How serious is asbestos?

Asbestos is very serious, exposure to the particles can give you asbestosis and asbestos pleural disease. These would decrease the lung capacity and function which would restrict breathing and reduce the lungs ability to transfer oxygen into your blood stream sufficiently.

How does asbestos damage lungs?

Asbestos is most harmful when it's air borne, this is common when workers move asbestos causing dust particles to be released. Another cause would be when old buildings are demolished and the correct procedure of deposing asbestos is not carried out.

Asbestosis works by scarring lung tissue and causing inflammation. The dust particles would reach the air sacs which transfer oxygen through to the blood. The immune system used by the lungs would become activated and white blood cells would be released to break the asbestos. The white cells would not be successful in breaking the asbestos but instead cause other cells to grow forming scar tissue. This is known as fibrosis, the tissue will slowly build up and reduce the lungs function to remove carbon dioxide.

Asbestos pleural disease also results in a similar scarring process as asbestosis, the only difference is that it occurs in the thin lining of the lungs and chest rather than the lung.

How long does it take to develop the disease?

It usually takes a decade after the person if first exposed to the asbestos duct. The early symptoms would be a shortness of breath and chest pains. To find out whether or not you have these symptoms go to a doctor and get them checked out immediately.

People who suffer from asbestosis exposure do risk developing lung cancer and mesothelioma which is a fatal form of cancer causing extreme respiratory problems.

Asbestosis progresses slowly and may be treated if seen at an early stage. The treatment process would involve the use of bronchial drainage techniques, bronchodilators, humidifiers and chest percussion.

For more information regarding the symptoms or you would like to make a claim for compensation call our specialist advisors now on 0800 180 4022 . Find out if you are entitled to claim thousands today, our advice is free and given under no obligation.