What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the generic name for a number of mineral fibres found in rock formations.
Because of its strength, durability and fire resistance, asbestos was used in the past in construction and other industries, and it was added to a variety of products.
What does asbestos look like?
Because asbestos was often mixed with other substances, it is very difficult to visually identify.
The only way to know for certain if asbestos is present is to have testing done by a properly accredited asbestos laboratory.
What are the risks surrounding asbestos?
Asbestos is dangerous when its fibres are disturbed, released into the air and then inhaled.
Health studies indicate that breathing high levels of asbestos fibres can lead to an increased risk of certain types of lung cancers – but if asbestos fibres are properly enclosed within a product, then there are no significant health risks.
