What are the permissible exposure limits for asbestos?

What are the permissible exposure limits for asbestos? Employee exposure to asbestos must not exceed. 0.1 fibre per cubic centimetre (f/cc) of air, averaged over an 8-hour work shift. Acute exposure to asbestos fibres does not produce immediate acute effects other than some irritancy of skin, eyes and lungs with high concentrations. Most health effects caused by asbestos occur after a latent period following exposure.

Malignant mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The incidence of mesothelioma rises with the intensity and duration of exposure to asbestos. The amount and duration of exposure to asbestos determine the risk for adverse health effects. Less severe, but important in assessing exposure to asbestos are changes in the lining of the lung which are quite common in workers heavily exposed to asbestos.