Industrial disease
How long does it take to feel the effects of asbestos exposure?
The effects of being exposed to asbestos can take a long time to manifest. However, those who are unaware on how long it takes, might ignore any symptoms they experience. As asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma, our experts share what symptoms people should look out for.
After being exposed to asbestos, it can take a long time for symptoms of related diseases to appear. According to the NHS, mesothelioma typically develops more than 20 years after exposure. Despite this, our research found that only 6.52% of Scots think that symptoms of mesothelioma take 10 or more years. Further to this, nearly 1 in 5 believe that symptoms show up immediately after exposure.
While asbestos is incredibly dangerous to personal health, it takes time for symptoms to manifest. Because of this, it is easy for people to dismiss symptoms as unrelated, but it is of vital importance that you know what symptoms to look out for.
What are the symptoms after an asbestos exposure?
There are several health issues and diseases that an asbestos exposure could cause, however common symptoms you should look out for include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Wheeze
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness
- Pain in your chest or shoulder
- In more advanced cases, clubbed (swollen) fingertips
- Weight loss
If you think you have might have been exposed to asbestos in the past and have symptoms of an asbestos-related condition, it is important your GP is made aware of a potential health risk. Early detection and treatment are crucial when it comes to asbestos related diseases.
In research we conducted, we found that nearly 40% of Scot’s are unaware that a cough is a key symptom of mesothelioma. We encourage people to approach their health with caution and ‘#questionthecough.’ A cough is one of the most common symptoms across asbestos related diseases, and we hope that by encouraging people to seek medical help if showing symptoms, more people will receive a diagnosis earlier and be able to access treatment sooner.
We are here to help
If you, or a family member, have been exposed to asbestos, our specialist industrial disease solicitors will be able to advise you on next steps. As well as offering expert legal advice, we also partner with several asbestos organisations and charities that offer advice and support to those living with an asbestos-related disease. For a free consultation call 0330 041 5869 or contact us online .