Health risks
How do I get sick from asbestos?
When does asbestos pose a risk to health?
I have been in a building that contains
asbestos. Do I need to see a doctor?
What do the exposure standards mean?
What size particles are important?
Are there different levels of risk?
How long does it take for health problems
caused by asbestos exposure to become apparent?
Answers
How do I get sick from asbestos?
Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer
and mesothelioma. The risk of contracting these diseases increases
with the number of fibres inhaled. The risk of lung cancer
from inhaling asbestos fibres is also greater if you smoke
cigarettes.
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When does asbestos pose a risk to health?
Asbestos fibres pose a risk to health if airborne because
inhalation is the predominant route of entry into the body.
The effect of asbestos on health is dependent on:
- length of duration of exposure
- the concentration of airborne asbestos fibres, and
- the size and form of the fibre.
People who have suffered health effects from exposure to
asbestos have generally worked in either the asbestos mining
or milling industry, worked in industries involved in making
or installing asbestos products, or are from the immediate
families of these people.
In all of these situations there was exposure to high levels
of airborne dust, from either the processes involved or from
the workers' clothes. These exposures occurred over a number
of years and at levels many times higher than allowed by present
day exposure standards.
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I have been in a building that contains asbestos. Do I need
to see a doctor?
Not necessarily. Asbestos does not pose a risk to health
if the material is undamaged, in good condition and managed
properly. However, if you think you may have been exposed
to asbestos fibres you should consult a doctor who specialises
in lung disorders or occupational exposures.
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What do the exposure standards mean?
Exposure standards are set by governments at levels which
will protect workers from adverse health effects.
They allow for a worker being exposed to the hazard at that
level 'every day of their working life' (approximately 45
years) without damaging their health. The levels are determined
from the results of research, animal trials and the effects
of exposures in the past.
Due to past experiences in Australia - particularly at Wittenoom
(an asbestos mine in Western Australia) - the nation is a
world leader in research into asbestos related exposures.
The occupational exposure standards in Australia are some
of the strictest in the world. They were developed through
the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission and
have been adopted by government and industry throughout Australia.
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What size particles are important?
The size of the asbestos particle is critical in determining
whether there will be a risk to health from inhaling the fibres.
Fibres which are 5 microns or more long and 3 microns or less
wide are the most likely to remain in the lungs. (A human
hair is approximately 20 to 100 microns wide). Fibres larger
than this tend to be removed by the normal clearance mechanism
of the throat and lungs.
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Are there different levels of risk?
Yes, different forms of asbestos material have different
levels of risk. If asbestos fibres are in a stable matrix
material such as bonded in asbestos-cement (A-C) sheeting,
they cannot become airborne and therefore will not be a health
risk.
Provided these products are maintained in good condition,
they present no risk to health. However, precautions must
be observed during any alterations, demolition or removal
of these products as there is an opportunity for fibres to
become airborne.
In asbestos material such as pipe lagging and sprayed-on
insulation the fibres are not bound in a matrix and are much
more likely to release high concentrations of fibres into
the atmosphere when damaged. These forms are generally covered
with a durable exterior protection which minimises damage
occurring, and the subsequent release of fibres.
These materials must only be handled by a fully licensed
asbestos removalist, because of the potential risk to health.
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How long does it take for health problems caused by asbestos
exposure to become apparent?
People who suffer asbestos-related health problems have usually
been exposed to asbestos over a number or years. Symptoms
of asbestos-related diseases do not usually appear until about
20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.
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Other FAQ Categories
General asbestos questions
Handling asbestos
Testing for asbestos
Asbestos in schools including answers
for parents
Asbestos in remote communities
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