What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is mined in much the same way that other minerals, such as iron, lead, and copper, are.

There are six varieties of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophylite.

How can asbestos affect my health?

When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. 
When these asbestos fibers are inhaled they can lead to an increased risk of:

• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity; and 
• Asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue.