Hazard

• Exposure to asbestos is a hazard because the tiny fibers can be breathed into your lung, becoming trapped for a long period of time. As they accumulate they can result in inflammation and scarring, which can result in breathing problems and serious medical conditions.
  
  

Cancer

• According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos is classified as a carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
  
  

Conditions

• Asbestos exposure can result in lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and nonmalignant pleural and lung disorders.
  
  

Risks

• Your risk of developing a disease as a result of asbestos exposure depends upon the amount of asbestos absorbed, the length of time of the exposure, the source of the asbestos, the characteristics of the fibers, and whether or not you smoke or already have a lung disorder.
  
  

Protection

• According to the National Cancer Institute, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations regarding job-related asbestos exposure, particularly in the areas of shipyards, construction, and industry. If you have a concern about exposure at your place of employment you can discuss it with your employer, or OSHA can provide you with information or perform an inspection.
  
  

Additional Information

• You can obtain more information about asbestos exposure from OSHA at http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/idnex.html or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh.