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.
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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<H3 align=left>Other FAQ Categories</H3>General asbestos questions
Handling asbestos
Testing for asbestos
Asbestos in schools including answers for parents
Asbestos in remote communities
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