About Asbestos: Understanding the Risks and Impacts
Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in Scotland and the wider UK.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral found in rock formations in various parts of the world. Known for its remarkable heat and fire-resistant properties, asbestos became a 'miracle material' during the industrial age. However, despite its practical uses in construction and engineering, the dangers of asbestos exposure have made it a significant public health concern.
In the UK and Scotland, asbestos remains the leading cause of work-related deaths. For many years, workers unknowingly put their health at risk, as employers continued to use asbestos in various industries without sufficient protection for their employees. Even after the dangers became clear, some employers failed to take the necessary precautions to safeguard workers from the potentially deadly consequences of asbestos exposure. This negligence has led to thousands of cases of asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma.
History of Asbestos
The history of asbestos dates back centuries. Its fire-retardant properties were known as early as ancient times, but it wasn't until the 19th century that its commercial use took off. The industrial revolution saw a rapid increase in asbestos mining and manufacturing, with asbestos being spun into thread, woven into cloth, and used as an insulating material. By the early 1900s, asbestos was widely used in various industries, from shipbuilding to construction, with factories across the UK manufacturing products containing asbestos.
Despite the known dangers, asbestos continued to be imported into the UK until 1998, with its use peaking in the 1960s. By then, the UK was importing as much as 187,000 tonnes of asbestos annually. Over time, asbestos became embedded in the fabric of UK buildings, used for everything from roof and wall cladding to insulation and soundproofing.
While the health risks associated with asbestos were acknowledged as early as the 1920s, it wasn't until much later that regulations were introduced. The Asbestos Industry Regulations of 1931 were the first attempt to control exposure, but they were insufficient to protect workers fully. It wasn't until the 1970s and 80s that serious restrictions were imposed, with all types of asbestos finally being banned in the UK by 1999.
Asbestos Exposure: How Does It Happen?
Asbestos exposure occurs when fibres are released into the air and inhaled or ingested. The fibres are small enough to lodge deep into lung tissue, causing inflammation and scarring over time. This can lead to serious health issues, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other lung conditions.
The level of exposure plays a critical role in determining the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. Workers in industries such as shipbuilding, construction, engineering, and insulation were among those most heavily exposed to asbestos. For many of these workers, exposure spanned decades, with large amounts of asbestos dust being inhaled day after day.
In the past, employers believed that controlling dust levels would reduce the number of cases of asbestos-related diseases, but this proved overly optimistic. Even low levels of exposure over an extended period can lead to serious health consequences. It is now understood that any exposure to asbestos can be harmful, with some individuals developing illnesses after relatively brief or intermittent exposure.
Asbestos exposure isn't limited to those who worked directly with the material. Secondary exposure can occur when fibres are brought home on workers' clothing, putting family members at risk. Today, asbestos remains present in many older buildings, posing a risk to those involved in renovations or demolition if proper safety measures are not in place.
How is Asbestos Diagnosed?
Diagnosing asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis can be challenging because the symptoms often take decades to appear after initial exposure. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and chest pain, which may be mistaken for other conditions.
If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your doctor. They will first need to rule out other causes of pulmonary fibrosis and assess your occupational history. This will involve questions about any past exposure to asbestos and the duration and intensity of that exposure.
For a conclusive diagnosis, a lung disease specialist will be consulted. They will perform a range of tests, which may include:
- Chest X-rays to identify any scarring or pleural plaques in the lungs.
- CT scans for a more detailed image of the lungs and to spot early signs of fibrosis.
- Spirometry and pulmonary function tests to measure lung capacity and how well gases like oxygen are transferred to the bloodstream.
A definitive diagnosis of asbestosis may also involve listening to the chest with a stethoscope, where crackles in the lungs can indicate scarring. In some rare cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of asbestos fibres in the lung tissue, although this is not commonly done in the UK.
