Asbestos Awareness Session

Presenter: Philip Torley COH

Asbestos Containing Material (ACM)

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• risk to health is via inhalation of airborne fibres

• fibres must meet the geometric criteria of a respirable fibre

• without the possibility of inhalation of fibres, there is no risk

• level of risk of disease increases with level of exposure (dose/response relationship)

• friable or degraded asbestos containing materials present the greatest risk

• removal of asbestos containing materials also presents a risk and is not always the safest option

•Must meet the geometric criteria for a respirable fibre:

•> 5 microns long

•< 3 microns wide

• L:W ratio at least 3:1

Mesothelioma - cancer of the external lining of the lungs

Asbestosis – associated with high levels of exposure for long periods (not cancer)

Lung Cancer - increased risk for smokers