The objective of this section is to help users to identify the tools to assess risks to public health with regard to asbestos and to manage those risks appropriately.
All types of asbestos cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, cancer of the larynx and ovary and asbestosis (fibrosis of the lungs). Exposure to asbestos occurs through inhalation of fibres in air. These fibres can be found in the working environment, ambient air in the vicinity of point sources such as factories handling asbestos, or indoor air in housing and buildings containing friable (crumbly) asbestos materials.
In order to set up or improve the public health management of asbestos further information is provided, including tools for action, norms and guidelines.