Asbestos alert

Figures show that cancers related to asbestos exposure will increase over the next 15 to 25 years. Cancers usually do not develop until after 20 years following exposure and they may not arise until 40 to 60 years after exposure.

Asbestos was widely used in this country in the 1970s and 1980s, often with no provision for masks, protective clothing or warnings of the dangers of exposure.

Many electricians had to work in boiler rooms, hospitals, offices, factories and schools where boilers and pipes were heavily lagged with asbestos. Electricians may have had to remove the asbestos to obtain access to wiring and electrical equipment, or to be in the presence of laggers removing asbestos. Heaters may have contained asbestos sheets, which became dry and brittle after lengthy use and had to be removed when being serviced.

Ceiling tiles often would contain asbestos. Again, many electricians have had to remove these tiles in order to obtain access to electrical equipment. When removed, these may have caused asbestos dust to fall on hands and faces. Asbestos was often used for panelling in rooms – and electricians may have had to drill into these in the course of their work.

Fire barriers for electrical trunking were often made of asbestos. Asbestos was also used on electrical panels, in electrical cloths, and elevator equipment panels.

Health matters

What should someone do if they were exposed to asbestos? Firstly, do not panic. Many who were exposed do not go on to develop any illness.

However, it would be wise to ask your GP for an X-ray. This would show the presence of pleural plaques or any other asbestos illness. Pleural plaques do not cause any symptoms, however, they do show that asbestos has entered into the lungs and caused scarring. Once these arise, the person is at risk of other illnesses developing. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos would be advised to stop smoking as exposure to asbestos and smoking will both greatly increase the risks of developing cancer in future.

Asbestos was widely used in the 1970s and 1980s, often with no warnings of the dangers of exposure

Currently anyone exposed to asbestos who goes on to develop pleural plaques is entitled to compensation. Final damages for this illness are in the region of £15 000 to £20 000 depending on what the doctors say about the risks of developing other problems.

Anyone suffering from pleural plaques or any other type of asbestos illness should consider bringing a claim. Most lawyers deal with these claims on a “no win, no fee” basis. This means that the lawyer will only receive payment if they win the case for their client. In this event the insurance company for the employer will usually pay most of the costs for the Claimant.

Apart from pleural plaques, there are four other major illnesses caused by asbestos exposure. These include asbestosis and pleural thickening, which both cause breathing difficulties. In addition, lung cancer and mesothelioma, a lung tumour, are also caused by inhalation of asbestos dust. Compensation is still payable for all of these problems.

Many people were exposed to asbestos by employers who are no longer in existence. Even if this is the case, claims can still be brought. An experienced lawyer may be able to find the insurance company for the employer. Most employers would have had employer’s liability insurance to cover these claims. There are various ways to find out the name of the insurers.

If no insurance can be found, there is a Government compensation scheme to provide lump sums for those suffering from the most serious forms of asbestos disease. In addition, there are many benefits payable to those suffering from asbestos disease, including Industrial Disablement Pension and attendance allowances for those who require care.

Anyone affected by any form of asbestos including pleural plaques must file a claim within three years of diagnosis of the illness. However, if someone is out of time, providing there is a good reason for the delay, it may be possible to apply to the Court to file a claim after the three years has expired.