Analogies between asbestos and nanoparticles
Asbestosis compensation is a direct result of the legacy of deadly asbestos particles. It is only because warnings about its dangers were ignored for so long that the asbestos illness epidemic has continued long into the 21st century.
This is one of the reasons that there are now such strong premonitory warnings about the use of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are tiny dust like specs less than a billionth of a metre in diameter. Worryingly, many scientists have drawn analogies between the harmful asbestosis-inducing effects of asbestos and the speculated dangers of nanoparticles.
These analogies have primarily been drawn because of the two particles' similarities in size, shape and strength; shared qualities that mean they are both capable of being absorbed into the body and passed through the blood brain barrier.
Concerns that nanoparticles may have a similar effect on health to asbestos particles have been expressed by a number of experts. Professor Anthony Seaton from the University of Aberdeen believes that more research needs to be carried out into nanoparticles' potential toxicity.
He is one of many to have drawn the asbestosis-nanotechnology analogy, pointedly telling a conference, "It was known as a wonder material and it got into thousands and thousands of applications, now, thousands and thousands of people are dying from it."
While there have still been no definitive studies into the effects of nanoparticles on human health, there have been studies that show they can cause damage to both the organs of mice and the reproductive capabilities of certain marine life.
Nanoparticles are used in many products, including paints, sunscreens, cosmetics and adhesives, meaning they present a potential risk to both consumers and the workers who are involved in the manufacturing process.
A study by Julie Mulller has expressed concern about the potential hazards of nanoparticles to workers involved in their manufacture: "carbon nanotubes are potentially toxic to humans and strict industrial hygiene measures should be taken to limit exposure during their manipulation."
Clearly, until science is able to present a clear picture of the health hazards presented by nanoparticles, those responsible for their regulation must err on the side of caution or otherwise risk both workers' health and the kinds of liability issues now facing those responsible for paying out asbestosis compensation.
YouClaim's no win, no fee lawyers
Our experienced panel of no win, no fee lawyers includes a team who specialise in all aspects of asbestos litigation.
Over the years they have helped many claimants secure the compensation they deserve for being negligently exposed to deadly asbestos particles in the workplace.
Our service is completely free of costs and fees so never places a burden on you. In addition, we never take a cut of any of client's compensation awards, assuring all winning claimants 100% of the money awarded to them.
If you would like to contact us today in order to investigate whether we could help you claim asbestosis compensation, simply call us on 0800 10 757 95.
Alternatively, if you would like to make some preliminary enquiries first, fill out an online claim form or discuss with a legal advisor by using e-chat.
