What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre. In the past, asbestos was used for insulation against heat and noise, as well as for fire protection. Asbestos was also added to materials such as cement and plaster to make them stronger. Exposure to asbestos fibres can result in asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma (a cancer affecting the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity).

What are the hazards of asbestos?

Renovating or demolishing houses that contain asbestos products can release asbestos fibres. These fibres are extremely fine and can remain airborne for hours.

Breathing in asbestos fibres may cause serious health problems, including lung disease and cancer.

Asbestosis is the name given to scarring and stiffening of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos dust over many years. Asbestosis makes breathing difficult and can lead to fatal diseases such as pneumonia and heart disease.

Exposure to asbestos can also cause lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos-related diseases usually develop many years after a person has been exposed. The risk increases with the amount of asbestos in the air you inhale and the length of time you are exposed. Smokers are at increased risk.

For more tips on how to keep your workplace safe, visit worksafebc.com/asbestosbeaware.

Relative sizes

• Glass fiber
• Fume particles
• Human hair
• Asbestos fibre

Asbestos fibres are extremely fine. The diagram above shows the relative sizes of a human hair, a glass fibre, an asbestos fibre, and fume particles.

Asbestos fibres can cause severe, long-term illness. Awareness, proper controls, and safe work practices are essential to protect workers.

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