Inhaling asbestos dust and fibres can result in suffering serious and sometimes fatal diseases, however the diseases seldom appear until 20 years or more after breathing the asbestos dust.
The related diseases are:
This is thickening of the lining of the lung and can cause impairment of the functioning of the lung. Therefore it can result in breathlessness and difficulty breathing. Asbestos was extensively used for many different purposes both across industry and domestically during the 20th century. As we are now fully aware this posed a substantial risk to those exposed to the material.Whilst the dangers of being exposed to asbestos have been known about for many decades it took far too long for action to be taken and industry was slow to react. Many people are now suffering with asbestos related industrial diseases. Here we deal with Pleural Thickening: The pleura is a two-layered membrane which surrounds the lungs and lines the inside of the rib cage. Asbestos fibres inhaled into lungs work their way out to the pleura and may cause fibrosis or scarring to develop there. The "thickening" that then occurs takes two forms: Diffuse pleural thickening which extends over a large area and may restrict expansion of the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, and;Pleural plaques which are more localised areas of thickening, that don’t usually affect breathing
This is fibrosis
or scarring of the lungs and this causes increasing breathlessness and coughing.
One of the main injuries or diseases that is caused by such exposure is "Asbestosis".
Here we discuss the problem and the legal solution:Asbestosis is the scarring
of lung tissue (around terminal bronchioles and alveolar ducts) resulting from
the inhalation of asbestos fibres. There are two types of fibres, amphibole
(thin and straight) and serpentine (curved). The former are primarily responsible
for human disease as they are able to penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause
an inflammatory reaction.The real effects and symptoms of exposure to asbestos
can take decades to show themselves. Asbestosis can take up to 25 years to fully
manifest. The main symptoms are breathlessness, on exertion but as the condition
progresses even at rest. Others problems include tiredness, coughing, chest
tightness and chest pain. If you or a relative were exposed to dust or fibres
during your working life and believe this may have caused problems - you may
be able to claim no win no fee asbestos compensation. Speak to a specialist
solicitor to find out what legal solutions may be open to you.
Exposure to asbestos
can increase the risk of developing lung cancer and can cause lung cancer.
Lung cancer is one example of a condition that could be related to the work
environment particularly for those who have used or been exposed to asbestos
during their employment.As most people know the mineral was extensively used
for many different purposes throughout the 20th century without the dangers
being fully realised. From the early 80's the use of asbestos has been scaled
down and then finally banned (with a few exceptions). However this move came
far too late for many suffering from symptoms of exposure to asbestos with conditions
such as asbestosis disease, pleural thickening.Whilst smoking remains the number
one cause of lung cancer and disease in the UK, there may be a link to a victims
past employment. You may wish to also read our pages regarding mesothelioma
claims and related issues.
This is a fatal cancer of the lining of the lung or abdomen. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused generally by exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. The mesothelial cells cover the outer surface of most of our internal body organs and form a lining which is where this type of cancer gets its name. More people die in Britain from asbestos linked cancer than are killed in road accidents. Up to 2000 people die each year because of related conditions such as mesothelioma.As with other types of asbestos related cancers the symptoms can take some time to reveal themselves, 20-50 years being the normal timescales.The scientific view is that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos dust. Asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma can be caused by very low levels of exposure to asbestos dust. It is now generally held by the courts that from 1965 onwards employers should have known that exposing their employees to even low levels of asbestos dust created a significant health risk of employees suffering asbestos related cancers and therefore precautions must be taken to avoid exposing employees to asbestos dust. An asbestos victim may be entitled to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit if the asbestos related disease was caused by asbestos at work. This benefit is dealt with by Jobcentre Plus. The benefit is only paid to asbestos victims who have diffuse pleural thickening or lung cancer (with also asbestosis or diffuse pleural thickening) or mesothelioma. You will be asked to attend a medical examination.
Asbestos Awareness
Training is the first step to prevention.