Action for Mesothelioma Day

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking, and the two often act together. Increased risk of lung cancer In these cases, it is not just asbestos or smoking that causes lung cancer, but both.

Asbestos fibers are found in dust and when inhaled, they can lodge in lung tissue and cause scarring over time, and can develop tumors over time.

Despite many people developing asbestos-related diseases, 52% of people are still unaware that exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma.

Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to high levels of asbestos at some point in their lives.

Which occupations are most at risk from asbestos?

Asbestos was a very common building material in the last century, mainly due to its fire resistance, so almost any occupation that involved working in buildings before 2000 could have exposed you to asbestos. According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), all of the following occupations may have been affected:

• Heating and Ventilation Engineer
• Demolition worker
• Carpenters and joiners
• Plumber
• Roofing Contractor
• Painter and decorator
• Plasterer
• Construction Worker
• Fire and burglar alarm system installers
• Shop fitter
• Gas Worker
• Computer and Data Installer
• General maintenance staff (e.g. janitors)
• Communications Engineer
• Architects, building surveyors and other professionals
• Cable installers
• Electrical Engineer

In recent years, there has been an increase in cases of teachers and lecturers working in schools and universities who have been exposed to asbestos-containing or disturbed buildings and are now developing asbestos-related conditions.

Suspect a cough

57% of those surveyed did not know that coughing was a major symptom of mesothelioma.

This increases to 69% for military professionals and 60% for emergency services professionals (firefighters).

In addition to coughing, other symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• shortness of breath
• Fatigue (extreme fatigue)
• High fever and sweating, especially at night
• Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
• Swollen fingertips

Symptoms of mesothelioma that develops in the lining of the stomach include:

• Stomach pain or swelling
• Feeling unwell or ill
• Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
• Diarrhea or constipation

98% of people don't know that it can take more than 10 years after exposure to asbestos for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear, so they may assume the symptoms are unrelated to asbestos and think nothing of it.

This is why we're urging people to take symptoms seriously and #questionthecough. We hope this will encourage people who may have a cough or other symptoms to seek medical advice, which could lead to an earlier diagnosis. An earlier diagnosis means more options are available from medical professionals.

Workplace Risks

48% of those surveyed agree that workers need better protection from asbestos-related illnesses, and more than one in four believe their employers have not been honest about the risks of asbestos in the workplace.

When asbestos is disturbed it must be treated as a significant health risk, for this reason if asbestos is discovered or suspected during renovation works strong measures must be taken to minimise the risk.

Our research found that 63% of people are unaware of their rights in terms of employment.

Under the Asbestos Regulations 2012, any asbestos found at a work site must be registered and professionally disposed of. Duty holders must by law ensure that risk assessments are carried out and clear plans are in place to eliminate any further health risks. They must also provide information about the location and condition of asbestos to anyone who works with or may disturb it.

It is the employer's responsibility to keep employees fully informed and encourage them to take the necessary precautions.

How we can help

Being diagnosed with cancer, no matter what the disease, is always difficult for patients and their families and it can be a time of great fear and anxiety. However, advice on how to live your life to the fullest after diagnosis is available from a number of organisations, including Mesothelioma UK.

Slater & Gordon has a highly specialised occupational illness team with offices across the country who have extensive experience helping patients and their family clients who suffer from mesothelioma.

Over the years, our dedicated team has been involved in some of the most significant and groundbreaking asbestos litigation cases.

We therefore believe that Mesothelioma Action Day is a great opportunity to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and campaign for better treatment for people diagnosed with mesothelioma.

As well as specialist help and support for asbestos-related illnesses, you may also need financial assistance to protect yourself and your family into the future, which is why we recommend speaking to a specialist solicitor to discuss the possibility of a successful no fee compensation claim.