Asbestosis

Even though the import and use of new asbestos was banned in the UK in 1985 and again in 1999, the repercussions of years of uncertainty concerning the dangers of the substance are now only just becoming seen. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) there were 134 deaths attributed directly to asbestosis in the UK during 2005. However due to incorrect diagnoses or even completely undiagnosed cases, it is likely that the real figure is much higher. And as asbestosis takes 20 to 30 years to take hold following asbestos exposure, the fatality figures we are seeing now are likely to go up even further in years to come.

Causes

Asbestosis is a serious illness that results from inhalation of asbestos fibres, usually over a long period of time. Although the body is able to expel some asbestos fibres through exhalation, other fibres get stuck in the lungs. The scarring that follows impacts the size of the lungs, which become smaller and this in turn causes breathlessness, one of the main symptoms of this incurable condition.

Symptoms

Apart from breathlessness, other symptoms of asbestosis include chest pain, chest tightness and coughing but it is worth noting that these symptoms could also apply to a number of different ailments. The more unusual asbestosis symptoms include curving of the finger nail tips and “finger clubbing”, a term used to describe enlargement and widening of the fingers.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose asbestosis, a doctor will first aim to establish a history of asbestos exposure. The next step usually involves the use of a stethoscope and the doctor will listen for a crackling sound coming from the chest. Lung function tests provide a good indicator of the situation inside, and the doctor will seek to examine the levels of air being breathed in and out, as well as assess how well the body is taking in oxygen and exhaling waste in the form of carbon dioxide. As with other illnesses related to asbestos exposure, x-rays, scans and biopsies are all relevant in the process of diagnosis.

Although extreme cases of asbestosis can cause death at an early age, if found soon enough the advancement of the disease can be stopped or at least slowed. A smoker can improve the prognosis by giving up tobacco, and this will reduce the chances of further health problems, namely lung cancer.

Treatment

Treatment methods currently available include oxygen therapy, drug therapy, and thoracentesis (the action of draining fluid from the lungs in order to improve breathing). Lung transplants are also possible although seldom carried out.

Compensation

If your asbestosis was caused by exposure to asbestos fibres in your job you are almost certainly entitled to compensation. Thousands of workers that were exposed to asbestos in the 70s and 80s have recently developed the disease. Maybe you were asked to work around asbestos without the appropriate training or, maybe, you were working in a building in the presence of damaged or bare asbestos. Either way, the chances are that you have a good case for asbestosis compensation and you should approach a lawyer for further guidance.