17 Asbestos Hotspots in UK

In this article we look at which areas of the UK are most affected by the devastating affects of asbestos exposure based on statistics from the Health and Safety Executive.

Asbestos is a natural material that was commonly used in building materials up until it was banned in 1999.

However, it was later found that exposure to this material, can cause fatal and incurable illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Unfortunately, these diseases have a long latency period, which means that people who were exposed to asbestos, do not suffer symptoms until decades later –  often with little time to act.

At present, there is no cure for asbestosis or mesothelioma. However, if you have contracted the disease after being exposed to asbestos at work or in a public place you may be entitled to compensation. At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we can help you with your claim no matter how long ago you believe you were exposed – and even if you no longer work in the job role.

Compensation can be used to assist in your recovery, any further treatments or to make life easier for yourself and your future, now and in the future. Oakwood Solicitors Ltd works on a no-win no-fee basis, so you will not pay a penny unless your claim is successful.

Below we analyse the Health and Safety Executive Statistics, which have revealed which areas of the UK have been affected the most by mesothelioma.

Most deaths from Mesothelioma in men – from 1981-2022

1. Barrow-in-Furness
2. West Dunbartonshire
3. North Tyneside
4. South Tyneside
5. Plymouth
6. Portsmouth
7. Hartlepool
8. Gosport
9. Southampton

Most deaths from Mesothelioma in women – from 1981-2022

1. Barking and Dagenham
2. Sunderland
3. Newham
4. West Dunbartonshire
5. Leeds
6. Barrow-in-Furness
7. Basildon
8. Havering
9. Castle Point
10. Blackburn with Darwen

Asbestos risks to be aware of

If you disturb or touch asbestos, you and those around you could be at risk of developing a serious illness. Disturbed asbestos can cause those close by to breathe in the fibres and particles, the risk of developing diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer and pleural thickening

Asbestos-related illnesses usually develop over a period of time due to prolonged exposure, but asbestos is hard to identify (with fibres about 10 times smaller than the width of a human hair), it is highly likely that these particles will remain in your home if you do attempt to remove it yourself.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos comes from mines across the world including Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil and China. The naturally occurring mineral is made up of heat-resistant fibres and there are three main types commonly found in the UK – brown, white and blue.

Between the 1930s and the 1980s, it was mixed into cement, roofing felt, texture walls, ceiling coverings and floor tiles, and used on roofs, gutters and window seals and to lag or insulate boilers and pipes.

Symptoms of asbestos exposure

According to the NHS, symptoms of asbestos exposure include the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Pain in your chest or shoulder
• In more advanced cases, clubbed (swollen) fingertips

However, it can take 20 to 30 years after being exposed to asbestos before symptoms appear, and sometimes there are no symptoms.

So what can we do to help?

We understand that for anyone diagnosed with any asbestos related lung condition it is a troubling time for you and your family. We realise that you will be very worried about the future and that you will have to come to terms with your diagnosis.

We would always encourage anyone who is diagnosed with an asbestos-related lung condition that at an appropriate juncture you contact a solicitor to see if assistance can be provided in these circumstances.

As industrial disease solicitors, our main aim is to ensure that you and your family receive compensation as a result of the exposure and the resulting illness you now suffer from.

Whilst our main aim is to recover compensation, we are always there to support and assist you and your family through this difficult time.

Whilst you may be feeling anxious about your diagnosis there are always ways to cope with conditions such as Asbestosis. There are also support charities available such as:

• British Lung Foundation Asthma + Lung UK (blf.org.uk)
• Cancer Research UK
• Breath Easy Groups (Part of British Lung Foundation)

Further reading

Guide to asbestosis – Oakwood Solicitors

Mesothelioma claims – Oakwood Solicitors

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.