Asbestos

Asbestos

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres.[1] Small amounts of asbestos fibres are naturally present in the environment, and everyone is exposed to very low background levels over their lifetime.

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

References:

1. World Health Organization. Asbestos [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; [cited 2026 Aug 6]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asbestos
2. Health and Safety Authority. What is asbestos [Internet]. Dublin: Health and Safety Authority; [cited 2026 Aug 6]. Available from: https://www.hsa.ie/eng/your_industry/chemicals/legislation_enforcement/asbestos/asbestos_introduction/what_is_asbestos/
3. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Asbestos (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite). In: Arsenic, metals, fibres and dusts. Lyon (FR): International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2012. p. 219-309. (IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans; vol. 100C).
4. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Asbestos: toxicological overview [Internet]. London: UKHSA; updated 2025 May 15 [cited 2026 Aug 6]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asbestos-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology/asbestos-toxicological-overview

Information, Data and Reports for