 |
|
| What is it? |
|
|
Asbestos particles (amphiboles) are long, extremely thin, microscopic glass-like fibres that are not filtered by the nose or the bronchi.
Asbestosis development starts when a person inhales an amphibole.
This particle travels deep into the lungs to one of gas exchanging structures called an alveolus.
Each alveolus has many cleaning cells called macrophages that eat up any particles that made it down to the alveoli.
Unfortunately the macrophages can not eat the amphibole because it is too long, but they still try. |
|
|
|
| In trying to eat this particle the macrophage cuts itself open and the digestive molecules that were contained inside the macrophage
have now spilled on the alveolus. These molecules injure the alveolus and cause it to form a scar.
This scarring formation is called fibrosis and will cause the lungs to shrink and stiffen. |
|
| People who are exposed to asbestos inhale hundreds and thousands of amphiboles, which causes large-scale injury.
Such large-scale injury is when major lung damage (fibrosis) develops and is named Asbestosis after the disease-causing particle.
The latency period is thought to be at least 10 years from intense exposure and usually ranging from 15 - 30 years. |
|
| Symptoms / Exposure |
|
|
Asbestosis is a chronically progressive disease. Initial symptoms include shortness of breath,
fatigue and loss of appetite, chest tightness and pain, crackles within the lungs and clubbing of fingers and toes.
Some of the work environments in which people came, or still may come in contact with asbestos are: |
|
 Shipyard Workers
Boiler or Engine Rooms
Power Plants
Asbestos plant workers
Heating and Air Conditioning
|
Schools
Hospitals
Boiler Makers
Electricians
Plumbers
|
Industrial Plants
Chemical Plants
Oil Refinery
Steel Workers
Metal lathers
|
Construction sites
Steamfitters
Glass factory workers
Cement plant workers
Telephone engineers
|
|
|
| Making a claim |
|
|
| If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease (Asbestosis or Mesothelioma) in the last 3 years you will be able to make a claim.
The success of the claim will depend on whether the company where the exposure occurred is still in existence.
If you are not sure, don't worry; it could be that the company was taken over, or that the insurers of the company still exist.
In either case we will find out on your behalf as part of the service. |
|
Our expert panel of solicitors have an excellent success rate of claims
handled nationwide and have recovered millions of pounds in compensation.
The money awarded cannot possibly compensate for the pain and suffering caused by an asbestos related disease,
but it can help to make things a little more comfortable for you and your family.
It can also ease the financial burden caused by an inability to work or because of any medical costs incurred.
To find out whether you have a claim call now on FreePhone 0800 783 9535 |
|
