Asbestos - hazards and safe practice for clear-up after tsunami

Overview

Asbestos is widely used throughout the world, particularly in building and insulation materials.

Damage to asbestos-containing material can result in the release of small asbestos fibres that become airborne and are readily inhaled. These fibres can remain in the lungs for long periods and can cause serious lung disease.

The principal health concerns are the development of asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural thickening and mesothelioma. These diseases have long latency periods, in the order of 10-50 years.