Kirsty List is only 32 years old and is a mother to a wonderful 4-year-old daughter. She has been diagnosed with terminal peritoneal mesothelioma. It is believed that the source of the asbestos that caused the condition originated from her time spent at the North Devon school - Holsworthy Community College.
Since this tragic story was highlighted, figures have since been released showing that out of the 264 schools within the catchment of the Devon County Council, asbestos has been detected in 219 of them.
Whilst this is an alarming statistic, if the asbestos is left alone it does not pose a health risk to people. However, if the asbestos is disturbed due to maintenance work it can release minuscule asbestos fibres which can be carried home on your clothes or they can be breathed in.
These fibres start a chain of physical and metabolic events that lead to the development of mesothelioma. Many of the early symptoms of mesothelioma are more likely to be caused by other conditions, so at first people may ignore them or mistake them for common, minor ailments.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the chest) can include:
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include:
If you feel you have been exposed to asbestos and have any of these symptoms, it is worth contacting your GP. If you feel you need legal advice on this matter, please speak to North Devon's Samuels Solicitors on: 01271 308049 who will be able to help you legally and confidentially.
