Have you, or a loved one, been exposed to asbestos? Maybe this was recently or in the past. Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health problems and research shows a question commonly asked is, what are the symptoms? In this article we will answer that question for you and advise what help is available if you are concerned about your health.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from person to person depending on what stage the illness has reached. At time of diagnosis, the most common symptoms can include the following:-
1. Swelling to the face and/or neck.
2. Difficulty when swallowing.
3. High blood pressure.
4. Blood in saliva and mucus which has been coughed up.
5. Crackling noise when breathing.
6. Shortness of breath.
7. Deformity of fingers.
8. Loss of appetite/weight.
Exposure
Exposure to asbestos has been linked to the development of serious respiratory diseases and cancers including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other conditions. So, who it at risk?
Exposure occurs when someone inhales or swallows asbestos fibres. Most asbestos related illnesses occur after heavy, repeated exposure. The following are examples of settings in which you may be most likely to be exposed:-
1. Construction work and home renovations. Many building materials contain asbestos and when disturbed microscopic fibres enter the air. Fibres can remain airborne for hours meaning anyone nearby can be at danger.
2. Any past or present jobs in which you are exposed to asbestos without being supplied with the correct personal protective equipment.
3. There was a marked increase in the use of asbestos after the Second World War and many industries used it as a staple material. The dangers of asbestos were not known back then and little or no measures were taken to protect those exposed.
4. Living with someone who has worked in a job with an asbestos risk. For example, washing your partner’s laundry or hugging them when they return from work can result in you inhaling asbestos fibres.
What to do if you are concerned
If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos in the past it is important to let your GP know. Please do not panic as most people do not develop serious or life threatening lung disease as a result of exposure to asbestos. It is always a good idea however to seek medical advice if you experience any of the symptoms outlined above which can be caused by numerous conditions and not necessarily asbestos related.
Further information
There is a wealth of information available on asbestos related illness and we have tried to address the following points on a separate page.
• Types of asbestos related disease.
• Diagnosis of asbestosis.
• Treatment for asbestosis.
• What occupations were most exposed to asbestos?
Please click here to read more about the above.
Making an asbestos claim
Here at Russell Worth we understand the impact an asbestos related illness can have on your life and those of your loved ones. At its worst, an asbestos related illness can be extremely debilitating and eventually fatal. We are here to work with you and build a case against the employers who exposed you to this dangerous substance.
Free Claim Assessment
If you have been injured and would like a free Claim Assessment so that you can discover your rights, please call us now on 0800 028 2060 or complete our Online Claim Assessment.
