It’s a well-known fact that exposure to asbestos is linked to a variety of health problems. It’s also common knowledge that its use has been banned for many years because of this reason. However, there are many things about asbestos that most people generally don’t know about. Many people don’t realize how much it is still a part of our daily lives. They also don’t realize that there are actions you can take if you’ve been affected by it. Here are a few things you need to know about asbestos and what you can do about it.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a handful of fibrous minerals that’s able to resist fire and electricity. Because it was cheap and abundantly available, asbestos was used in countless industries over the past hundred years. It was a key material in the Industrial Revolution, and it was also used extensively in commercial products. In particular, it was most often used in the insulation, flooring, and roofing of houses. However, its use has declined significantly in recent decades because of our next point.
It’s Extremely Dangerous
Exposure to asbestos has been linked to a number of health issues. The most common of these is mesothelioma. This is an especially aggressive form of cancer, and asbestos exposure is its only known cause. Asbestos has also been known to cause other health issues such as asbestosis, ovarian cancer, laryngeal cancer, and other forms of lung cancer. It can take several decades before a person begins showing symptoms, and the diseases usually begin late in the victim’s life. There are approximately 2500 asbestos-related deaths in the UK every year.
It’s More Common Than You Think
Asbestos wasn’t completely banned until 1999. Before that, it was one of the most widely used materials in a number of different industries. For this reason, it’s highly likely that you have been exposed to asbestos without knowing it. This is especially true if you live in an older house or go to an older school. In fact, it’s believed that asbestos is still present in nearly half the homes in the UK. It’s also likely that you were exposed to it if you worked in industries such as shipyards and plumbing.
You Can Be Compensated
The good news is that there is something you can do if you or a loved has been affected by asbestos. You are well within your rights to file a claim to receive asbestos compensation. Although compensation amounts vary from one case to the next, it’s not unusual to see an average payout of £10,000. Major cases can receive even more than this. Furthermore, you don’t have to pay anything unless you win, so there’s no risk in filing a claim.
These are a few facts about asbestos that you need to be aware of. Again, if you’ve gotten sick because of this deadly material, you have the ability to fight back. Don’t hesitate. Start filing your claim today.
