The World Health Organisation says there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. The risk of developing asbestos related diseases increases with your level of asbestos exposure.
Most people do not develop illness as a result of exposure to asbestos.
Many people with health problems from asbestos have been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. In some cases, a single event of high level asbestos exposure has been enough to cause illness.
There is no known safe level of exposure. If you think it might be asbestos, treat it like it is.
If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to see a health professional. Talk to your GP.
If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace, tell your employer. If they don’t immediately act to remove the asbestos risk, contact SafeWork NSW.
Asbestos fibres are tiny – much finer than a human hair. When you breathe in asbestos fibres, they can settle deep inside the lungs. This may cause inflammation, scarring and lead to asbestos related diseases.