What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is comprised of a group of naturally occurring minerals with fine, durable fibres. These fibres are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals while lacking conductivity and so was used extensively in many different areas such as construction, manufacturing, the motor industry and is still found in many buildings such as schools, factories and churches as well as ships.
What was Asbestos used for?
The unique properties of asbestos made it an ideal material for various applications. It was used for:
- Insulation material for buildings, boilers, and pipes, providing effective heat resistance and insulation properties.
- Car brakes and floor tiles, where its robustness and heat resistance were valued for ensuring safety and durability.
- Insulating board used to safeguard buildings and ships against fire, owing to its ability to withstand high temperatures and act as a barrier against flames.
- Asbestos cement utilised in roofing sheets and pipes, offering strength and durability while also providing weatherproofing and insulation qualities.
What are the health risks associated with Asbestos?
Asbestos can cause the following diseases:
Pleural thickening
Pleural thickening can occur after asbestos exposure. This is when the lining of the lung (the pleura) thickens and swells. If this continues to get worse, the lung itself can be squeezed. This can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a rare but serious lung condition that affects people exposed to asbestos. It is a serious scarring condition of the lung that normally occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos over many years. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, persistent cough and wheezing. There is no cure for this condition however treatment can alleviate the symptoms.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer which commonly starts in the layers of tissue that cover the lungs (the pleura) There aren’t usually many symptoms associated with the early stages of mesothelioma. Therefore, due to it usually being diagnosed at a later stage, unfortunately, mesothelioma is almost always fatal.
Employer’s duties
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 came into force on 6 April 2012. The Regulations set out an employer’s legal duties for protecting employees from risks associated with exposure to asbestos.
If you have suffered injury or disease as a result of being exposed to asbestos fibres, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Asbestos-related disease claims can be difficult, as exposure may have occurred some time ago and may have come from a number of sources. However, our team are experienced in handling the most complex of asbestos related disease cases.
We can assist you in determining who is liable for your injury regardless of how long ago the exposure occurred. However, there are often strict time limits in relation to bringing your claim, so it is important to act quickly. Get in touch with us on 0800 988 8082 or use our online enquiry form to discuss your specific circumstances and how we can help.
