Asbestos exposure

Asbestos is a natural fibre that is heat, fire and chemical resistant. It was used as insulation for buildings, boilers, and pipes until the late 1990s. It has been banned in the UK since 1999 after it was shown to be harmful when breathed in.

There’s very little risk from asbestos if it’s untouched. However, when it’s damaged or disturbed, tiny fibres can be released into the air and breathed in.

The Health and Safety Executive has more information on where asbestos can be found. 

If you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos, you should let your GP know so they can note it on your records. Many people who are exposed to asbestos do not get an asbestos-related disease, so try not to worry too much until you know more.

If you find asbestos at home 

If you think you have found asbestos in your home, you should get advice from an environmental health officer at your local council. They will be able to tell you who to contact to remove the asbestos or what steps you need to take to protect yourself.

• If you live in England or Wales, you can find out more about asbestos removal on the gov.uk website.  
• If you live in Northern Ireland, you can read about asbestos removal on the NI direct website.  
• If you live in Scotland, you can get advice on asbestos in the home from Scotland Shelter. 

If you find asbestos at work

You should stop work if you think you have come across asbestos. It’s best to speak to your employer or the building owner to find out if there is asbestos in the building.  

The Health and Safety Executive have more information about if you find asbestos at work.  

You can get compensation through the courts, the benefits system or government compensation schemes. It’s a good idea to get advice quickly so you claim correctly and get what you’re entitled to.  

 

Industrial injury benefits and government compensation schemes

You can claim industrial injuries benefit if you have any of the following conditions:

• asbestosis
• mesothelioma  
• asbestos-related lung cancer (with and without asbestosis)
• diffuse pleural thickening.

There are also government compensation schemes under the Pneumoconiosis etc (Worker’s Compensation) Act 1979 and the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme.

People with pleural plaques in Scotland and Northern Ireland may be able to claim compensation and should get legal advice about this. However, people in England and Wales are not able to claim for pleural plaques. 

Making a claim against previous employers

If you have been exposed to asbestos at work, you may want to make a civil claim against your employer.  

Mesothelioma UK has advice on making a claim and what questions to ask a solicitor. The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers lists specialist solicitors. In Scotland, get in touch with Action on Asbestos.

You can get proof of employment history to support your claim from the gov.uk website. 

Further support and advice

Call our helpline on 0300 222 5800 for advice about financial support and compensation options that might be available to you, including state benefits. We can also guide you to other help and support.  

Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum is a good place to look for benefits advice and support.  

In Scotland, Action on Asbestos campaigns for people with asbestos-related disease. They can also advise you on welfare rights and help to find you a specialist solicitor. Go to their website or call them on 0800 089 1717.

In Wales, the Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru gives support to people with asbestos-related diseases. For more information go to their website or call their helpline on 01495 272479.