Asbestos Related Diseases
Pleural Plaques
Plaques are small, localised areas of fibrosis found within the pleura of the lung, caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. The presence of pleural plaques is an indicator that a person has been exposed to asbestos but does not usually interfere with breathing. At this time a claim for compensation cannot be brought for pleural plaques in England and Wales. Claims for other asbestos-related diseases remain unaffected. If you or a family member have been diagnosed with pleural plaques please join the Pleural Plaques National Register.
Pleural Thickening
The pleura is a two-layered membrane which surrounds the lungs and lines the inside of the rib cage. Some asbestos fibres inhaled into lungs work their way out to the pleura and may cause fibrosis or scarring to develop there. This causes the pleura to thicken and this may show up on a chest X-ray. Pleural thickening extends over a large area and may restrict expansion of the lungs, leading to breathlessness.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a type of pulmonary fibrosis caused by asbestos fibres which have become lodged in the lungs after being inhaled from the air. The fibrosis causes the lungs to shrink, resulting in breathlessness. Asbestosis develops in some people who have breathed in a substantial amount of asbestos dust in the course of their work. It usually shows itself a long time after inhalation of the dust, often twenty or thirty years after the start of the exposure.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is primarily associated with the inhalation of cigarette smoke but the risk of developing lung cancer can increase with asbestos exposure. Asbestos-related lung cancer usually develops after an interval of 20+ years from initial exposure and after substantial exposure to asbestos. See also ‘Mesothelioma’ below, a cancer of the lining of the lungs.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells and affects the pleura (the lining of the lungs) and the peritoneum (the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract). Mesothelioma is closely related to asbestos, particularly among men, and is usually a direct result of exposure in occupational settings. However, mesothelioma has been reported in people without any known occupational exposure to asbestos eg. partners and children who have come into contact with a family member who had asbestos on their clothing. The delay between initial exposure to asbestos and diagnosis can be anywhere from 10 - 50 years. For more information please visit our Mesothelioma Fast-Track page.
Access to Compensation
If yourself or a family member have a diagnosed asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to bring a civil claim for compensation against your employers, even if they are no longer trading.
At the National Asbestos Helpline you can expect a first-class service from our experienced case managers and leading asbestos disease lawyers who are amongst the best in their field. To discuss this further, please call us today on 0800 043 6635 or visit our ‘Make a Claim’ page.
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