Exposure & Symptoms
Asbestos was used throughout the UK in 1940’s until its ban in the mid 1980’s. Many trades were exposed and as a result generations of workforces have been diagnosed with asbestos related diseases including Mesothelioma and Asbestosis. The time period taken for asbestos related diseases to develop can be up to 40 or 50 years from the date of first exposure.
Who is at Risk?
It's no surprise that many manual workers were exposed to asbestos without any respiratory protection or prior knowledge of the dangers. The list below details trades that are known to have worked with asbestos.
- Plumbers Builders Shipyard workers
- Roofers
- Dockers
- Flooring contractors
- Factory workers
- Construction workers
- Bricklayers
If you have ever worked in any of the trades listed above or similar and are worried about the risk of associated asbestos related disease call us today on our freephone 0800 508 8746 or submit an online enquiry and we will call you back to discuss your potential asbestos claim.
What are the Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of asbestos exposure are:
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- chest pain
- a dry crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling
- sudden weight loss
- lack of or difficulty sleeping
Unfortunately, the detectable symptoms of asbestos exposure can often appear as early as 15 years after exposure, and then reappear at any time during one's life. This scenario, therefore, makes it difficult to associate asbestos exposure with its symptoms. Annual or even semi-annual asbestos detection tests are recommended for anyone with occupational or familial asbestos exposure.
What Shall I Do?
If you are concerned over the risk of Asbestos exposure, the first thing to do is see your local GP and explain your past exposure to asbestos. Your GP may be able to refer you to a specialist. If you would like assistance or some advice regarding the next steps or your legal rights contact us today by telephone on 0800 508 8747 or submit an online enquiry form.
