Asbestos

What is absestos?

It was widely used in buildings and construction materials in Ireland from the 1940s until around 2000 because it is strong and resistant to heat and chemicals.[2] Its use is now banned, although asbestos-containing materials that were installed previously may remain in buildings.

There are six main types of asbestos.[1] These include: chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos).[2]

Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and left undisturbed do not generally pose a risk to health. However, if they are damaged, disturbed or deteriorate, small asbestos fibres may be released into the air and breathed into the lungs.

Health effects of asbestos

Most people who are exposed to asbestos will not develop an asbestos-related disease. People do not usually experience any immediate health effects, and asbestos-related diseases, if they occur, typically develop many years after exposure (usually 15-60 years later).[2] The risk is greatest following substantial, repeated or prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres, particularly through work.

Conditions associated with asbestos exposure include:

• Asbestosis – scarring of the lung
• Mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung
• Asbestos-related lung cancer
• Other types of cancer e.g. ovary, larynx (voice box)[3]

All forms of asbestos can be harmful if fibres are inhaled and can cause cancer. Some types are considered more hazardous than others; in general, blue asbestos (crocidolite) and brown asbestos (amosite) are considered more hazardous than white asbestos (chrysotile).

The type of asbestos is one of several factors that influence risk. Other important factors include[4]:

• The size and shape of asbestos fibre
• The amount of asbestos present
• Whether fibres have become airborne
• The length of time over which exposure occurs
• The number of times exposure occurs

The health risks associated with asbestos are mainly linked to repeated or prolonged exposure over time. People who routinely work with asbestos are therefore at much greater risk than members of the public. Workplace controls and specialist procedures are intended to prevent or minimise exposure.

The risk from a single, short-term exposure is generally considered to be low[4], and most people affected by a one-off incident will not develop an asbestos-related disease.

Smoking substantially increases the risk of lung cancer in people exposed to asbestos. Avoiding smoking is one of the most important ways to reduce the risk of asbestos-related lung disease.

How can people be exposed to asbestos?

People can be exposed to asbestos when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed and fibres become airborne. The main route of exposure is breathing in these fibres.

This may occur, for example, through:

• Occupational exposure, particularly among people who work with or disturb asbestos-containing materials (e.g. construction workers, shipyard workers, insulation installers, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and asbestos removal workers)
• Renovation, maintenance, demolition or construction work involving older buildings
• Accidental disturbance of asbestos-containing materials in homes, workplaces or public buildings
• Damage to asbestos-containing materials during a fire or other incident
• Environmental contamination from damaged or improperly disposed of asbestos-containing materials (e.g. flying tipping or illegal dumping)
• Consumer products that are found to contain asbestos and are damaged or disturbed

The level of risk depends mainly on whether fibres are released into the air and inhaled, as well as the type of asbestos, the amount and duration of exposure. In many products, asbestos fibres remain tightly bound within the material and are not easily released unless the material is damaged or disturbed.

Asbestos may occasionally come into contact with the skin or be swallowed accidentally, but inhalation of airborne fibres is the main route associated with asbestos-related disease.

Where might asbestos be found?

Asbestos may be present in industrial, commercial, public or residential buildings built or refurbished before 2000.[2] It was used in many materials, including roofing, insulation, wall and ceiling boards, flooring, pipework and heating systems. It is not possible to confirm that a material contains asbestos by looking at it alone. A detailed survey will be required to identify where asbestos is present in your building. An asbestos survey must be carried out by a competent person.

What should I do if I think I have found asbestos?

Do not drill, cut, sand, break, sweep or otherwise disturb the material. Seek advice from a competent asbestos professional. For detailed information on asbestos in workplaces, surveys and removal (including information on competent asbestos professionals), see the Health and Safety Authority website:

• Health and Safety Authority webpage on asbestos: Asbestos - Health and Safety Authority
• Health and Safety Authority webpage on asbestos FAQs: Asbestos FAQs - Health and Safety Authority
• Health and Safety Authority webpage on asbestos removal: Asbestos Removal - Health and Safety Authority

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Local Government of Ireland have also published guidance, which provides practical advice for householders and others who may encounter asbestos-containing materials: Best practice guidance for handling asbestos

You should hire a registered contractor to properly dispose of asbestos: Contact the National Waste Collection Permit Office to find a contractor.

Key public health advice following an asbestos incident

If an incident involving asbestos has occurred in your area:

• Avoid the affected area where possible
• Do not handle, move or disturb debris
• Keep children and pets away from visible dust, ash, soot or debris
• Follow advice issued by local authorities and/or emergency responders and/or other authorities
• Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms following smoke or dust exposure

What are the health risks from asbestos-containing materials after a fire?

During a fire, small fragments of asbestos-containing material may be carried in smoke and deposited on nearby properties, gardens, streets or vehicles.

If asbestos-containing material is handled, broken, or disturbed, fibres may be released. For this reason, members of the public should not handle debris and should allow assessment and clean-up to be carried out by trained personnel.

The risk from a brief exposure following an asbestos-containing fire is generally considered to be low. The most important precaution is to avoid disturbing debris and to follow official public health advice from your local authority or emergency responders.

What should I do if there is an asbestos-containing fire near me?

