What are pleural plaques?

Pleural plaques are a form of scarring of the outer lining of the lung. Although pleural plaques do not normally cause any symptoms they are an indication of previous exposure to asbestos.

People diagnosed with Pleural plaques, often become anxious about whether they will develop a fatal asbestos-related illness in the future, such as mesothelioma.

In the past it was possible for people suffering from pleural plaques to recover compensation. A ruling in the House of Lords in 2007 meant that it was no longer possible for pleural plaques sufferers to recover compensation.

But a new compensation scheme for pleural plaques sufferers allows victims to recover a one off payment of £5,000. The victim must have started, but not completed, a compensation claim before 17 October 2007 to be eligible for the one-off payment of £5,000. Read more about the pleural plaques compensation scheme 

Pleural plaques and cancer

Pleural plaques by themselves are benign and cannot change into cancer. They are an indication that a person has been exposed to asbestos.

There is evidence to conclude that individuals with pleural plaques have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Smoking is not a factor in the development of mesothelioma.

For further information or if you have been exposed to asbestos please contact a member of our mesothelioma and asbestos claims team by calling freephone 0800 358 3848,
email personalinjury@ffw.com or complete our short enquiry form.