history Mr T has dual Nationality South African and British. He was diagnosed with Mesothelioma and his Lung Cancer Nurse contacted DAST. He worked for a British Company, Turner and Newall, in Rhodesia, in the asbestos mine maintaining machinery. One of the criteria for the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is that the claimant must be an employed earner. A person is classed as an employed earner if they paid or ought to have paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions. Mr T had not paid any Class 1 contributions to the UK. Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit rang to say they would have to refuse Mr T benefit. We provided evidence about Turner and Newall and, therefore, the DWP agreed on the balance of probability that Mr T ought to have paid Class 1 contributions. He was awarded Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit plus the lump sum from the Government. 6 Case Study 2 - Representation at Tribunals We continue to take cases to tribunals in respect of lung cancer. Mr S worked for a company that had responsibility for maintaining big industrial chicken sheds. Mr S had to construct, repair and insulate these buildings using asbestos. The Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Unit turned his claim down stating he was not a lagger. This is a misinterpretation of the rules. The tribunal accepted it is the nature of the job that is important when applying the law and not the job title. Therefore, arrears of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit of 3,162 were awarded which also resulted in a lump sum from the government amounting to over 40,000 being paid.

7 Our Support Group As well as offering benefits and compensation advice we act as a support group to anyone diagnosed with asbestos related diseases. Therefore, throughout the year we hold meetings to bring people together as well as hearing from a range of speakers on relevant issues. Support Group Meetings In November our pre-christmas meeting was held at the Spot in Derby. Speakers included Julie Robinson from Move it or Lose it ; always a popular speaker, Julie includes a demonstration and gets everyone involved. Also speaking was Christine Winter from Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP), Joanne Gordon, DAST Co-ordinator and East Midlands UNITE General Secretary, Annmarie Kilcline. Since we established in 2002, UNITE the union have always been very supportive of DAST. Pictured above: Our Chair Dave Trigg (right) and Dave Fisher practising the Move it or Lose it movements. 7

8 We also held a meeting in Nottingham with Dr Frank who is an eminent Doctor from the US who has acted as a medical expert in Mesothelioma claims in America. As Dr Frank was speaking at a Conference in Nottingham, he agreed to speak at our meeting on the same evening. He was extremely knowledgeable, informative and approachable and we really appreciated him giving up his spare time to talk to us. Pictured left: Joanne Gordon and Dr Frank. Coffee Mornings Following the success of the coffee mornings last year we have held further coffee mornings/afternoon tea in Grimsby, Leicester, Kettering and Derby. The purpose of these social get-togethers is to allow people to chat together and share experiences in an informal and relaxed setting. As Liz Darlison from Mesothelioma UK attended the Leicester, Grimsby and Derby events we provided a private space where people could seek advice and ask her clinical questions. DAST was also on hand to answer any benefits questions. 8

9 Raising Awareness about the dangers of exposure to asbestos Throughout the year we have continued to raise awareness about the dangers of exposure to asbestos. During the year we have attended various conferences and events including the Royal Hospital, Chesterfield and the staff conference at Nottingham City Homes. Pictured above: Shay Boyle with our Asbestos House Awareness Project Yvette Oldham and Angela Sharp, both of whom have been affected by Mesothelioma, gave a talk to employees at the Nottingham City Homes Conference, highlighting their experiences. A big thank you to Yvette and Angela for their continued support and for bravely sharing their personal experiences. 9

10 Pictured above: Yvette Oldham and Angela Sharp at the Nottingham City Homes Conference Ever thought About Asbestos? Asbestos affects us all Young or old anyone may fall Victim to the Killer dust Prevention and safety is a must. It can be found in homes and schools In public buildings we may use It really is time to listen and care Asbestos can be anywhere. Awareness is always the key To staying as safe as you can be Protect yourself and others too It really does affect you. Poem written by Helen Redfern whose family have been affected by Mesothelioma. The poem now forms part of our banner pens to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos. 10

