Asbestos is a group of impure and naturally occurring magnesium silicate minerals that exist in rock formations in the form of fibers. Asbestos fiber forms were historically included in many building and construction materials to strengthen the materials and act as a fire retardant and insulation. The release of fibers from naturally occurring sources of asbestos is not known to present a health risk. The release of fibers from the manufacture, production and use of asbestos-based materials has been shown to present a health risk. The release of fibers when cutting, sanding, puncturing and other such activities, which disturb the material presents a risk. Fibers that are released from aging and deteriorating or damaged asbestos-based materials present a risk. Attempts to remove such materials also presents a risk, but the materials may be safely removed by professionals using specialized techniques. Sawing, sanding, scraping, crumbling and other such activities that generate dust present a risk. Most people affected by asbestos release develop symptoms of disease many years following exposure. In many cases it takes as long as twenty to thirty years for symptoms to occur. Those in work related positions where there was exposure to fibers as well as those who were exposed to the clothing and equipment of those workers are most at risk.

The problem with asbestos and asbestos-based materials is presented when the dangerous fibers are released into the atmosphere. Though no immediate health effects are recognizable, the long term effect of exposure to the fibers, particularly when the fibers are released in high concentrations over long periods of time, are damage to the lungs, chest and abdominal areas. Cancer and disease are the common health effects of inhaling and swallowing the tiny fibers that, it many cases, are too small to be visible. The most common health risks associated with inhaling high levels of asbestos fibers include the development of lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, the fibers have a tendency to remain in the lungs for long periods of time.

·         Lung cancer is a cancer of lungs. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death resulting from asbestos exposure. People who work with and use asbestos-based materials have shown to have a higher incidence of lung cancer than the general public.

·         Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium membrane that surrounds the lungs, chest cavity, abdomen, heart and reproductive organs. Most people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have a work history of working a job where high levels of exposure occurred over long periods of time. However, some cases of mesothelioma have been documented for lesser occurrences of exposure.

·         Asbestosis is a condition where lung tissues are scarred with the fibrous material. Asbestosis is a non-cancer condition where the tissue scarring prevents oxygen form properly entering the blood system. There is no known effective treatment for this condition.

Other effects of exposure to asbestos include an increased risk for cancers of the kidney and larynx.

In the 1970s, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Consumer Products Services Commission banned the use of the fiber in many materials due to the danger it was found to present to human health. Many manufacturers have voluntarily banned or limited the use of asbestos-based materials. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established limits for acceptable levels of exposure in the workplace. Many employees that are exposed to asbestos are now required to change clothes and shower before leaving their worksites. Other government agencies are actively participating in efforts to protect and educate the public against products and materials that contain asbestos.