Why breathing asbestos fibres can cause serious disease
Asbestos becomes a health risk when fibres are released into the air and inhaled. The effects are not immediate and asbestos-related disease may take decades to develop.
Arrange awareness trainingUnderstand asbestos firstHow exposure happens
Asbestos fibres are extremely small. Disturbing, damaging, drilling, cutting or breaking an asbestos-containing material can release fibres that may be breathed deep into the lungs.
The risk depends on factors including the material, the number of fibres released, the duration and frequency of exposure and whether suitable controls were used. Repeated exposure increases cumulative risk.
There is often a long delay
Asbestos-related diseases do not usually cause an immediate change in health. Symptoms may take approximately 15 to 60 years to develop, which is why preventing exposure now is essential.
Material in good condition and left undisturbed presents a very different risk from damaged material or uncontrolled work.
The principal asbestos-related diseases
Mesothelioma
A cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and sometimes the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract. It is strongly associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos-related lung cancer
This is clinically the same as lung cancer caused by other factors. Smoking and asbestos exposure together substantially increase the risk of lung cancer.
Asbestosis
A serious scarring condition of the lungs normally associated with substantial exposure over time. It can cause progressive breathlessness and, in severe cases, may be fatal.
Diffuse pleural thickening
Thickening of the membrane surrounding the lungs can restrict lung expansion and lead to breathlessness and chest discomfort.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are areas of thickening on the lining of the chest wall and can be evidence of previous asbestos exposure. They are distinct from diffuse pleural thickening and usually do not cause symptoms themselves.
A medical professional—not a building surveyor—should explain any diagnosis or individual health implications.
If you think exposure occurred
- Stop the activity and keep people away from the affected area.
- Do not sweep, vacuum or create further disturbance.
- Tell the employer, contractor or person responsible for the premises.
- Obtain competent advice to assess the material and any contamination.
- If you are concerned about your health, contact your GP and provide the known details of the possible exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Can one brief exposure cause asbestos disease?
Risk depends on the material, fibre release and the nature and duration of exposure. Many short, inadvertent incidents are likely to produce minimal exposure, but every uncontrolled disturbance should be taken seriously and prevented from continuing.
Can an X-ray show whether I recently inhaled fibres?
No. Asbestos-related changes take years to develop, and an X-ray cannot show whether fibres were inhaled during a recent incident. Seek medical advice if you are concerned.
How can exposure be prevented?
Identify or presume asbestos before work begins, provide suitable information and training, and use the correct controls and contractors for the material and task.
Authoritative health information
This page provides general information and is not medical advice. For individual health concerns, speak to a qualified medical professional.
Prevent exposure before work starts
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