ASBESTOS PRODUCTS IN AUSTRALIA

Have you used an asbestos product? Have you subsequently developed an asbestos related disease? Not sufre if you can claim compensation? WOULD YOU LIKE OBLIGATION-FREE LEGAL ADVICE?

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Types of Asbestos

Asbestos is the name given to a group of six different fibrous minerals:

· Chrysotile (white asbestos)
· Amosite (which usually has brown fibres)
· Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
· Tremolite
· Anthophyllite (which usually has grey fibres)
· Actinolite

The term "asbestos" is not a mineralogical definition but a commercial name. The 6 different materials referred to as asbestos possess high tensile strength, flexibility, resistance to chemical and thermal degradation, and electrical resistance.

Asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (such as ceiling and floor tiles, fireproofing materials, asbestos cement products, insulation products), automotive brakes, packaging, textile products, gaskets, and coatings. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steampipes, and hot water pipes.

Workers in industries that manufacture or use asbestos products or who are involved in asbestos mining may be exposed to high levels of asbestos. Those involved in demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodelling are also at risk.

Damage caused by asbestos

Unfortunately whilst asbestos may have proved to be versatile it also proved to be toxic.

Exposure to asbestos is extremely hazardous to health and those involved in work that involves close contact with it often later develop illnesses. The absolute risk of developing asbestosis is very closely related to the asbestos exposure.

When asbestos fibres are inhaled or swallowed, most fibres are expelled, but some can become permanently lodged in the lungs. Fibres can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation. Enough scarring and inflammation can affect breathing, leading to disease.

It is important that if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, that you minimize or avoid further exposure. You should also stop smoking and avoid passive smoking (second hand smoke). Asbestos-exposed smokers have greater than additive risks for developing lung cancer than asbestos-exposed nonsmokers.

Compensation claims

If you have suffered from asbestosis or any other asbestos- related condition then you may be entitled to compensation. The courts award compensation for the following:

Loss of past and future income/wages;
Medical, treatment, hospitalization expenses for the past and for the future;
Pharmaceutical expenses for the past and for the future;
Gratuitous domestic assistance for the past and for the future;
General damages (Pain and Suffering, Loss of Amenities, Loss of Life Expectancy).

Making a claim

The time in which to take legal action in relation to an injury can be limited by legislation (statute of limitations). For this reason, it is important that one does not delay seeking legal advice if you contract an asbestos condition. An extension of time may be possible for latent diseases, however- SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!

External Sites:

INTERNATIONAL SITES

American Lung Association

Canadian Lung Association (Asbestosis info)

emedicine- Asbestosis Article

MEDLINEplus (Asbestos info)

Mesothelioma Web