What happens if I inhale Asbestos?

If Asbestos fibres are inhaled then decades later a person can develop Lung Cancer (tumor of the Lung) or Mesothelioma (tumor of the membrane around the lung)

Presently there is no cure for Mesothelioma.

Not everyone will develop an asbestos related disease.

Not all people who are exposed to Asbestos will develop a disease.

In order to develop a disease it is necessary to inhale certain amounts of Asbestos.

If you inhale a small amount of Asbestos in short time, then the risk is very small.
Actually, most of the people who inhale Asbestos won’t develop any disease.
Even amongst workers who have been exposed to large amounts of Asbestos over a prolonged period, only some of them will develop an asbestos related disease.
Please do not worry too much.

It is advisable, if possible, to stay away from Asbestos materials, however that does not mean that a single fibre will be harmful.

You cannot see Asbestos fibres on an X-ray.

You cannot see Asbestos fibres on an X-ray.

X-ray tests are only effective in identifying asbestos related disease decades after the exposure has taken place.
An X-ray will not show whether or not you have inhaled Asbestos fibres.

It is advisable to avoid having an X-ray as it cannot show whether you have been exposed to asbestos and it can in its own right have adverse side effects.

Diseases can occur decades after exposure.

It takes a long time for asbestos related disease to develop.
Most people have no signs or symptoms for at least the first 10 years after exposure.
Coughs or catarrh can be experienced during the period that asbestos fibres are being inhaled.

However once the exposure has finished then any Cough is likely to be caused by something else, such as dust.

Prevention of Asbestos related Diseases

・Try to avoid Asbestos materials

See page "What to do if I find Asbestos."

・Do not smoke or inhale Tobacco smoke.

Tobacco causes thousands of Health problems.
When someone smokes and inhales Asbestos fibres then the risk of developing lung cancer increases considerably.
Avoid smoking.
Avoid Tobacco smoke.

Materials containing Asbestos are everywhere in our lives.
Perhaps Asbestos has been found in your school or your family works in an Asbestos related job.
Perhaps you or someone in your family has been exposed to Asbestos.
You might be concerned that you could develop an asbestos related disease.
It is quite normal and very natural to feel like that.

If you have been exposed to Asbestos fibres over a very short period of time then the risk of disease is very small.
You can continue to have a normal life just as you had before.
However it is important that you try to avoid any further exposure.
If you are concerned about anything to do with Asbestos, why not to talk with someone?

Find someone to share your problem.