What is mesothelioma?
This is a relatively rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. It occurs in the lining of the lungs or, more unusually, in the abdomen or heart. Mesothelioma can be caused by minimal exposure to asbestos fibres. The condition currently cannot be cured but there are treatments available to extend and improve quality of life.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is mined from the ground. It is unique as it is the only mineral that can be woven into cloth. It can also be moulded into other forms such as sheeting, paper and rope. Asbestos is strong, flexible and fire resistant. Asbestos was often referred to as “the magic mineral”. Asbestos comes in three colours: blue, brown and white. Blue and brown asbestos fibres are considered more toxic to health than white fibres but white asbestos is still hazardous when inhaled. In the UK we predominantly used white asbestos. We have been told by numerous clients over the years that their employers said white asbestos was safe for them to use. This is wrong - all asbestos is potentially dangerous to health when the fibres are breathed in. Blue, brown and white asbestos can all cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques. Asbestos was widely used in UK industry and construction from the 1900s. It was installed extensively as fireproofing and insulation throughout the 1960s to 1980s and can still be found in many buildings today.
02 Hodge Jones & Allen Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors
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