What is asbestos? And, why are people talking about it? 

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral with excellent thermal properties.

It was found in a variety of products, including insulation materials used in construction in the UK until the late 1990s. When asbestos is disturbed, microscopic fibres are released and may be inhaled. Exposure to those fibres can cause permanent damage to the lungs and often decades later, can result in a number of serious health conditions.

The dangers of asbestos have been known since at least the 1900s, with legal regulations to protect UK workers being introduced from the 1930s onwards. However, many employers failed to protect their workers from the dangerous dust. Sadly, those exposed to asbestos, even many years ago, can fall ill and develop mesothelioma, lung cancer or other asbestos-related conditions. Fortunately, in recent years people have become more aware of the dangers of asbestos, particularly in older buildings, the removal of which requires professional expertise but, shockingly we know that asbestos materials remain in older buildings used today, including schools, hospitals, public buildings and railway stations.

Medical professionals dealing with patients diagnosed with mesothelioma liaise with specialist lawyers to help patients and their families secure DWP benefits and claim compensation. Companies where exposure to asbestos occurred may be long gone but, lawyers with expertise in this area can often trace the relevant insurers which then allows a legal claim to be made.

Even though there are regulations in place which are meant to protect people asbestos use sadly hasn’t gone away and the general public is still being exposed to the deadly dust. The most recent worries around the use of asbestos contamination concern cosmetic body powder and make-up products. Talcum powder, eye shadows, blushers and bronzers can be found in many UK homes, but how many of us are fully aware of the ingredients in these products and how the raw materials are sourced? We know asbestos is dangerous to health if breathed in and, its importation into the UK was banned in 1999, and yet asbestos fibres are still found in everyday beauty products. It is shocking that companies sell products containing traces of asbestos and Hodge Jones & Allen are currently campaigning to ban talc in cosmetics.

The effects of asbestos exposure can result in breathlessness, a persistent cough, wheezing or chest pain and anyone experiencing those symptoms should seek GP advice, informing them of any known exposure to asbestos dust from previous employment, living with someone who was exposed to asbestos in their work or regular use of talc-based powder or make-up. Your GP can advise you and ensure that the cause of these common symptoms is investigated. In most cases, these symptoms are not cancer-related but they can indicate the early stages of a more serious illness. If you are found to have mesothelioma you should find out your rights from a lawyer experienced in dealing with mesothelioma claims every day.

ASBESTOS HELPLINE: For a free confidential discussion ask for Isobel Lovett. Isobel has dedicated many years to gaining compensation for sufferers of Asbestos-related diseases. To get your questions answered give her a call today.

We can help –  0808 239 3729 Visit us: www.hja.net

Article written by Hodge Jones & Allen Asbestos Team – Isobel Lovett, Lorna Webster and Joanne Candlish

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