Cancer and asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of tiny fibres. It was once a common building material, but we now know that breathing in asbestos dust can cause serious illness.

When disturbed, asbestos forms dust#

When asbestos is broken, drilled, sanded or otherwise disturbed, it releases a fine dust. If you breathe in this dust, the fibres can lodge in your lungs and stay there for many years.

In many places asbestos is now banned, so it can no longer be sold, installed or re-used in new products. However, asbestos already in place is often allowed to remain, and many older buildings and houses still contain it.

Everyone needs to take special care to avoid asbestos dust at home and work#

Almost everyone has been exposed to asbestos in small amounts at some point. For most people this small exposure does not cause harm.

People in certain jobs are at greater risk than others, even if the exposure happened a long time ago. Some higher-risk occupations include:

• builders, plumbers, gasfitters and electricians
• metal-fitters, turners, toolmakers, boilermakers and welders
• steelworkers, insulators and mechanics
• transport, sea and waterside workers
• automotive industry workers
• telecommunications technicians and textile workers
• people who worked in asbestos mining and cement manufacturing

Many older homes contain asbestos#

Many homes built before 1990 contain some asbestos. You usually cannot tell where asbestos is in your house just by looking at it. If you want to be sure, you can pay a qualified professional to inspect and test your home.

If you are planning any kind of renovation, it is very important to check for asbestos first. Asbestos may be found in many places around a home, including in the roof, in the eaves and under old vinyl floor tiles, among others.

There are strict rules to make sure people are not exposed to asbestos at work#

Workplace rules are designed to protect people from asbestos exposure. These include wearing special protective equipment and following set safety procedures.

If you need to remove asbestos from your home, or you are renovating, get qualified help and advice on how to do this safely before you start.

Asbestos can cause lung cancer#

Exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer. People who smoke have an even higher risk of developing it.

If you are worried about your risk of lung cancer because of asbestos, talk to your doctor.

Asbestos and mesothelioma#

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is mainly caused by asbestos. It often takes many years to develop, frequently around 40 years after exposure, but it can appear anywhere from 10 to 60 years later. Because of this long delay, it is possible to develop mesothelioma even if you have not been exposed to asbestos for many years.

Mesothelioma most often affects the lining of the lungs, but it is not the same as lung cancer. Less commonly, it can affect the lining of the abdomen (tummy) or the testicles.

Most people who are exposed to small amounts of asbestos do not develop mesothelioma. If you are worried about your risk, speak to your doctor.

Other illnesses linked to asbestos#

Asbestos can also cause other health conditions, including:

• pleural plaque - thickened patches of scar tissue on the pleura, or lung lining
• asbestosis - scar tissue that forms inside the lungs and makes breathing difficult

If you are worried about asbestos and your health, speak to your doctor.

Looking after yourself#

Many people feel shocked and overwhelmed when thinking about asbestos and their health. It is important to talk to other people for support and advice. You might want to talk to:

• your doctor
• a trusted friend or family member
• a counsellor or psychologist
• a support group or organisation

Some people who develop illness after asbestos exposure may be entitled to seek compensation. If this applies to you, make notes about when you may have been exposed, talk it over with friends, family or colleagues, and get advice from an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

Key points#

• People with certain jobs are at greater risk than others, even if it was a long time ago.
• Many homes built before 1990 contain some asbestos.
• If you are doing any kind of renovation at home, it is very important to check for asbestos first.
• Asbestos can cause lung cancer, and people who smoke have an even higher risk.
• Mesothelioma is a cancer mainly caused by asbestos and can take decades to develop.

Where to get help#