11 Website During this year, we have changed and upgraded our website to allow us to continually update it. We hope the new website is user friendly, please have a look at Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum DAST is proud to be an active member of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum (AVSGF) which is an umbrella organisation representing asbestos support groups. The Forum' s main purpose is to work collectively to provide one voice for asbestos victims. Over the years the Forum have had many successes including the campaign for uniformity of treatment and was instrumental in the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommending the chemotherapy drug, ALIMTA. Compensation and Benefits The table overleaf illustrates the amount of benefits and compensation DAST has helped people with an asbestos related disease to recover. The benefits include Industrial Injuries Disablement benefit a benefit payable where asbestos related diseases are caused by work. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) is the new Government benefit for care and mobility for people under the age of 65. Attendance Allowance (AA) is for care needs of victims over 65. Other benefits relate to all benefits including means tested benefits, Employment and Support Allowance and War Pensions. The table illustrates the amount recovered under the Government Compensation Schemes and Civil Compensation. 11

12 Compensation and Benefits Area Disease IIDB WCS Derbyshire Mesothelioma/Lung Cancer 195, ,623 Other diseases 4, Chesterfield Mesothelioma/Lung cancer 59, ,935 Other diseases Bolsover Mesothelioma/Lung Cancer 30,680 48,319 Other diseases 9,855 8,495 North East Mesothelioma/Lung Cancer 3,252 13,295 Derbyshire Other diseases 24,513 16,579 Derby Mesothelioma/Lung Cancer 148, ,230 Other diseases 7,196 18,658 Leicestershire Mesothelioma/Lung Cancer 375, ,407 Other diseases 21,615 84,905 Nottinghamshire Mesothelioma/Lung Cancer 307, ,873 Other diseases 24,181 58,826 Northants Mesothelioma/Lung Cancer 230, ,727 Other diseases 37,088 22,174 Other areas Mesothelioma/Lung Cancer 114, ,485 Asbestosis/Pleural Thickening 1,195 5,257 No Home visit Other diseases 2,590 6,491 Lincolnshire Mesothelioma/Lung Cancer 483,210 1,187,758 Other diseases 50,533 38, Key WCS - Workers Compensation Scheme Mesothelioma Scheme IIDB - Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit PIP/AA - Personal Independence Payments /Attendance Allowance Carers - Carers Allowance Other diseases - Asbestosis, Pleural Thickening

13 2008 Scheme PIP/AA Carers Other benefits Compensation Total 7,180 33,262 3,994 30, , ,207 15,056 14,654 5, , ,272 86,921 18,350 7,160 15,000 38,707 33,465 74,557 23,742 8, ,201 1,033, ,000 25,854 61,124 56, ,000 1,597,479 5, ,220 17, ,516 26, ,000 1,456,365 83,007 14,269 30,725 31,320 1,015,678 1,894,086 59,262 18,835 17, , ,521 6,452 16,000 25,081 62,871 60, , ,000 2,025,479 89,241 13

14 Compensation and Benefits Advice Derbyshire Chesterfield Bolsover North East Derbyshire Derby Leicstershire Nottinghamshire Northamptonshire Lincolnshire Other The graph above shows the number of home visits undertaken by DAST for each area. 14

15 Action Mesothelioma Day 2014 The Importance of Action Mesothelioma Day In 2006 The British Lung Foundation designated a date for Action Mesothelioma Day. This is very important for families, support groups and professionals supporting those diagnosed with mesothelioma. It gives us an opportunity to highlight the issues facing victims to the media and politicians. Action Mesothelioma Day is also a very important day for bringing everyone together to share their experiences, remember loved ones and calling for Action. Every year since 2006 there has been a theme and a call for action. A call for properly funded research During the year under review, our theme called on the Government to facilitate the establishment of a long-term sustainable Mesothelioma research scheme funded by the insurance industry. It is tremendous the progress that has already been made but we need more resources. We know research is very important because in 2013 at the Mesothelioma in the Midlands Conference we asked victims for their campaigning priorities and top of the list was RESEARCH. It is for this reason that the Asbestos Support Groups Forum launched the Mesothelioma Pledge. We received a tremendous response. Action Mesothelioma Day 2014 Action Mesothelioma Day on the 4th July was well attended at Leicester Cathedral. With the support of 140 people attending, it was a perfect day for Action and Hope for the future. Beautiful reflective music was played by Yvonne Bloor as people arrived at the Cathedral. The service began with welcomes and the Lord Mayor led speakers and dignitaries to place their message doves on the tree of hope. 15

