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Asbestos claims, youclaim.co.uk

Mesothelioma compensation and asbestos in homes in 2010

Mesothelioma compensation can be claimed by asbestosis sufferers. Since the turn of the 20th century it has become clear that asbestos affects those who have worked with or around it, although asbestosis victims do not tend to show signs of health problems until some 15 or 20 years later.

In 1999 asbestos ceased to be used as a building material in the UK. However,11 years later The Chartered Institute of Building announced in 2010 that an estimated 500,000 to 2,000,000 commercial properties and roughly 2,500,000 homes, may still contain asbestos.

Buildings constructed after 1999 should not contain asbestos, but it is perhaps a concern for those living in houses built or refurbished prior to that date. The HSE illustrate where asbestos may be found in these homes on their Where is asbestos found? web page.

Types of asbestos
There are many kinds of asbestos, but three main types are blue asbestos, brown asbestos and white asbestos.

  • Blue – Crocidolite is the most lethal of all the asbestos types. It has good tensile strength but poorer heat resistance than other asbestos types. It was used in rope, yarn, thermal block insulation and as spray insulation.

  • Brown – Amosite has good tensile strength and good heat resistance. It was used for sound proofing, thermal insulation and in moulded pipe-covers.

  • White – Chrysotile has flexible fibres which allow it to be spun like cotton, but is the most heat resistant of all the asbestos types. It was used as reinforcement in building materials such as cement, thermal insulation and fire protection.

Removing asbestos from the home
If someone suspects that their home may contain asbestos, they should be very careful not to disturb any possible asbestos while investigating, as it could lead to asbestos contamination which may cause mesothelioma.

Asbestos only becomes dangerous if the fibres are disturbed and breathed in.

If someone knows that they have asbestos in their home, but they never come into contact with it and know that it is in good condition, removing it from the building is unlikely to be necessary.

However, asbestos which is in poor condition or has been disturbed is a health risk and relevant authorities should be called.

Correct removal procedures for asbestos
Those removing asbestos should follow certain procedures.
According to Directgov they should:

  • Wear an asbestos dust mask;

  • Wear overalls and dispose of them afterwards;

  • Keep unprotected people away from the area;

  • Wet the material with water which contains some washing up liquid, this should stop too many fibres coming loose;

  • Not break up sheets of asbestos during removal;

  • Place debris in strong labelled bags and seal securely;

  • Clean up remaining dust with a damp cloth and seal in bag while still damp.

It is very important not to use a vacuum cleaner as asbestos fibres are likely to pass through the filter and may remain in the house.

Making a mesothelioma compensation claim
Mesothelioma can destroy the life of the sufferer and the lives of the family around them. If you are a victim of asbestos-related illness, then you could make a claim.

To seek help from one of our no win, no fee solicitors and keep 100% compensation if your claim is successful, simply fill out the short online claim form at the top, right-hand side of the page and a member of our team will contact you at a convenient time of your own choosing.

Alternatively you could use live help or call for advice on 0800 10 757 95.

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