Significance

• Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that are released into the air when disturbed. They then can be inhaled or ingested.
  
  

Effects

• When these fibers become airborne, they can lodge in your lungs and other tissues. The fibers cannot be dislodged by your immune system.
  
  

Damage

• The fibers cause scarring and inflammation in the tissues over the years. This can lead to serious health conditions, such as asbestosis and other lung problems, and even malignant cancers.
  
  

Links to Cancer

• Asbestos has been cited as a causative agent not only for mesothelioma, but lung cancer as well. It also has been linked to gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer and increases the chance of contracting other cancers.
  
  

Uses

• Asbestos is considered safe if it is not airborne. Although many forms of asbestos have been banned, it is still used in roofing materials, flooring tiles, brake shoes and linings, and clutch pads.
  
  

Warning

• Anyone exposed to asbestos is at risk. There has been no safe level of exposure to asbestos determined.