Asbestos has been a popular building material since the 1950’s and is a naturally occurring fibrous material. It is used as an insulator that keeps the heat in and cold out. Its strong fibre protection means that it helps prevent corrosion.
If the building you are working on was built before the year 2000 then it is likely that some parts of the building contain asbestos. However, because asbestos is often mixed with another material it is often hard to tell if you’re working with it. Asbestos can be found in many products used in buildings, including ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boilers and sprayed coatings.
White, blue and brown asbestos are all potentially dangerous and have all been banned in the UK. If asbestos becomes damaged, its fine fibres become airborne. This means that they can be inhaled, if inhaled they trigger an inflammatory reaction in the lung tissue.
The body will then realise that there’s a problem and will send defensive white blood cells to attack the fibres. As the fibres usually resist and destroy the white blood cells, this promotes further inflammation and scarring of the lungs.
Anyone who’s exposed to asbestos may develop an asbestos related illness. There’s no safety measure on how long a person can work with asbestos before developing an illness, but it’s thought those who spend more time with it are at a higher risk. There are certain types of occupations that make it more likely for you to work with asbestos, especially if the building you are working on was built before the year 2000. These include:
| Electricians |
Cable layers |
| Building surveyors |
Painters and decorators |
| Telecommunications engineers |
General maintenance staff |
| Computer installers |
Heating and ventilation engineers |
| Demolition workers |
Carpenters and joiners |
| Plumbers |
Roofing contractors |
If you have been affected by asbestos the symptoms might not reveal themselves for 25-40 years later. Below are some symptoms to look out for:
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
- A cough
- Chest tightness and chest pain
There are four main diseases caused by asbestos:
- Mesothelioma, a very rare form of cancer that is only caused by the exposure to asbestos.
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
- Diffuse pleural thickening.
If you have developed an asbestos related illness then you may be able to make a claim for compensation. Our team of fully trained lawyers will be able to give you the information and advice that you need. No one should suffer illness or injury when at work, that’s why we will ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
For more information about asbestos injury then contact the Injury Lawyers on 0800 634 7575.
