Asbestos becomes a health risk when its fibres are released into the air and breathed in. Breathing in these fibres can lead to irreversible and fatal conditions including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Initial concerns around the health risks associated with asbestos contact were raised in the 1930s and by the 1960s, the link was firmly established. Asbestos becomes a health risk when its fibres are released into the air and breathed in. Breathing in these fibres can lead to irreversible and fatal conditions including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. With our understanding of the extreme risks to human health came a ban on the use of asbestos products in most developed nations from the early- to mid-2000s. Unfortunately, our past heavy reliance means that asbestos is still found in many environments, necessitating the safe removal of asbestos containing materials (ACM) by trained and registered professionals.

There are no short cuts when it comes to asbestos-contamination prevention and this is not a time to skimp on safety wear. The potentially fatal consequences of contact with asbestos fibres makes absolute prevention a must for every safety manager, operator and worker.