Nearly everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time

Nearly everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. This risk is thought to result from exposure to asbestos dust brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of workers. Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a greatly increased risk of lung cancer. However, smoking combined with asbestos exposure does not appear to increase the risk of cancer.

There are several diseases associated with asbestos exposure. Not all of them are fatal, but all damage the health and quality of life of those who suffer them. All of them were, and are, predictable and preventable at the time of exposure. There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos dust. John Gummer MP when Environment Minister said: "One asbestos fibre can kill."