In Britain, claims for pleural plaques have been rising sharply, prodded by aggressive advertising by personal injury lawyers.

ECONOMIST: Britain faces a big bill for asbestos exposure at work

The Association of British Insurers claimed passing the bill would send out the wrong message about the seriousness of pleural plaques.

BBC: Asbestos compensation law passed

Although pleural plaques do not cause or develop into a more serious asbestos-related condition, they do signify an increased risk of developing mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos.

BBC: Asbestos compensation law passed

And they point out that many pleural plaques claims are settled once and for all, meaning that the few claimants who go on to develop more serious illnesses may not get extra money.

ECONOMIST: Britain faces a big bill for asbestos exposure at work