16 Action Mesothelioma Day dove release The service was about hope and Dr Michael Peake spoke about the gradual changes for supporting patients and how best to optimise care, leading on to Professor Dean Fennell who spoke about the pioneering trials now taking place. Alastair Ault bravely spoke about his experience as a patient and gave an honest account of his journey with Mesothelioma. Jill Lemon from Mesothelioma UK spoke about the work of Mesothelioma UK calling for action for everyone to sign the Mesothelioma Pledge. Joanne Gordon endorsed this vitally important message as more money is needed for further research into Mesothelioma. Joanne concluded her speech with two poems written by a member and volunteer of DAST. Afterwards everyone emerged from the Cathedral into beautiful sunshine where doves were released as an expression of hope for the future. 16

17 Mesothelioma in the Midlands Conference The fourth Mesothelioma in the Midlands Conference was held in Derby in May. It is once again thanks to Macmillan Cancer Support for funding this conference. The conference enables DAST and Asbestos Support West Midlands to work together to provide a programme of speakers for Mesothelioma patients; it also enables patients to share their experiences. Gerry Slade - Mesothelioma Specialist Nurse Gerry Slade is a Mesothelioma Nurse Specialist at Papworth Hospital and representative for Mesothelioma UK. Gerry talked about the support available for Pictured above: Gerry Slade Mesothelioma patients, in particular her top ten tips for a better quality of life which was very reassuring. Chris Knighton - Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund Chris always amazes audiences with her determination to raise money for Mesothelioma research. Chris established the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund and together with the British Lung Foundation launched the Mesobank. The Mesobank is a ground-breaking new facility to support vital research into the nature, causes and treatment of Mesothelioma. The facility collects and stores biological tissue from mesothelioma patients. This tissue can then be used by doctors and researchers when looking for future treatments to help the 17

18 growing number of people in the UK diagnosed with Mesothelioma each year. Chris is also on the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. The James Lind Alliance are undertaking a piece of research that gives patients, carers and family members affected by the disease an opportunity to identify and prioritise unanswered questions about Mesothelioma. Kate Green MP At the Conference Kate Green MP pledged that a Labour Government would improve compensation and legal justice, would pursue sustainable funding for research and raise awareness of the dangers of exposure to asbestos. The Government has recently brought into force the Mesothelioma Act 2014, which will pay compensation to anyone who cannot trace the insurer of the negligent company that exposed them to asbestos. Pictured above: Kate Green MP The scheme is paid for by a 3% levy on the insurance industry. Kate Green s first promise was to enshrine the 3% levy in law. The Act allows payment to Mesothelioma victims diagnosed after 24th July, 2012 who cannot trace the relevant insurer. There will be a spike in claims during the first four years due to payment of backdated claims. However, after that it will allow for a higher rate of payment than the current 80% of average civil damages. In fact, it will allow for the 100% compensation which we have been calling for. Kate Green MP further stated that it would also leave funding to pay for research into Mesothelioma. Therefore, the Labour Government would pursue discussions with the research community and the insurance industry to ensure that funding for research is secure and sustainable. 18 Kate Green MP commented It is shameful that research into this devastating disease is so seriously under-funded. That the

19 insurance industry should help fund this research is widely accepted it s what researchers want, it s what patients and their families want, and even insurers are supportive. Kate Green MP also pledged that a Labour Government would work with contractors, industry and trade unions to ensure that systems are in place to widely spread information and advice about the dangers of exposure to asbestos through industry and DIY supply chains or via a targeted public information campaign. Over the recent years, there has been a shocking attack on legal justice. Powerful lobbying by the insurance industry has seen a move to their advantage in the way legal claims are funded. According to Kate Green MP, A Labour Government would stop any more drift towards anti-claimant policies. Joanne Gordon - Asbestos Support Groups Forum Joanne talked about the role of the Asbestos Support Groups Forum explaining that it is a collective of support groups who come together to influence the political agenda to ensure the best available support, treatment and legal justice for people suffering from asbestos related diseases. She talked about the Forum s work in three key areas - Legal Justice, Prevention (raising awareness) and Research and stated that the Forum would hold a new Labour Government to the promises made by Kate Green MP. Mr Waller - Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at Glenfield Hospital Mr Waller gave an excellent and upbeat talk about future surgical options and new trials available in the treatment of Mesothelioma. Pictured above: Mr Waller 19

