Many older houses in Scotland still have some asbestos in them, which is a mineral used for building that is now widely banned as it has been deemed dangerous. It can lead to a number of health complications including asbestosis, which does irreversible lung damage.
It is still an issue in many homes, with a woman from Shotts, in North Lanarkshire, recently slamming the local council for their inaction on her living conditions. She says that asbestos has been a problem in her council house for a number of years, but nothing has been done about it.
Sharon Fleming, 50, said to Lanarkshire Live : “I have had no kitchen for eight months, as there was asbestos in the air. We have had an asbestos survey carried out and it’s in a number of areas in the house.
"Myself and my son were exposed to it for two-and-a-half years before anything was done about it. All my white goods from the kitchen are in my living room as I can’t use the kitchen. It’s ridiculous."
This can be a frightening situation as there are real dangers caused by asbestos, which is why it should be swiftly dealt with. With that in mind, here are some key asbestos facts and risks that you should be aware about.
What is asbestos?
According to Asthma + Lung UK, Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre which was popular until the late 1990s, when it was widely banned. The fibre was used for insulation before people were aware of its dangers, and can be found in many buildings built before 2000.
When damaged, it was found that tiny asbestos fibres can be released into the air and enter your lungs, this could damage your lungs. The concerning thing about the damage, is that it can take years or even decades to appear after exposure.
Asbestos can cause a number of conditions, according to the charity, including a number of non-cancerous diseases and conditions as well as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Another condition that people could develop is asbestosis.
Two of the main three types of asbestos used for building – called crocidolite and amosite – were banned in 1985, while the third type which is called chrysotile was widely banned in 1999. Those who worked in industries like building or construction are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related conditions.
What is asbestosis?
According to Scotland's NHS Inform, Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to the fibre. There is no cure for the condition and it can put you at an increased risk of developing conditions like lung cancer.
Symptoms of asbestosis are as follows:
- shortness of breath – this may only occur after physical activity at first, but it can eventually become a more constant problem
- a persistent cough
- wheezing
- fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- chest pain
- in more advanced cases, clubbed (swollen) fingertips
While it cannot be cured it can be treated with things such as oxygen therapy, which may improve the quality of life for someone with the condition. Asbestosis sufferers are urged to quit smoking as it can have a significant impact on their already weakened lungs.
If you are suffering from any symptoms and have been in contact with asbestos, you should get in touch with your GP right away. If you have the condition, you may be entitled to compensation through the industrial injuries disablement benefit, or through a civil claim through the courts.
What you can do to get rid of asbestos
If you are concerned about asbestos in your home, you should contact an environmental health officer at your local authority or council. NHS Inform adds that you should not attempt to remove any materials that you think may contain asbestos yourself.
There are a number of asbestos survey services which can detect whether there are particles of the fibre in your home's air. As we have seen in the case of Sharon Fleming, the process can be slow-moving.
She said “I have forwarded the asbestos survey and pictures of what I have had to live with but I’ve not been getting any help."
Thankfully, the council appears to be taking action with a North Lanarkshire Council spokesperson saying: “We are treating this matter seriously and are keen to resolve the matter to a satisfactory conclusion."
If it is not damaged, asbestos should be left alone as the particles will not affect you unless airborne. If the fibre is damaged, you should look to get it removed professionally by an accredited team.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
