Our group was set up in March 2002 by sufferers of Asbestos related diseases and the families of people who have died from these diseases. The group aims to change the appalling lack of local services and information available to victims and their families.
Our founding member and late chairman, Mr Robbie Brown lobbied Stormont on a number of occasions to change legislation which helped victims and their families receive the proper compensation and government benefits which they deserve.
Asbestos related diseases are predicted to rise to about 10,000 deaths a year in Britain. There is usually a long delay between first exposure to Asbestos and the onset of Asbestos related diseases.
This can be up to 40 years after first exposure. The vast majority of those now suffering with Asbestos related illnesses were exposed to asbestos in the 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
Even though the use of asbestos in the construction or refurbishment of any premises is now illegal, it is estimated that as many as 4.4 million buildings (1.4 million of which are commercial properties) may still have asbestos contained in their internal structure because they were built before bans on asbestos began in the early 1980s.
Where still in place this asbestos will pose no danger to health – provided it is in good condition and is not disturbed. However, should material become damaged asbestos fibres may be released into the air where they can be inhaled, posing a risk to those who inhale them.
As a support group we cannot offer victims and their families in Northern Ireland legal advice, however we can point you in the right direction – to lawyers specialised in this field.
Call: 028 9078 3923
Are raised areas of thickened pleura which can be seen on xrays. The pleura is a two layered membrane which surrounds the lungs and lines the inside of the rib cage.
Thickening of the lung walls due to scarring caused by Asbestos which may cause breathlessness.
Fibrosis or scarring of the lungs, caused by exposure to Asbestos dust. The condition develops slowly and incapacitates the victim over a long period of years.
There is known association between Lung Cancer and exposure to Asbestos dust. People who have already developed Asbestosis have a greater risk of developing Lung Cancer.
A form of cancer almost exclusively caused by exposure to Asbestos dust. It effects the lining of the lungs, chest wall or abdomen. The development of the disease can take up to 10-15 to 40 years after first being exposed to Asbestos dust.
Some estimates indicate that smoking increases the risk of developing an Asbestos related disease by 92%. If you have been exposed to Asbestos dust, it is in your own and your family’s interest to stop smoking immediately.