A disease caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres.

There is at present no effective post-exposure prophylaxis for the effects of inhaled asbestos fibres, although in smokers the risk of asbestos-induced lung cancer (but not mesothelioma) can be reduced. HSE does not advocate routine X-rays for people exposed to asbestos in the majority of such circumstances. A disease caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres. Anyone who's exposed to asbestos may develop an asbestos-related illness.

Particularly at risk are those involved in the building and demolition industry, the manufacture of asbestos products and asbestos spraying. Although there's no cure for asbestosis, it's important to prevent the symptoms becoming worse by avoiding further exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Management of asbestos in schools is essential because children are particularly vulnerable to developing disease after an exposure to asbestos.

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."