These are scars on the “Pleura”, an envelope-like lining between the lung and the rib-cage filled with lubricating liquid. The pleura’s function is to help reduce friction and wear and tear on the lung itself.

Pleural plaques are symptomless because the scars occur on the side of the pleura nearest the ribcage (parietal pleura) and so do not impair lung function. The condition is also benign and so non-cancerous. Plaques will not themselves turn into one of the more serious asbestos related conditions mentioned below. They are however, a marker of a significant level of asbestos exposure and often cause patients anxiety due to the worry that because of this exposure, they could later develop one of the more serious asbestos related conditions below.

Following the decision of the House of Lords of 17th October 2007 in the test case litigation of Rothwell v Chemical & Insulating Co Ltd and Others (in which we acted for one of the 4 Appellants) it is no longer possible to pursue a claim for pleural plaques alone.

There is, however, the possibility of Government intervention and there has been press speculation that Ministers will shortly be announcing a deal which will see insurance companies agreeing to pay around £5,000 in compensation to individual plaques sufferers. For further information see the News Section.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will keep clients advised of developments.