How does exposure to asbestos occur?

“Exposure occurs primarily via the respiratory tract by inhaling asbestos fibres. It is not only those who work directly with asbestos who are at risk of exposure; if clothing and equipment that has been in contact with asbestos is not handled and cleaned safely, asbestos fibres can spread further.”

What makes exposure to asbestos such a health risk?

“Asbestos fibres are so thin that they easily pass deep into the airways and the lungs, unlike many other particles that usually fasten on the way and are coughed up. White blood cells play an important role in cleaning the lungs from microorganisms and air pollutants, but asbestos fibres are so thin and long that this process becomes difficult.
They are almost impossible for the body to break down, and are difficult to transport upwards and out of the airways.”

If it was on one occasion only, the risk of illness is almost zero, and then I don’t think people need to worry.

What illnesses can asbestos cause?

“The most common illness associated with asbestos is pleural mesothelioma, or cancer of the lung lining. We still have around 100 people a year with this type of cancer, but it takes between 30 and 50 years from exposure for the illness to develop and those who become ill were exposed many years ago. Lung cancer as a result of asbestos has a delay of between 15 and 20 years. However, asbestosis is very uncommon in Sweden now since it is caused by high levels of exposure over a long period of time. This also applies to certain other conditions caused by asbestos that were more common in the past.”

How do asbestos fibres affect the lungs?

“Because the fibres remain in the body, they irritate tissue in the lungs and can create an inflammation, which in turn may cause scar tissue or other harmful conditions, such as cancer.”

In what physical state does asbestos become a hazard?

“When it is exposed and begins to disintegrate or if you process or remove the material, harmful asbestos dust is formed. As long as the asbestos is covered and intact, there should be no risk of exposure. However, it is important that asbestos inventories are carried out and that areas are marked where asbestos is discovered, so that everyone in the workplace knows where it is.”

How worried should people be after a single exposure to asbestos?

“If it was on one occasion only, the risk of illness is almost zero, and then I don’t think people need to worry. It usually takes exposure over a long period of time for any illness to develop, but asbestos is very harmful to the body and it is important to follow the laws and regulations that exist to avoid exposure.”