Depending on the person , symptoms of asbestos exposure can take between 10-50 years to develop.
How does Asbestos make you ill?
When broken/damaged, asbestos produces a dust which contains sharp, thin fibres that the body cannot break down. Lodged fibre(s), which have been inhaled, cause the body’s immune system to build up scar tissue around them, in an attempt to remove.
The scar tissue hardens the lungs over time, which makes it difficult for the lungs to fill with air. Lack of air causes lack of oxygen to the body, resulting in health issues.
What happens if I breathe Asbestos dust only once?
Asbestos does not have a limit for humans. However, in the event of a one-time exposure, the odds of developing a life-threatening condition are low. In general, asbestos has the worst effects if someone has been exposed on a regular basis (over a long period of time) or has been exposed to an extreme concentration.
What are the immediate signs of illness after asbestos exposure?
There are no immediate side effects of asbestos exposure.
If you develop a sore throat or a scratchy sensation in your throat, this will be due to dust exposure and not asbestos, as it takes several years for symptoms of asbestos exposure to develop.
Should I tell my GP if I think I have been exposed to asbestos?
If you think you have been exposed to asbestos fibres it would be best to inform your GP. With symptoms taking between 10 and 50 years to develop, the initial immediate exposure may not be of urgent concern; however, a note will be placed on your file, and they may request to monitor you.
If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and are displaying symptoms related to asbestos exposure, inform your GP straight away so they can investigate this further.
What are the symptoms of Asbestos Related Disease?
Diseases such as Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, pleural thickening and lung cancer take between 10-50 years to develop. Symptoms of these asbestos-related diseases include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough and wheezing
- Crackling sound when breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Respiratory complications
What do you do if you think you have found Asbestos in your home?
If you are carrying out DIY at home and think you have found asbestos, the best thing to do is to stop work and contact a specialist company that can take a sample. Asbestos testing in the localised area will determine if the material you have found is asbestos or not.
Where is Asbestos Found and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos was widely used in building materials before stricter health and safety laws came into force. It can still be found in floor tiles, joint compound, insulation material, thermal insulation, and even old ceramic sinks. Many of these are classed as asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). When intact, ACMs are usually safe; the risk arises when they’re damaged or disturbed, releasing asbestos fibres into the air.
These fine fibrous minerals are a type of fibrous silicate mineral and can remain suspended as airborne fibres or in a dust cloud for a long time. When inhaled, they may get trapped in lung tissue where the body cannot break them down. Over time, this can lead to lung disease and cancers such as mesothelioma. Studies in respiratory medicine show there is no known safe exposure level – even small amounts can increase risk depending on the dose–response relationship.
In Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which set out how asbestos must be managed. Duty holders are required to maintain an asbestos register, arrange an asbestos survey or refurbishment survey, and employ a licensed asbestos contractor when removal or asbestos encapsulation is needed. During such work, strict control measures are put in place, such as using respiratory protective equipment, disposable overalls, and HEPA filter vacuums or Type H vacuum cleaners to capture fine dust.
Professional asbestos management companies such as Rightway Environmental are trained in safe asbestos decontamination for homes and workplaces. They follow Health and Safety Executive legislation alongside guidance from international organisations, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and laws such as the Clean Air Act and Consumer Product Safety Act. This ensures work is completed without releasing harmful fibres into the environment or risking public health.
If you think you might have found asbestos in your building or disturbed old construction materials, especially during refurbishment works, stop immediately and contact qualified asbestos professionals. They can safely collect a sample to test whether asbestos is present and recommend next steps to keep everyone safe.