Asbestos Advice Helpline
Recent statistics show that 1% of all UK men over the age of 40 have been affected by asbestos and are eligable for compensation.
Asbestos is a mineral which occurs naturally and is still mined in some parts of the world. 2 million fibres can fit on a pin head and can cause fatal diseases.
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Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma may be caused by breathing in just 1 fibre of asbestos. It is an aggressive fatal form of terminal cancer and there is no cure. |
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Asbestosis: This is usually caused by exposure to larg amounts of asbestos fibres and results in coughing and wheezing due to the lungs inability to supply sufficient oxygen. |
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Lung Cancer: Cancerous tumours can develop from asbestos exposure. Dust compounded by heavy smoking can result in coughing, phlegm and loss of appetite. |
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Pleural Thickening: Dust can cause the lining of the lungs (the pleura) to thicken. This can cause shortness in breath and tightening of the chest. |
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Pleural Plaques: This is where the lining of the lungs has been scarred due to asbestos exposure. There are generally no symptoms and this condition is not life threatening. |
Following a recent decision in the House of Lords, you cannot claim asbestos compensation for Pleural Plaques unless the Pleural Plaques are causing symptoms.
Asbestos was used for many purposes as it has useful qualities. It is flame resistant, a good insulator and acid resistant but people who worked with it are at risk. If you worked in the following industries you may have been exposed to asbestos:
- Dock yard workers
- Power station workers
- Demolition Workers
- Joiners, Plumbers and Electricians
- Heating and Ventilation Engineers
It's most common uses were paste for lagging pipe work and boards to create fire walls.
