Thousands of people every year are diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses. There are currently more than 5000 deaths from asbestos-related disease every year in the UK.
These life-threatening illnesses are caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres. People who have had intense or long-term exposure to asbestos are particularly at risk of getting an asbestos-related illness such as pleural thickening, asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a set of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals: chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthopyllite, tremolite and actinolite. Among these chrysotile and amosite are the most common.
Asbestos is classed as a human carcinogen. The fibres are microscopic, around 0.2 times the diameter of human hair, and are therefore easily inhaled. Once inhaled the fibres cling to the respiratory system, in particular the lining of the lungs, and the body cannot expel them.
What diseases can asbestos cause?
The four main illnesses caused by asbestos exposure are:
- Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma (a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs)
- Asbestosis (a non-malignant scarring of the lung tissue)
- Pleural Disease (non- malignant diffuse pleural thickening and pleural plaques)
What are the symptoms of an asbestos-related illness?
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath and tight chest
- Exhaustion
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fluid around the lungs
- Chest pain
All of these diseases have a long latency, meaning it takes a long time – typically decades – for symptoms to occur, following exposure to asbestos. However, for cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, cases are often rapidly fatal following the onset of the disease, while other conditions such as asbestosis may progress over time to seriously affect normal daily activity and lead to complications which can be fatal.
Mesothelioma is a particularly devastating diagnosis to receive as there is no cure and the average life expectancy is only 12-21 months.
Historical use of asbestos
Asbestos was used in many products for its fire and heat-resistant qualities.
Widespread use of asbestos- containing products in the past, particularly in the post WW2 building industry, led to a large increase in asbestos-related diseases in Great Britain over the last few decades. Annual deaths increased steeply over the last 50 years, largely as a result of asbestos exposure prior to 1980, and are expected to continue at current levels for the rest of the decade.
Asbestos use was banned in the UK in 1999, however it is estimated that at least 50% of all asbestos ever used is still present.
Who is affected?
Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will go on to develop an asbestos-related illness. People exposed to asbestos through their work are at the highest risk of illness and claims are high amongst those who have worked in certain industries, specifically heavy industry workers, those in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and railway engineering. Also at risk are tradesmen such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, laggers, painters and builders.
Other types of workers can also be at risk and successful claims have been brought by nurses, caretakers and teachers.
Secondary Exposure
It is possible to develop an asbestos-related disease without ever having worked in a high-risk job. Many wives and partners of people who worked with asbestos who regularly washed contaminated overalls or other work clothes went on to contract significant and sometimes fatal disease. Claims can also be made for people who have lived near factories and were exposed to asbestos dust in the atmosphere.
If you, or a loved one, has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease it may be possible to pursue a claim for compensation. If you have lost a loved one due to such an illness compensation may also be due. Please contact us without delay.
Taylor&Emmet have many years of experience in handling industrial disease claims and we will be happy to provide advice with regard to any potential claim. Please contact us on 0114 218 4000 or email info@tayloremmet.co.uk
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