Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos poses a hazard to workers across many different industries worldwide. When materials that contain asbestos are broken up or disturbed, fibres are released into the air. If inhaled, these asbestos fibres can become trapped in the lungs and cause serious health problems.
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Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to asbestosis, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, causing approximately 90,000 deaths globally each year.[1]
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that begins in the lining of different internal organs, including the lungs. Asbestos is a significant risk factor for developing mesothelioma. Between 70% to 80% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos.[2] Mesothelioma is a long-latency disease – by the time it is diagnosed, the disease is almost always fatal.[3] In 2020, an estimated 30,870 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma, and 26,278 people died from mesothelioma worldwide.[4]
Asbestosis is a lung disease that occurs due to exposure to asbestos. Inhaled asbestos fibres can result in scar tissue, known as pulmonary fibrosis, forming within the lungs. Asbestosis makes breathing progressively more difficult and cannot be cured. Severe cases of the disease can be fatal. In 2016, an estimated 3495 people died from asbestosis worldwide.[5]
Asbestos exposure can also cause pleural thickening, when scar tissue thickens the lining around the lungs, and contribute to lung cancer.
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Protection requirements vary by region. Asbestos is banned in many countries , including the UK, EU countries and Australia, but the material is still used in the US, Canada, China and other areas. It is important to check local legislation for specific guidance on protecting workers against the dangers of asbestos.
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In the UK, the HSE recently launched a campaign to improve understanding of the legal duties to manage asbestos. Find out more about the Asbestos: Your Duty campaign.
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Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is required for workers who come into contact with asbestos. Learn more about asbestos protection.