It is important to note that once asbestos fibres have embedded themselves in lung tissue, they can continue to cause damage even after exposure has ceased. Asbestosis, in particular, progresses slowly, but its effects are irreversible. Workers exposed to asbestos many years ago may only now be feeling the consequences of that exposure.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice and Compensation for Asbestos-Related Illnesses
At Thompsons Solicitors, we understand how devastating an asbestos-related diagnosis can be for you and your family. The physical toll of diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma is immense, and the financial burden can be overwhelming. However, you don't have to face this challenge alone.
Our experienced asbestos lawyers are here to help you claim the compensation you deserve. Compensation can cover medical care, loss of income, and help to ease the financial strain on your family during a difficult time. Whether you worked in construction, insulation, plumbing, or other industrial roles, if you've been exposed to asbestos, you may have a valid claim.
We offer a No Win No Fee service, so you won't pay anything unless your case is successful. Contact Thompsons Solicitors today for expert legal advice and to find out how we can assist you in making a claim. Call us or reach out to us online to get started.
Together, we can fight for the compensation you deserve and bring justice to those affected by asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used since ancient times. There are three types of asbestos - Crocidolite, Amosite and Chrysotile. Nowadays we understand and regulate the dangers of asbestos and the use and reuse of asbestos materials is banned under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
For more information about the history of asbestos and how this may relate to your claim click on a button below.
Asbestos causes around 4,500 deaths a year in the UK. Thompsons Solicitors can help you claim for the full range of asbestos-related conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques.
For more information about how Thompsons can help you claim click on a button below.
At Thompsons we support victims and their families throughout the asbestos claims process and beyond. We have formed strong ties with support groups, campaign groups and medical specialists to help achieve this.
We work closely with Action On Asbestos (Formerly Clydeside Action on Asbestos) and proudly support the work they carry out for everyone who has been affected by asbestos.
For information about Victim Support click on a button below.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer and in most cases is the most severe asbestos-related disease. The cancer takes at least 10 to 15 years to develop, and sometimes as many as 40 years. In the majority of cases affects the pleura (lining of the lungs).
For more information about claiming for mesothelioma click on a button below.In the 1920s asbestosis became the first asbestos-related disease to come to the attention of the medical profession. It was found that workers in asbestos factories developed symptoms of chronic coughs and breathlessness. Microscopic examinations of workers’ lungs found huge numbers of tiny fibres, invisible to the naked eye.
For more information click on a button below.
Pleural plaques affect the lining of the lungs and are the most common asbestos-related condition. Plaques do not usually cause any symptoms. However, in some cases the plaques may reduce the efficiency of the lung, and may indicate asbestos exposure and the possible development of additional asbestos diseases.
For more information click on a button below.
An increasing number of asbestos disease diagnoses involve secondary exposure. Most of these affect sufferers who came into contact with asbestos as a result of laundering asbestos-contaminated clothes or as a result of close proximity to someone wearing asbestos-contaminated clothing.
For information click on a button below.
Asbestos illnesses have a long latency period. This means that, as many years pass between the time of exposure and the time of diagnosis, it can sometimes be difficult tracing the liable employer.
Thompsons are specialists in tracing liable employers. For more information click on a button below.
Asbestos use was so widespread that it is not just heavy industries such as shipbuilding or engineering that have been affected. Joiners, painters, welders and even teachers, prison officers and hospital workers sometimes develop asbestos-related diseases.
For more information about this subject click on a button below.
Asbestos was used in almost all UK schools and nurseries built from the 1950s to the 1980s. As a result many people have been affected, including school children.
For more information about exposure in the school or classroom click on a button below.
What do you need to prove? Who will pay? How much will it cost? What are the time limits? For answers to these questions and many more click on a button below.
Our dedicated and passionate team of specialists have helped and advised asbestos disease claimants across Scotland and beyond. They are highly experienced and will fight for your justice and be with you every step of the way.
To view the profiles of the Lung Disease team click on a button below.
