The danger from asbestos exposure is that no level of asbestos exposure is considered completely safe. Even brief or low-level exposure can increase the risk of serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Regulatory limits exist for workplace exposure, such as 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air averaged over an 8-hour period, but these limits do not signify safe exposure—they are the maximum allowed for regulatory purposes and still carry significant risk. The risk increases with the amount, duration, and intensity of exposure, and diseases typically have long latency periods of 10 to 40 years before symptoms develop.
Key Points on Asbestos Exposure Danger
- There is no safe threshold of asbestos exposure; even minimal contact can be harmful.
- Occupational exposure limits (e.g., 0.1 fiber/cm³ over 8 hours) are regulatory maximums, not safe levels.
- Short-term, intense exposure also presents high risks for future disease.
- Prolonged or repeated exposure greatly increases the chance of developing asbestos-related diseases.
- Diseases caused by asbestos often appear decades after exposure.
- Even secondary or indirect exposure (such as asbestos dust brought home on clothing) can cause illness.
Regulatory Limits Examples
- OSHA limit in the U.S.: 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
- UK short-term and long-term exposure limits vary by asbestos type but remain very low since risk is high at any exposure.
- No authorized body or health organization states a safe level of asbestos exposure because asbestos is a known human carcinogen.
Thus, the best measure is to avoid any exposure to asbestos fibers whenever possible to minimize risk.