Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in a variety of products for many years. It is made up of small, durable fibers that are resistant to heat, fire and chemicals. While asbestos is not considered harmful when it is left undisturbed, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems.
Asbestos exposure can occur in a number of ways. People can be exposed to asbestos fibers through work activities, such as mining, milling, manufacturing products containing asbestos or working with insulation materials that contain asbestos. Exposure can also occur during home renovation projects when older materials containing asbestos are disturbed.
When people inhale asbestos fibers, they may not have any immediate health effects. However, the fibers can become lodged in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung diseases such as asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), lung cancer and mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lining of the chest or abdomen).
There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos – even brief exposure can cause health problems. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos fibers, it’s important to see your doctor so that you can be monitored for possible health effects.