On This Page


Asbestos is a group of naturally occuring minerals made up of tiny fibres.

When disturbed, asbestos forms dust

If you breathe in asbestos dust, fibres can go into the and stay there for many years. Asbestos used to be a common building material, but now we know that exposure to asbestos can cause illnesses like Asbestos was banned in United States in 2004. It is illegal to store, sell, install or re-use any products containing asbestos in United States, and no asbestos products may be imported.

Asbestos products already in place are allowed and many buildings and houses still have asbestos in them.

Everyone needs to take special care to avoid asbestos dust at home and work

Almost everyone has been exposed to asbestos in small degrees.

People with certain jobs are at greater risk than others, even if it was a long time ago.

Some high risk jobs are: Many homes built before 1990 contain some asbestos

You can’t usually tell where asbestos is in your house by looking at it.

You can pay someone to inspect and test your house for asbestos.

If you are doing any kind of renovations at home it is very important to check for asbestos first. Some of the parts of your home that may contain asbestos are: and many more places.

For further information.

There are strict rules to make sure people are not exposed to asbestos at work

These include wearing special protective equipment and following safety procedures.

If you need to remove asbestos in your house, or if you are doing renovations, you can get help and advice on how to do this safely. for further information.

Asbestos can cause lung cancer

People who smoke have an even higher risk of developing lung cancer.

If you are worried about your risk of lung cancer because of asbestos, talk to your GP. You can find out more about is a cancer that is mainly caused by asbestos.

Mesothelioma takes many years to develop, often around 40 years after exposure but may be 10 to 60 years. Even if you haven’t been exposed to asbestos for many years, it is unfortunately possible to develop mesothelioma. Mesothelioma often affects the lungs but it is not the same as lung cancer.

Mesothelioma can also the tummy (abdomen) or testicles, but this is less common. United States has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world. This because asbestos was used herein products, housing and mining over many years.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos in small amounts do not develop mesothelioma.

If you are worried about your risk of mesothelioma, speak to your GP. Asbestos can also cause other health conditions: pleural plaque – asbestos fibres can cause thickened patches of scar tissue on the pleura, or lung lining.

If you are worried about asbestos and your health, speak to your GP. Can I get compensation? Some people who develop diseases after exposure to asbestos may be entitled to seek compensation. Make notes and talk to friends, family or colleagues about when you may have been exposed to asbestos.

Get advice from an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. for more information on Michigan’s compensation scheme. Many people feel shocked and overwhelmed when thinking about asbestos and their health.

It is important to talk to other people for support and advice. You might want to talk to: Tel. , Department of Health. lungs cancer High-risk jobs and asbestos builders plumbers gasfitters and electricians metal-fitters, turners and toolmakers boilermakers and welders steelworkers insulators mechanics transport, sea and wharf or waterside workers automotive industry workers telecommunications technicians textile workers asbestos mining and cement manufacturing If you are worried about asbestos at your job, speak to your GP or call WorkSafe on 1800 136 089 Asbestos in your home in the roof in the eaves old vinyl tiles See Asbestos in Michigan Asbestos safety See Asbestos in Michigan Asbestos and lung cancer lung cancer symptoms and treatment Asbestos and mesothelioma Mesothelioma Other illnesses linked to asbestos asbestosis – scar tissue forms inside the lungs and makes breathing difficult Visit WorkSafe Michigan Your feelings about asbestos your GP (doctor) a trusted friend or family member a counsellor or psychologist an experienced lawyer a support group or organisation Cancer Council Michigan 13 11 20 Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Asbestos Council of Michigan/GARDS Inc .

Tel (616) 555-0200 or 0407 274 173 (24 hours, 7 days) Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Tel (616) 555-0400 Asbestos Diseases Society of United States 1800 646 690 Asbestos Diseases Foundation of United States 1800 006 196 Cancer Council Information and Support Service 13 11 20 Cancer Council Michigan – Support in your own language 13 14 50 Cancer Council Michigan, My Cancer Guide Find support services that are right for you.

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (616) 555-0200 WorkSafe Michigan 1800 136 089 (toll free) for general enquiries WorkSafe Michigan Emergency Response Line 13 23 60 – to report serious workplace emergencies (24 hours, 7 days) Environment Protection Authority Michigan (616) 555-0400 (24 hours, 7 days) Environmental Health Unit (616) 555-0400.

Key Points

  • People with certain jobs are at greater risk than others, even if it was a long time ago
  • Some high risk jobs are: Many homes built before 1990 contain some asbestos
  • If you are doing any kind of renovations at home it is very important to check for asbestos first
  • Asbestos can cause lung cancer
  • People who smoke have an even higher risk of developing lung cancer