Follow instructions provided by the local authority, emergency services or other responders. Depending on the circumstances, this may include advice to remain indoors, avoid the area, or evacuate.

• If you smell smoke, stay indoors and close all windows and doors.
• Do not touch, move or remove any debris from the fire.
• Keep children and pets away from debris, ash and soot.
• Where possible, remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed during the clean-up work.

What symptoms should I look out for? 

Most people affected by an asbestos incident do not require medical assessment unless they develop symptoms related to smoke or dust exposure.

Smoke, dust and irritation may cause temporary symptoms such as:

• coughing
• sore throat
• eye irritation
• shortness of breath
• worsening of asthma or COPD symptoms

If you develop such symptoms or have ongoing concerns about your health, contact your GP for advice or seek other appropriate medical attention. 

I have asthma or another lung condition. Should I take extra precautions? 

People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to smoke, and dust/airborne particles released during a fire, regardless of whether asbestos is present. Smoke can irritate the airways and may trigger of worsen asthma or COPD symptoms.

Avoid the affected area where possible, carry your usual medication, and seek advice from your GP if symptoms develop or worsen. 

For guidance on protecting your health at different air quality levels, see the EPA advice: https://airquality.ie/information/air-quality-index-for-health 

What if I accidentally touched asbestos debris?

Brief skin contact with asbestos-containing material is not generally considered harmful.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

If your eyes are irritated, gently rinse them with clean, lukewarm water.

What should I do if my clothes have dust on them after an asbestos-containing fire?

If dust is present on clothing, avoid shaking the clothing. Clothing can generally be washed as normal. Follow any additional advice provided by local authorities if specific precautions are recommended following the incident.

If clothing was drying outdoors during the fire, wash it again before wearing it to remove any dust that may have settled on it.

What if I found debris in my garden or around my property?

Do not touch, move, sweep, vacuum or pressure-wash suspected asbestos debris.

If you find material that may have come from an asbestos incident, leave it in place and follow instructions from the local authority or clean-up contractors. Keep children away from any debris in or around your house.

Handling, breaking or disturbing debris may release asbestos fibres into the air.

What if asbestos debris entered my house?

Avoid sweeping, dry dusting or vacuuming suspected asbestos debris. Follow advice from local authorities or specialist contractors regarding assessment and cleaning.

They may advise that is it safe to clean light dust or ash from hard surfaces using a wet cleaning technique. If this is the case, you should:

• Lightly dampen the area, and
• Wipe with a damp cloth or damp disposable paper towel.
• Used cloths or paper towels should be placed in a plastic bag, sealed and disposed of with normal household waste.
• This helps prevent dust becoming airborne.

Keep children away from any debris, dust, or ash in your house.

Should I wear a mask outdoors? 

Residents are advised to avoid the affected area where possible. Ordinary face coverings may not protect against asbestos fibres. Specialist respiratory protection is only effective if correctly fitted and used.

You may see specialist clean-up workers wearing masks and protective clothing. These precautions are used because workers may be handling asbestos-containing materials or working in areas where asbestos fibres are present.

Is my drinking water safe? 

There is no risk from asbestos in drinking water as the risk is from breathing in fibres.

If there are concerns regarding the public water supply following a fire, information will be provided by Uisce Éireann. Follow any advice issued by the relevant authorities.  

Is it safe to eat fruit or vegetables from my garden? 

As a precaution, wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Avoid consuming produce that is visibly contaminated with dust, ash, soot or debris. Follow any advice issued by the relevant authorities. You should also avoid the use of lawn mowers, leaf-blowers and hedge trimmers if there is debris, soot, or ash around your house.

Can children play outside? 

Children should avoid areas with visible dust, ash, soot or debris until clean-up operations are complete and further advice is issued. 

What about pets? 

Pets should be kept away from visible dust, ash, soot and debris. If pets may have come into contact with contaminated material, wipe or wash them down where practical to reduce dust being brought indoors. 

Can I open my windows? 

Follow any advice issued by emergency responders or local authorities regarding ventilation and opening windows.

If visible dust or debris is present around windows, doors, rooflights or ventilation systems, avoid disturbing it and await further advice.

Should I switch off my heat pump or air conditioning system?

In most situations, there is no need to switch off domestic air-to-water heat pumps, as these are closed systems and do not draw outside air into heating water.

If a property has a mechanical ventilation system that draws outside air directly into the building, follow any advice issued by the local authority during the incident.

Is there a test I can have to see if I have been exposed to asbestos?

There is no medical test that can determine whether a person has experienced a single, short-term asbestos exposure. Health effects associated with asbestos generally occur many years after exposure and are most commonly associated with those who have had significant occupational exposure that is ongoing and repeated.

For most members of the public affected by an asbestos incident, the risk of long-term health effects is considered low. Talk to your own doctor if you have any concerns.  

The health risks associated with asbestos are primarily linked to breathing in airborne asbestos fibres. Simply touching an asbestos-containing product does not usually result in significant exposure. The risk depends on whether fibres were released into the air and inhaled.

If a consumer product is recalled because it contains asbestos, specific advice will be issued by the relevant authorities regarding product return, disposal and any recommended precautions.

Further information is available from: Product recalls and notifications Ireland | CCPC