20 Michelle Wimslow - Macmillan Cancer Support Oral History Lead Michelle spoke about her project with Macmillan Cancer Support. The project is to capture the lives and stories of people who have a life limiting condition. The project is not about documenting the illness but rather about providing a voice recording and a memory of a life well lived. Jazz singer, Cathy Hamlyn brought the conference to a close and we received excellent feedback as well as media coverage for the event. Plans are underway for Mesothelioma Act 2014 The aim of the newly-established Mesothelioma Act is to allow victims of Mesothelioma, who could not trace the negligent company that exposed them to asbestos, to apply for compensation. It s about time too!! The Asbestos Support Groups Forum have been campaigning for this for many years. Although the Insurers have taken the premiums, sometimes the negligent company s Insurer cannot be traced, leaving victims with no compensation. How it will be financed This payment scheme will be financed through a 3% levy on the insurance industry; the Government is also providing 17 million of tax payers money at the outset. The claims are being handled by Gallagher Bassett. They started accepting claims on 6th April 2014 and the first payments began in July Of course we welcome this new Act, but it does not go far enough. 20 Who will get a payment? The conditions of the Act are: It must be proved that the company was, in fact, negligent in exposing a person to asbestos

21 It is only applicable to victims of Mesothelioma Diagnosis of Mesothelioma must be from 25th July 2012 It will pay 80% of average compensation. Out of this payment they will have to deduct all benefits and/or Government compensation such as the lump sum received under the Workers Compensation Act or the Diffuse Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payment Scheme of Improvements to the scheme The Government has included 7,000 in the scheme to pay legal costs. If the legal costs exceed this amount then the claimant will be expected to cover the excess. It is very likely that some unscrupulous firms will see the 7,000 as a flat fee to make a profit. Another worry about the scheme is that, if people are unsuccessful in their application for a payment under the scheme, they may be liable for legal costs. However, reputable firms of Solicitors will not make such a charge for unsuccessful claims, but some firms may not have such high moral standards. Another problem with the scheme is that any benefits received must be paid back in full. This means 80% of average compensation but 100% of recovery of benefits and compensation. This is a further insult to injury compared to civil claims, because civil claims are broken down into heads of damage including past and future losses, some benefits may not actually be recoverable. The money from the scheme takes no account for individual losses. Campaigning issues The Forum have set down a resolution of campaigning priorities to improve the scheme 1. Provide compensation at 100% not 80% 21

22 2. Provide compensation for all those who cannot pursue a civil claim for compensation due to an industrial disease, accident or death because a relevant employer or insurer cannot be traced or the relevant employer did not have Employers Liability Insurance. This would specifically include those suffering from asbestos related conditions including asbestos related lung cancer, pleural thickening and asbestosis. 3. Apply to people diagnosed with an industrial disease from the date of the commencement of the 2010 consultation 4. Provide for the writing into law of the 3% levy on the insurance industry that in part funds the scheme 5. Provide for any funds from the 3% levy remaining after the payment of claims under a scheme extended by the above provisions to be devoted to funding medical research into asbestos related diseases. The Asbestos Support Groups Forum has gained the support of Labour MP Kate Green along with other MPs and Trade Unions who have committed to supporting improvements to the scheme. 22 Pictured above: Mesothelioma Vigil - Campaigning for change outside the Labour Party Conference September A number of Labour MPs joined our vigil.

