Hidden in Plain Sight
The Risks You Didn’t Realise Existed
Mesothelioma is the most serious diseases associated with asbestos exposure. It is an aggressive form of cancer which most commonly affects the lining of the lungs and is responsible for around 2,200 deaths per year in the UK.
The most common cause of asbestos-related disease is from occupational exposure, particularly among people who have worked directly with asbestos or in industries where asbestos-containing materials were commonly used. However, a recent BBC report highlights an important and often overlooked factor – people who have never worked with asbestos themselves may also have been exposed, including children and staff in schools.
In Places We Never Expected
Asbestos was widely used in buildings and construction materials throughout much of the 20th century because of its heat resistance and durability. It can be found in a wide range of materials such as ceiling and vinyl floor tiles for insulation, for example. As a result, asbestos-containing materials may still be present in schools and other public buildings constructed or refurbished before asbestos use was prohibited.
The presence of asbestos does not necessarily mean that a building is immediately unsafe. The risk can arise when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, deteriorate or are disturbed during maintenance or repair, refurbishment or construction work.
Decades Can Pass Before The Damage Appears
When disturbed, asbestos can release microscopic fibres into the air; those fibres, if inhaled, can lodge in a person’s lungs, cause severe scarring and can lead to mesothelioma. It can take many years, even decades for the disease to appear from the time of exposure. This means anyone diagnosed today may have been exposed during childhood or in early working life. The health risks, even from short-term asbestos exposure, have been known for many years. Any exposure at all to asbestos can potentially result in an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or pleural plaques. Identifying where and when exposure occurred can therefore be extremely difficult.
Not Just an Occupational Risk
The BBC’s report is a reminder that asbestos exposure is not simply an issue affecting people who worked in traditional asbestos-related industries, but that schools, workplaces and other public buildings can also be relevant when investigating the history of someone’s exposure.
There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure; however, the level, duration and circumstances of exposure are important factors when investigating an individual case.
The Legal Challenge
From a legal perspective, establishing circumstances of exposure can be particularly important. When someone has developed an asbestos-related disease, it may be necessary to investigate their employment history, the buildings they attended or worked in, the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials, and the work or activities which may have disturbed them.
At Wilson Nesbitt, our Personal Injury team has extensive experience in dealing with claims arising from asbestos exposure and helping individuals and families understand whether they may have grounds for a claim.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with asbestos-related disease, or you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace, school or another building, our team can provide advice on the circumstances of the exposure and the potential merits of a claim.
Get in touch for more information
Joe Sweeney
Solicitor, Disputes Resolution