Industrial Disease - Asbestos Related Illness

What is Asbestos Related Illness?

Asbestos related illness is one that is facing many generations of the UK's workforce who were exposed to this extremely dangerous substance without any knowledge of the long term risk they were putting themselves under. Asbestos was widely used throughout the UK from the 1950s to mid 1980s despite both employers and the government being aware of the health risks it posed. In these situations, employers and the government failed to protect workers.

Asbestos related illness is caused by tiny fibres being breathed into the lungs. The associated conditions may not manifest themselves for 15 to 60 years after exposure - but when they do they can be serious.

If you have worked or currently work in one of the following occupations you may not realise it but you may be affected:

heating and ventilation engineers carpenters and joiners roofing contractors plasterers fire & burglar alarm installers gas fitters general maintenance staff e.g. caretakers cable layers electricians demolition workers plumbers

painters & decorators construction workers shop fitters computer installers telecommunications engineers building surveyors steel workers engineers railway workers manufacturers dockers and transport workers

This list is not exhaustive. You may have been exposed to asbestos fibres whilst working in other industries. You could live with people who are or were exposed to asbestos and be affected, as could anyone who lives, or has lived, in an area where asbestos has been a problem.

What are the symptoms?

There are five main diseases associated with exposure to asbestos, they are:

Disease	Symptoms
Pleural Plaques - Localised areas of scar tissue attaching to the outer wall of the lung.	They do not cause symptoms or lung disability unless very widespread.
Diffuse Pleural Fibrosis - Thickening of the outer layer of either one or both lungs.	Usually gradually increasing in breathlessness and the sensation of tightness in the chest. May become disabling.
Asbestosis - A condition of the lung as a result of prolonged exposure to asbestos and/or asbestos dust.	Gradually developing breathlessness on exertion, often with a dry cough caused by shrinkage and scarring of the lungs.
Lung Cancer - The most common complication of asbestosis.	Persistant cough, coughing up blood/sputum, mild chest pains, shortness of breath/wheezing and clubbing (an odd shape of the fingernails).
Malignant Mesothelioma - A tumour of the lining of the chest wall and the most serious complication of asbestos exposure.	Severe breathlessness that occurs over a relatively short period of time, in many cases developing many years after the exposure to asbestos, and usually associated with some chest pain or discomfort.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and want to know if you are suffering from a related condition, make an appointment to see your GP. If medical examination indicates that you do have an asbestos related illness, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

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If you have any concerns about asbestos exposure and related injuries speak with one of our specialists today who will be able discuss your case in complete confidence and advise you appropriately.

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