What is Asbestosis?
Asbestosis is defined as a diffuse pulmonary fibrosis caused by the inhalation of excessive amount of asbestos. It is a chronic lung condition. Pathologically both pulmonary fibrosis and evidence of asbestos in the lungs must be present.
The interval between onset of asbestos exposure and the development of symptoms of asbestosis is usually between 20-40 years or more.
You are at risk of developing asbestosis if you have been subject to prolonged asbestos exposure.
Individuals involved in the following occupations are generally thought to be at risk of asbestos exposure (please note that this is not an exhaustive list of occupations where asbestos exposure may occur):-
- Building surveyors
- Cable layers
- Carpenters or joiners
- Computer installers
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Electricians
- Fire or burglar alarm installers
- Fire fighters
- Gas fitters
- General maintenance staff
- Heating and ventilation engineers
- Laggers
- Insulation workers
- Miners
- Plumbers
- Plasterers
- Roofing contractors
- Shipyard workers
- Shop fitters
- Telecommunication engineers
- Textile workers