Asbestos is a group of long fibre minerals that were used in many buildings in the 20th century. It is often used in ceiling tiles and was even used in brake pads. It has been illegal to use in the UK since 1999 and is now illegal in EU member states. However, it still exists in many buildings throughout the UK, so care needs to be taken; particularly for builders working in buildings with asbestos.
When the asbestos is undamaged it apparently poses no risk to your health. However, even the slightest damage, such as a chip, can cause it to start releasing dust particles. These dust fibres can then be breathed in by everyone in the building. It is this dust that carries many health risks as it works its way into your lungs and causes potentially serious damage.
Exposure to asbestos does not necessarily cause immediate damage. It can cause a lot of damage some 20-40 years after your exposure. Fibres from asbestos can cause Asbestosis or Mesothelioma – a rare form of cancer that attacks the lining of your organs, including the lungs.
Asbestosis is an incurable lung condition caused by exposure to asbestos over a long period of time. Typically it causes a shortness of breath, but there are many other symptoms that can occur several years after the initial exposure including :
- Dry cough
- General feeling of illness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- In the worse case: Failure of the respiratory system
- Coughing up blood
- Swelling of the feet ankles and hands
- Difficulty producing sound when speaking
- Change in pitch or quality of voice
If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos through your job you should report it immediately. You should seek advice from your GP immediately.
Asbestos continues to take lives and it is expected the number of deaths will continue to rise for many years. If you’re suffering due to exposure to asbestos, call The Injury Lawyers for some free legal advice and see if you’re entitled to compensation.
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