The substandard working conditions of many industries during the 60s and 70s have led to an unfortunate prevalence in asbestos-related deaths. Asbestosis is one of the most serious diseases that can result from inhaling the fibres of asbestos, and asbestosis compensation is important to claim for the support that it provides victims and their families.
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What Is Asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a very serious lung condition that is caused by being repeatedly exposed to the fibres of asbestos material. Asbestos is a material that was originally used in buildings for insulation, flooring and roofing.
If it is left alone, then it is not dangerous. However, if it is disturbed then it can create a fine dust. If this dust is breathed in, it can then cause serious damage to the lungs that can worsen over time.
If someone has worked in a job that has involved disturbing asbestos material over a prolonged period of time, then they will likely have a greater chance of developing asbestosis.
What Are The Symptoms Of Asbestosis?
Symptoms of asbestosis include:
- Shortness of breath
- A pain in the chest or shoulder
- Swollen fingers
- Wheezing
- A persistent cough
- Fatigue
If your GP suspects that you may have developed asbestosis, they will refer you to a specialist and you may have the following tests:
- A CT scan of your lungs
- A lung function test to check the capacity and correct functioning of your lungs
- A chest X-Ray
There is no cure for asbestosis once it has developed because the damage that has been done to the lungs is irreversible. However, there are some treatments that are known to help the condition. These are:
- Oxygen therapy, where you can breathe in oxygen-rich air from the tank
- Pulmonary rehabilitation, a programme that is designed to teach your exercises and ways in which you can manage you condition
Sadly, asbestosis can often lead to the complications of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pulmonary heart disease. All of these complications can then lead to eventual death due to the original cause of asbestos.
Asbestosis Compensation After Death Of A Loved One
Asbestosis compensation after death can be claimed, but it can be difficult to go through the process. The process for claiming for asbestos-related wrongful death is often complicated because it is harder to gather evidence. Pinpointing when and where exposure occurred is often crucial to the case, and this is harder without the individual to question. However, it is not impossible with the help of specialist and experienced lawyers.
Other Asbestos-Related Diseases
Other asbestos related diseases include:
- Diffuse pleural thickening
- Pleural plaques
- Pleural effusion
- Rounded atelectasis
- Lung Cancer
- Malignant Mesothelioma
Industries Where Workers Are The Most At Risk
Working in a job that has the potential to expose individuals to asbestos particles for an extended period of time will obviously put them at a higher risk of developing some form of asbestos related health problem. You might be at a higher risk if you have worked as a:
- Carpenter
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Asbestos miner
- Painter
- Builder
If someone has worked in a role that involved shipbuilding, railway engineering or if they have worked in a factory that made asbestos products then they will also have a higher risk. In very unfortunate cases, some people even develop the condition from living with a worker who has also been exposed to asbestos