Health Effects

Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos do not develop health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos material that crumbles easily, or has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder (friable) is more likely to create a health problem.

Asbestos can cause:

• Lung Cancer
• Mesothelioma – a cancer o the lining of the chest OR the abdominal cavity
• Asbestosis – where the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue (most common)

People who get asbestosis have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

The risk of cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is greater if you smoke.

Asbestos abatement performed by an unlicensed contractor is likely to result in prolonged circulation of asbestos fibers through the house. This circulation increases your chances of developing any of the associated cancers.