Asbestos

Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have had numerous commercial applications because of their durability and ability to resist high heat.

There are 2 main categories of asbestos:

Amphibole asbestos, which is commonly known as “blue or brown asbestos”, is known to cause cancer and is not used very much anymore. Amphibole asbestos has many different sub-types, including actinolite, amosite, anthyophyllite, crocidolite and tremolite.
Serpentine asbestos is sometimes called “white asbestos”. The only type of serpentine asbestos that exists is called chrysotile asbestos. It is considered to be less harmful than all amphibole types of asbestos, but is still known to cause cancer. Chrysotile asbestos is currently the most commonly used form of asbestos in the world and is the only kind mined in Canada. Chrysotile asbestos is found in almost all asbestos-based products available today, which includes brake linings, building materials, water and sewer pipes, and insulation. The use of chrysotile asbestos has been banned in many countries.

The Society’s position on asbestos

How you’re exposed to asbestos

In Canada, exposure to asbestos is highest for people who mine it or work with it in manufacturing. Their families are also exposed to asbestos if fibres come home on them or their clothing. As of 2013, over 50 countries have banned the use of all forms of asbestos. Until recently, Canada was one of the few countries that continued to mine chrysotile asbestos, but in 2012 the asbestos mines stopped operating.

Workers in countries that import asbestos from Canada are exposed to it.

In Canada, asbestos is regulated and almost never used in new products or materials. However, you may be exposed to it in products that contain imported materials. Some existing structures, such as older buildings, might contain asbestos. As these structures begin to wear with age or undergo renovation, you can be exposed to asbestos fibres that are released into the air and breathed into the lungs.

Asbestos and cancer

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the US National Toxicology Program (NTP), all forms of asbestos, including chrysotile asbestos, are known to cause cancer in people. Find out more about how cancer-causing substances are classified.

Extended and frequent exposure to asbestos is associated with lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity), laryngeal cancer, ovarian cancer, and possibly pharyngeal, stomach and colorectal cancers. It often takes decades after exposure for an asbestos-related cancer to develop.

Tips to reduce your exposure

Given the dangers of asbestos exposure, you should do everything you can to avoid it. If asbestos fibres are enclosed or tightly bound in a product such as asbestos siding or floor tiles, there are no significant health risks, as long as they are left undisturbed.

If you have asbestos that needs to be removed (which is known as asbestos abatement), hire a professional contractor experienced in asbestos abatement.

Information about occupational exposure to asbestos

Asbestos

How you’re exposed to asbestos

Asbestos and cancer

Tips to reduce your exposure

Suggested links for more information