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The circumstances associated with making an asbestosis claim are most often related to contamination in the workplace but it is quite possible for people to suffer this personal injury through exposure in their own homes.
Asbestos was a widely-used building material for about a century before its eventual ban in the UK in 1999 and experts believe about half of all residential properties may contain some.
Most likely situations where asbestos comprised part of the fabric are in textured ceiling coatings, boiler flue pipes and ducts and in floor tiles. Cold water storage tanks, insulation materials, eaves, gutters and rainwater pipes and cement panel ceilings are other possible sources.
Because of its insulating properties, chimneys, roof spaces and the structure of outbuildings and garages may also contain it.
Ceiling coatings were one of the most common uses of asbestos fibres being added to the paints, whose trade names included Artex, and were popular throughout the later decades of the 20th Century as an all-embracing covering for a ceiling which was more attractive than a plain paint finish.
However, the hidden dangers of textured coating are difficult to recognise because not all of them contained asbestos and, even when they do, people in their vicinity will not be put at risk unless it is exposed, for example, during building work or when it is being replaced.
It is not just ceilings which may cause a problem, use of asbestos-containing boards and filler materials was so widespread that anywhere minor building works were carried out in a house within the last 60 years has the potential for the fibres being released on disturbance.
A reputable builder or decorator will be aware of this potential problem and will alert the householder if there is a chance of exposure to asbestos. He will also be required to notify the local authority environmental health officers and ensure that all waste is removed and disposed of correctly by an authorised asbestos removal contractor.
For anyone who is concerned about possible hidden danger within their home, specialist environmental engineers can be contracted to take samples from suspect areas and have them analysed for asbestos content.
Although there is only about a 10% chance of asbestosis developing into mesothelioma cancer, the condition can be extremely debilitating and if a victim finds they have contracted the illness as a result of the actions or neglect of another person or organisation, he may well be able to claim compensation for pain, suffering and loss of earnings.
YouClaim solicitor for asbestosis claim
Contracting an asbestos-related industrial disease usually means the victim's working life is reduced, leading to financial hardship for him and his family as well as the consequences of dealing with the illness.
Not all cases of asbestosis are immediately diagnosed by doctors and this delay can worsen the symptoms as well as possibly reducing the amount of compensation sought in an asbestosis claim.
YouClaim has solicitors at work throughout the UK who are experienced in helping people with this and other asbestos-caused illnesses.
If you or a close loved one is in need of legal advice about a claim, you can call our free claims line on 0800 10 757 95, start echat or submit an online form giving us brief details of the circumstances and we'll get back to you.
