What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals, including chrysotile (white asbestos), which belongs to the serpentine family, and amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite, which belong to the amphibole family. These minerals are composed of thin, durable fibres that are resistant to heat, fire, and chemical degradation. Chrysotile is the most commonly used type of asbestos, while amphibole asbestos has had limited commercial use. Asbestos fibres are odourless, tasteless, and do not dissolve in water, making them highly persistent in the environment.

What is Asbestos used for?

Asbestos has been used in industries since the late 1800s, particularly in:

• Building materials: cement, insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and soundproofing
• Shipbuilding: boiler and pipe insulation
• Automotive industry: brake pads and clutch components
• Household products: floor and ceiling tiles, paints, coatings, and plastics
• Gardening and consumer products: found in vermiculite and some talc-based crayons

Sources & Routes of Exposure

Sources of Exposure

Asbestos exposure can occur from:

• Natural erosion of asbestos-bearing rocks
• Industrial activities: mining, manufacturing, and product use
• Buildings: insulation, ceiling tiles, and floor tiles (if damaged)
• Vehicle components: clutches and brakes
• Drinking water: asbestos-cement pipes and roofing material runoff

Routes of Exposure

• Inhalation: Most common, especially near asbestos industries or during construction work
• Ingestion: Through contaminated water
• Skin contact: Less common but possible in occupational settings

Health Effects

Acute Effects:

No immediate toxic effects have been identified in short-term studies.

Chronic Effects:

• Breathing in asbestos over time can cause asbestosis, a serious lung disease.
• Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
• Asbestosis worsens over time, even after exposure stops, and can be fatal in severe cases.
• Other health effects include high blood pressure in the lungs and immune system issues.
• Animal studies have not shown toxic effects from eating asbestos.
• EPA has not set safety limits for asbestos exposure.
• Stay safe! Use protective gear when working around asbestos.

Reproductive/Developmental Effects:

• No evidence of birth defects or fertility issues in human or animal studies.

Cancer Risk:

• Breathing in asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma (a rare cancer affecting organ linings).
• Smokers exposed to asbestos have an even higher risk of lung cancer.
• Some studies link asbestos inhalation and ingestion to gastrointestinal cancer.
• Longer asbestos fibers (>5µm) are more cancerous than shorter ones (<5µm).
• Asbestos in drinking water may be linked to cancer, but results are unclear due to study limitations.
• Animal studies show certain asbestos fibers can cause intestinal tumors in male rats.
• EPA classifies asbestos as a known human carcinogen (Group A).
• Stay safe! Avoid asbestos exposure whenever possible.

Safety

First Aid Measures

• Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
• Skin: Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical help if symptoms persist.
• Ingestion: Seek immediate medical attention.

Exposure Controls & Personal Protection

Engineering Controls

• Install eye wash stations and showers in work areas.
• Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking.
• Minimise asbestos dust inhalation.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Eye/Face Protection: Safety glasses with side shields.
• Gloves: Rubber gloves.
• Clothing: Protective suits; avoid taking work clothes home.
• Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirator, as per workplace safety regulations.

Regulations

United States:

• EPA: In 1989, the environmental protection agency banned all new uses of asbestos; uses established before this date are still allowed. EPA established regulations that require school systems to inspect for damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce the exposure by removing the asbestos or by covering it up. EPA regulates the release of asbestos from factories and during building demolition or renovation to prevent asbestos from getting into the environment.
• EPA has proposed a concentration limit of 7 million fibres per litre of drinking water for long fibres (lengths greater than or equal to 5 µm).

Australia:

Safe Work Australia has established the following exposure limits for asbestos: