French polishing is a specialised wood finishing method which results in an attractive and reflective glossy surface, usually characterised by a rich colour.
However, because the process required to French polish requires a great deal of coating, rubbing and sanding there is a significant risk to those French polishers who used asbestos-contaminated shellac.
Shellac is a natural form of thermoplastic. Thermoplastics are materials that are positive to work with because they are malleable under pressure and when heated, but they remain stable at room temperature.
Unfortunately, for the many French polishers who worked with Shellac during the latter decades of the twentieth century, it was frequently a composite version of the substance and contained asbestos. It was also incredibly fragile, making it sensitive to spills, temperature changes and other events.
Furthermore, French polishers frequently worked in confined spaces, such as ships and shipyard environments, where they were exposed to asbestos dust from other processes, for example lagging, sanding and insulation.
If you have worked as a French polisher in Scotland or elsewhere in the UK at any point between the 1940s and 1980s and have since been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, contact Thompsons Solicitors today for advice and information regarding your possible right to claim compensation. Just call 0800 0891331 to speak with one of the team.
Scotland's leading asbestos and lung disease solicitor firm
Thompsons Solicitors are the leading personal injury firm in the country and, in partnership with groups such as Clydeside Action on Asbestos and Clydebank Asbestos Group, have been at the forefront of fighting for the civil legal rights of the people, families and communities in Scotland who have suffered the terrible legacy of asbestos.
Although the importation, supply and use of asbestos has now been completely banned in the UK, the fact that asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma have such long incubation periods (typically several decades) means that sufferers do not become symptomatic until many years after the time of exposure.
Fortunately, as the leading asbestos claims firm in the country Thompsons has the experience and local knowledge to help ensure justice for asbestos illness sufferers and their families in Scotland. We are ideally placed to quickly and effectively trace all the necessary parties. Click here to find out how.
French polish on the shipyards
Whether you have been diagnosed with asbestos illness or have recently lost a loved one to such an illness, if you believe that exposure to asbestos in a shipyard or French polishing workplace to be the cause, you may be able to secure compensation.
Judges have rejected arguments presented by Upper Clyde Shipbuilders and other firms that they did not need to protect French polishers from the risk of asbestos. In fact, the courts have made it plain that all reasonable employers should have taken steps to protect workers.
Whether you are looking to claim for mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques or lung cancer, call 0800 0891331 to contact Thompsons Solicitors today.
