Asbestos exposure can cause cancer and other serious lung problems. Asbestos fibers vary in length and may be straight or curled. Asbestos fibers are resistant to heat and most chemicals. Asbestos can enter the air and water from the weathering of natural deposits and the wearing down of manufactured asbestos products, such as brake pads. Small fibers may remain suspended in the air for a long time before settling.
Larger fibers tend to settle more quickly.
Asbestos fibers aren't able to move through soil and they aren't broken down to other compounds in the environment. Therefore, they can remain in the environment for decades or longer. Asbestos fibers may build up in animals. Breathing low levels in air. Breathing higher levels in air while working in industries that make or use asbestos products or near a building that contains asbestos products and is being torn down or renovated.