What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous material which used to be used in many buildings as insulation as well as other products. People who have been exposed to the material for a long period of time have developed severe diseases as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The diseases caused by asbestos may take decades for the symptoms to show through, the severity of the disease really depends on the amount of exposure and the length of time you were exposed to it. The amount of asbestos which you were exposed too would also play a big factor on how severe the symptoms are. People who smoke are more likely to have more severe symptoms than those who do not because it increases the effects within your body.

Let your doctor know if you have been in contact with asbestos as the symptoms may not appear until later. By notifying your local GP they will be able to monitor you regularly and catch any symptoms early. Ask your doctor to arrange specialised tests which would determine if any symptoms are starting to show.

What was asbestos used for?

Asbestos was used in many things, one being commercial products because of it's strength and flexibility it was a manufacturers dream material. It also has other elements which made it a great material to use, low electrical conductivity, resistance to heat and resistance to chemicals. Many buildings used it for wall and ceiling insulation.

Types of asbestos

There are many different types of asbestos available:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos) the most commonly used
• Amosite (grey or brown asbestos)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
• Tremolite
• Actinolite

All the different types of asbestos is hazardous to our health no matter what the level of exposure is.

How does the exposure occur?

The exposure occurs when the asbestos product is damaged and the fibres or dust is released making it airborne. This can happen in many ways:
Workers not taking the necessary precautions when demolishing or working with asbestos.
Products which are made from asbestos breaking.
Taking out building insulation and not disposing it properly.

Who is most at risk?

The people who are at most risk would be construction workers, railway workers, ship builders and automotive workers. This is because the product was used only a daily basis by the workers.

If you would like to make a claim for industrial disease then call our claims advisors on 0800 180 4022 now and find out if can claim for compensation. Our advice is free and given under no obligation. If you would like a call back just simply fill in our online form and an advisor will call you back.