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compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
Mesothelioma is a disease which can affect people who have been exposed to asbestos fibres and dust. Asbestos used to be widely used as a building material in the UK and asbestos-related diseases have developed among many construction workers who did not have the right protection.
The use of asbestos was not banned until 1999 and it had been commonly used in the industrialised world since the 1950s. A 2011 report stated that homes in the UK still have a 50% risk of containing asbestos.
Although the statistic may sound alarming, asbestos is not likely to pose a threat unless its fibres are released into the air. If asbestos is enclosed and left undisturbed, experts believe that people are at a very low or no risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
If it appears that damage has occurred to asbestos materials, the best plan of action is to seek professional help, especially if the resident is considering removing the material. Asbestos should never be sanded, drilled or sawed, and should only be removed if repair is not a possibility.
Paint, wallpaper or adhesive can be coated over asbestos materials as a precaution against dust being released. However, this should only be undertaken by a person with the correct training and personal protective equipment.
If a resident suspects that they have asbestos in their home and are concerned about it, they can speak to a qualified environmental health officer in their area.
Some particular asbestos materials such as sprayed asbestos coatings, asbestos lagging and insulation, or asbestos insulating boards should only be removed by a contractor licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Any builders, maintenance workers or contractors who are hired to work in a home with asbestos materials present should be informed about the dangers. If they are aware of the risks, they can reduce the chance of any asbestos materials being disturbed.
Under no circumstances should asbestos materials be disposed of through household waste. Instead, they should be legally disposed of as hazardous waste. There may be a facility that it can be taken to, or a resident may have to arrange for the materials to be collected.
Have you developed an asbestos related disease?
Asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma can be devastating and are often a form of industrial disease. If an employer exposed a worker to the potentially lethal material they can be held liable.
If you would like to speak to a personal injury solicitor about your case, you can feel at ease with YouClaim. You can discuss your options with no obligations or pressure to proceed with a claim unless you are completely ready to do so.
To find out more about making a compensation claim for mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, freephone on 0800 10 757 95, or request a call back at a time more convenient to you.
