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What to do after a Recent Exposure to Asbestos

What is asbestos?
  Information about asbestos
Illnesses caused by asbestos exposure
  Types of asbestos related disease
What to do after an exposure to asbestos
  What action should I take?
Contact Thompsons Solicitors
  Cost-free assistance from Thompsons Solicitors

What is asbestos?

Information about asbestos

Asbestos is the name given to a naturally occurring mineral which was frequently used during the 1950’s through to 1970’s in manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding.

Asbestos was widely used because it was non-flammable, flexible, virtually indestructible and low heat-conducting. It was considered to be perfect for use in insulation, brake linings, and cement and fire-proofing.

Although asbestos was very useful, it was very dangerous too. Asbestos is made up of millions of fibres which when inhaled into the lungs is very dangerous.

The use of all different types of asbestos was banned in the UK by 1999 but it still remains in many buildings built before this time, meaning that we are all still at risk from being exposed to it.

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Illnesses caused by asbestos exposure

Types of asbestos related disease

There are a number of different illnesses which can be caused as a result of exposure to asbestos, which affect the lungs. Asbestos related conditions include pleural plaques, pleural thickening, lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

It is important to note; however, that not everyone who is exposed to asbestos goes on to develop an illness as a result. There are many people who have been exposed to asbestos in the past who have never suffered any health problems as a result at all.

Also, the chance of developing an asbestos-related illness from a one-off incident of low level exposure is not impossible but very unlikely.

For those who do develop an illness as a result of asbestos exposure, it often takes decades for the illness to start after the asbestos exposure. The average interval between inhaling asbestos fibres and the onset of symptoms is around 35 years and can be as long as 50 years or more. The shortest latency period is between 10 to 15 years.   Therefore any recent asbestos exposure within the last ten years will not cause any immediate symptoms or illness.

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What to do after an exposure to asbestos

What action should I take?

If you have suffered a recent exposure to asbestos at work there are a number of steps you can take.

Firstly, you should report the exposure to your employer. The date, place and circumstances of exposure should be detailed within your occupational health records.

If you are a trade union member, you should contact your union for advice and complete any paperwork they send you.

You may also mention your asbestos exposure to your GP in order that it can be recorded on your medical records, should you develop any related condition in the future.

Thompsons Solicitors also offer a service where we can record the details of anyone who has been exposed to asbestos on an asbestos register we have compiled that could be used to assist you in the event that you ever develop an asbestos related disease.  It will also enable us to inform you about any change in the law that may affect your entitlement to compensation for asbestos related illness.

By putting your details forward, the information you provide may help other people who have been exposed to asbestos in the same circumstances as you were, just as their information may assist you if you should ever need to make a claim in the future.

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Contact Thompsons Solicitors

Cost-free assistance from Thompsons Solicitors

If you have recently been exposed to asbestos and would like to have your details recorded on our asbestos register or if you have recently been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness and are considering making a claim for compensation, contact us for cost-free assistance.

You can reach us on 08000 224 224 or can complete one of our online enquiry forms.

There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

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