23 Exposing the deal During the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, (after much campaigning from victims and the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum), the Government made an exemption for Mesothelioma victims from costs associated with bringing a civil claim until they had time to consult and review the impact of removing the exemption on Mesothelioma victims and families. Currently Mesothelioma victims do not have to pay anything out of their compensation. The situation is different for other personal injury claimants, including those diagnosed with asbestosis, pleural thickening and asbestos related lung cancer. The Government wanted to remove that exemption, without, in our view, a proper assessment of the impact on victims and families. The Forum called for a review. During this review it came to light that there had been a deal between the insurance industry and the Government. Proposals would be put in place to save the insurers money in exchange for the Mesothelioma Act The results of the Justice Select Committee stated that the review undertaken by the Government was maladroit (bungling and tactless) and called for the Government to undertake a fresh consultation. Was a deal done with the Government and the insurance industry? Mirror Investigator asked the question. Did the Government agree to a deal which would mean that insurers no longer have to pay victims fees if, in return, the industry funded the cost of Mesothelioma Act compensation? In a House of Commons hearing of the Justice Committee, Labour MP John McDonnell put this to James Dalton of the Association of British Insurers. When Mr Dalton failed to give a straight answer after repetition of the question, Mr McDonnell responded: I think we ll take that as a yes. 23

24 Ian McFall who is Head of Asbestos Litigation at Thompsons Solicitors, told the Mirror reporter that he is in no doubt that A deal was done behind closed doors between the Government and the Association of British Insurers designed to achieve substantial savings for insurers by reducing the cost of claims, Mesothelioma sufferers have paid enough already, they will pay with their lives for having gone to work, why should they also have to pay legal costs for being compensated? The very fact that the claimant in principle can be liable for their own legal fees is a disincentive for some to pursue a claim. According to the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum s research 14% of victims do not want to claim because of the stress and anxiety they are already under. This figure will rise if the exemption is removed. David Vs Goliath - And We Won! The Asbestos Support Groups Forum also launched a Judicial Review arguing the Government failed to properly consult. Despite all the odds, we won. The Government has the power, the Association of British Insurers have the money, but the Forum and Victims have right on their side. The Forum exposed their shoddy deal and their plans which would have disadvantaged victims. 24

25 Fundraising Walk a Mile for Mesothelioma This year we launched a new fundraising initiative called Walk a Mile for Mesothelioma. We chose this as our new annual event because it is recommended that Mesothelioma sufferers take gentle exercise and a short walk is an ideal DAST s Walk a mile in Nottingham way to do this. Those suffering from Mesothelioma and their families can join in this event to raise sponsorship money in support of DAST s services. Walks took place throughout the East Midlands during September, including one at Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham. This was organised by the DAST team and local supporters were invited to join in.the initiative proved to be very successful. Keep DAST Running! DAST supporters raised over 4,000 by running in the Manchester 10K. On a hot summer s day in May eight runners pounded the city streets and did DAST proud thanks to everyone who took part! Pictures from the BUPA 10k 25

26 DAST is Charity of the Year! Early in 2014, DAST learned that they had been nominated as Charity of the Year by staff at Nottingham City Homes. Throughout the remainder of 2014, the workforce have been organising a range of activities in order to raise money for DAST including bake sales and bike rides. A big thank you to everyone! Our Community Friends and relatives of those affected by Mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases have been working hard this year to raise awareness and funds for DAST. Stuart Beal organised a bike ride from Skegness to Nottingham with a group of friends, whilst his daughter, Evie Swift, had all of her hair shaved off! Pictured above: At the finish of the cycle ride from Skegness to Nottingham. 26 Evie Swift with William Bear. Cycling challenge by family and friends of Mesothelioma victim Colin Blurton.

27 Meanwhile Deborah Goodacre has been tireless in her efforts to boost DAST s funds in her home city of Derby. Many of her events have taken place in the Royal Crown pub thanks to landlord Lee Blurton. Hot House Gospel Choir donated proceeds from their CD. Shoppers at Waitrose in Buxton supported DAST through the supermarket s green token scheme. We were presented with a cheque for 270. Tata Steel Electrical and Process Control Department donated 500. Sarah Walters receiving the cheque from Waitrose We also received valuable publicity from Pretty Nostalgic magazine, who allowed us to tell their community of vintageloving readers why house renovations and old collectables can seriously damage their health. 27