Asbestos diseases – claiming from afar

Asbestos related diseases kill over 100,000 people worldwide each year. In the UK there are around 2,000 deaths per year from Mesothelioma, which is cancer of the lining of the lung.
Many victims of asbestos related diseases have moved abroad to sunnier climes such as Spain, Greece and the Balearics. It is still possible to claim compensation for asbestos diseases which were contracted in the UK – even if the sufferer now lives abroad. Ex-Pats can claim benefits from the UK if they have been affected by asbestos-related illness, providing they paid enough national insurance contributions while resident there.

For more information how to make a no win no fee no obligation compensation claims phone 08000 154321 or click here for www.roseclaims.co.uk


It can take up to 30 years for the disease to take effect, and many sufferers don´t realise that their respiratory problems or general breathlessness are down to asbestos related diseases.
Plumbers, electricians and other tradesmen who have been exposed to asbestos whilst working are much more prone to these diseases, and the problem seems to be increasing.
Wives and children of tradesmen who regularly bring dusty overalls back into the home, can also be affected by asbestos-related diseases and illnesses.

Not surprisingly, the majority of people in the UK are unaware of just how dangerous asbestos can be.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the term for a range of naturally occurring minerals which turn into long thin fibres and bundles. The most common type of asbestos is the serpentine type which includes white asbestos (chrysotile) and is the most frequently mined. The fibres are strong and resistant to heat and chemicals. This makes asbestos particularly useful as an insulation material for roofs and walls, and has been used extensively throughout the world by builders, plumbers etc.,
How can it affect us?

Asbestos is a hazardous material, but only becomes a serious health risk when the fibres become airborne and are then inhaled. Most asbestos materials pose little risk unless they are disturbed and become airborne. Once released into the atmosphere, if they are inhaled, the fibres often lead to serious illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, which is a chronic fibrosis of the lungs. Many people who worked extensively with asbestos in the past , are now suffering debilitating illness as a result. Building and maintenance workers are most at risk. The Control of Asbestos Regulations, 2006 brought together three sets of regulations covering the prohibition of asbestos, the control of asbestos at work and asbestos licensing.
Why was asbestos used so much if it is so dangerous?

The ability of asbestos to resist high temperatures is what made it so useful to so many tradesmen. Using asbestos to conserve and preserve heat and for insulation purposes was common among builders. The fibre also gives protection against fire, corrosion, cold, acids, noise, energy loss, frost, dust and vermin – which made it an attractive material to use. The dangers of asbestos were never properly understood when it was used the most extensively. Asbestos related diseases can take up to 50 years to manifest themselves and to develop after exposure. The massive scale of the health risks only became known after asbestos had already been widely used, which was too late for many sufferers. Still at risk are the maintenance and building workers who could still be exposed to asbestos which was used many years ago. The fibres can still be inhaled into the lungs if the asbestos is disturbed, resulting in cancer and various other respiratory diseases. More likely to create illness and disease is asbestos that has been scraped or sanded into a powder. Potentially hazardous jobs also include asbestos removal, unless rigorous precautions are taken.

If you think you may have a claim for compensation after contracting an asbestos-related disease or illness, the first thing you need to do is contact a personal injury claims solicitor. Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors will give you sound legal advice and guide you through the personal injury claims compensation process.