Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling. In general, exposure may occur only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air.
Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that can easily become airborne and inhaled. Because of their shape, the asbestos particles cling to tissues of the lungs and other areas of the respiratory system.
Over time, these tiny fibers can cause inflammation, causing a number of health problems, the three biggest of which are:
Millions of people have been exposed to asbestos due to its extensive use in domestic, commercial, and industrial products. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure however, the longer and more intense the exposure, the more likely an individual is to develop asbestosis.