Currently, between 4.1 and 7.3 million workers in the EU are exposed to asbestos and it is estimated that asbestos is the cause of death for over 90,000 people each year. Asbestos is classified as Carcinogens category 1A, meaning it is seen as a definite cause of cancer in humans.

Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause chronic lung diseases like lung cancer, cancer of the lining of the lungs and mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura and peritoneum), and asbestosis (serious scarring condition of the lung causing progressive shortness of breath). According to the World Health Organization, approximately half of all occupational cancer deaths are caused by asbestos.

Where risks occur

The risk may occur during renovating or demolishing buildings, technical plants or ships or during the cleanup from those activities. The main industry where exposure occurs is construction. Workers exposed could be working on demolition, home renovation, flooring, roofing or mechanics in industry. Other occupations at risk are shipyard workers, fire-fighters, power-plant and waste workers.

More about the substance

Asbestos has been widely used in buildings and building materials, machines, vehicles and consumer products. Asbestos is the collective term for naturally occurring silicate minerals with a crystalline structure and a fibrous character. Individual asbestos fibers cannot be seen or smelled. Asbestos fibers are released into the air during activities involving asbestos-containing materials.

The fibers can then be inhaled without knowing and trapped in the lungs or embedded into the digestive tract. The European Union has banned all use as well as extraction, manufacture and processing of asbestos products of asbestos in 2005.

How symptoms can affect you

Over the span of many years, asbestos fibers that are inhaled can cause inflammation that results in cancer, more specific: lung cancer and mesothelioma. Early symptoms of asbestos related cancer could be shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, digestion issues and nausea.

Latency period between exposure and asbestos related cancer varies from 15 to 50 years depending on the type of asbestos, the level of exposure, the type of cancer and lifestyle factors.

What you can do

Determine if materials containing asbestos are present, investigate if the work will generate airborne fibers and strictly stick to the existing regulations. Inform workers about the risks and preventive measures.  When it is not sure whether asbestos might be contained in a building, testing of the material will clarify if it has been used.

Remove the asbestos-containing materials as non-destructively as possible. If it has to be disturbed e. g. by a renovation of a building, make sure the right equipment and working techniques are used by trained workers in order to minimize exposure and maximize the effectiveness of controls. Make sure the right mask and overalls are used for personal protection. People with a history of asbestos exposure should seek regular health screenings and be trained to watch out for symptoms of possible cancer.