Types of Asbestos related disease
Four specific diseases have been directly linked to asbestos exposure:Mesothelioma
Virtually all cases of mesothelioma are linked with asbestos exposure. It is a rare cancer of the thoracic and abdominal cavities and surrounding internal organs. The symptoms of mesothelioma are: shortness of breath, pain in the lower back or side of the chest, coughing, and weight loss. Mesothelioma is the most insidious of the asbestos-related diseases in that it can affect people who have experienced low or intermittent levels of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer is the most common type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. It is found in people who have sustained prolonged exposure to asbestos. Lung cancer, asbestos related or otherwise, develops the tissue that surrounds the lung, often obstructing and invading air passages. The length of time between exposure to asbestos and the occurrence of lung cancer is usually 20 to 30 years and in some cases longer. Smokers exposed to asbestos multiply the effect, which increases the susceptibility to lung cancer significantly.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious, chronic, non-cancerous fibrous hardening and scarring of the lungs. The scarring can cause lung impairment and heart disease. The symptoms of asbestosis are: shortness of breath, coughing and a dry crackling sound while inhaling. In advanced stages, asbestosis may cause cardiac failure. Asbestosis is a slow progressive disease with a latency period of 15 to 30 years or more and can lead to serious respiratory problems.
Pleural Thickening
Whilst this condition is non cancerous pleural thickening is scarring of the lining, of the lung. Pleural thickening, if widespread, impairs lung function, restricting breathing capacity.
We have successfully handled compensation claims on behalf of clients with all of the above diseases. Please contact us today to see if we are able to do the same for you.
