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Asbestos was used in a wide range of industries due to its various properties. It is a strong, fibrous mineral which is highly resistant to heat and fire. Despite being so strong, it can be woven finely and as a result asbestos has been used in piping, boilers, flooring, mattresses, cement and drainage.

The asbestos was often drilled, filed, sawed, sanded, grinded or broken up during the course of its use which released asbestos dust/fibres into the air. Even when asbestos is disturbed or damaged, it can release tiny fibres which are so fine that they are not visible to the naked eye and can be inhaled into the lungs.

The dust was then inhaled by workers who were exposed to varying quantities of asbestos dust and more often than not were unaware of the dangers. In many cases, no precautionary measures such as masks or ventilation were taken. Even where workers were provided with protective clothing, they were in some instances given overalls made of asbestos cloth.

The asbestos dust could remain on the workers clothing and in their hair when they returned home. We are presently handling a number of cases where spouses or other family members have suffered an asbestos related illness after they handled the overalls of the worker after he returned home.

Exposure to asbestos can also occur environmentally and other potential sources of asbestos include asbestos mines, asbestos cement works, shipyards, brake factories, etc. As many old buildings still contain asbestos, as they deteriorate asbestos dust may be released into the atmosphere.

Following exposure to asbestos it can take between 10 and 60 years for an asbestos related disease to develop.

If you believe that you might have a legal claim relating to Exposure to asbestos , please complete the online enquiry form or call 0870 024 0558. Your enquiry will be forwarded to a solicitor who specialises in Exposure to asbestos .

If you have any comments in relation to Exposure to asbestos , please use the online discussion forum.