Asbestos Related Diseases
Asbestos is a material that was used in buildings and equipment to provide insulation and fire protection. It contains tiny fibres of sharp dust which if become airborne and inhaled into the lungs can result in serious damage often not until many years after exposure. The dust settles into the lungs and begins to damage tissues. According to the Health and Safety Executive asbestos killed 50,000 people between 1968 and 1998.
 There are three main types of asbestos still found in some buildings today; ‘Blue Asbestos’ (Crocidolite), ‘Brown Asbestos’ (Amosite) and ‘White Asbestos’ (Chrysotile). They are all dangerous however, blue and brown asbestos are more hazardous and have been banned for many years. White asbestos has also been banned except for certain uses.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been exposed to asbestos. Whilst most people came into contact with asbestos as work others have been affected from residing next to or working close to manufacturing sites and factories that used asbestos. It is also known that people have been exposed to asbestos dust from overalls worn by workers and even in public parks and children’s playgrounds. Exposure does not necessarily mean that it will result in ill-health. If you think you have been exposed to asbestos and are concerned about your health we advise that a diagnosis is sought from a specialist doctor through a GP referral.
There are many conditions, some very serious, that can arise as a result of exposure to asbestos. These include:
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Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a term used to describe a type of damage done to the lungs as a result of inhaling asbestos dust. As the dust settles into the lungs it causes scarring which continues even after exposure has ended. Symptoms may not occur until 10 to 20 years after exposure to asbestos. Over time, it will result in increased breathlessness and abnormal chest sounds. Those who have worked with asbestos materials without any form of protection could suffer from seriously debilitating asbestosis resulting in heart failure.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is caused as a direct result of exposure to asbestos. It affects the lining of the lung, the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or occasionally the lining of the heart (the pericardium). It results in breathlessness, chest pain and discomfort. The cancer can take 20 to 50 years to develop after first being exposed to asbestos.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a form of lung disease that generally occurs as a result of smoking. However constant exposure to dusty environments where asbestos is used can also result in this disease. Symptoms include shortness of breath, hyperventilation and at later stages clubbing of the fingers may be observed.
Pleural Plaques
These are patches of thickened or scarred areas of the lining of the lungs (the pleura). Pleural plaques do not generally cause any symptoms however calcified (hardened) plaques may cause discomfort and considerable pain. There is no cure for this condition.
Diffuse Pleural Thickening
This condition is similar to pleural plaques but in this instance affects the larger areas of the pleura and can cause lung impairment affecting both lungs. In severe cases it can restrict breathing. The disease often takes over 20 years to develop after first being exposed to asbestos and again there is no cure for this condition.
Lung and other cancers
It has been known for many years that asbestos is a risk factor to lung cancer. Other cancers also known to be caused as a result of asbestos exposure include gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and larynx. The latency period (the time it takes for the disease to develop) for these cancers is around 15-30 years.
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Asbestos has been known to the UK Parliament to cause injury since the 19th Century.
It is by the failure of governments and employers to enforce stringent controls which has resulted in dangerous levels of asbestos exposure to people often resulting in the diseases mentioned above.
Amongst a list of Statutory Law providing general protection against industrial diseases such as asbestosis, specific Regulations have also been introduced to help control and prevent asbestos related diseases. Current asbestos Regulations include:
- The Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983, amended 1998
- Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 (CAW)
- Asbestos (Prohibition) Regulations 1992, amended 1999
Deceased
It is possible for dependants and relatives to make an asbestos claim for their deceased who suffered from an asbestos related disease, even if it was only known after their death. Call us for more information.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Victims of Asbestos related diseases are usually entitled to claim for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. To find out more click here.
Making a claim
We work with specialist solicitors who are experts in Asbestos Related Disease Claims and have successfully represented and won cases on behalf of many clients.
If you would like to discuss making a claim or for more information call us free on 0800 505 3397 to speak to one of our advisers or submit your claim online by completing our online claim form.
Please note that strict time limits apply for making a Personal Injury Claim. If you are considering making a claim, we advise that you pursue it as soon as possible. To read more about time limits click here.
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