When is asbestos considered dangerous to health?

Asbestos is considered dangerous to health primarily when its fibers escape into the air. When asbestos materials are intact and undisturbed, such as in solid form, they generally pose a lower risk because the fibers are contained and do not become airborne. However, if these materials are damaged or disturbed, tiny, respirable fibers can be released into the environment. Inhalation of these microscopic fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

The other conditions—improper storage and untrained handling—can contribute to the risk of asbestos exposure, but the critical factor that determines immediate danger is the release of airborne fibers. Once these fibers are in the air, they can be inhaled, making the environment hazardous. Therefore, the presence of airborne asbestos fibers is the key factor in assessing health risks associated with asbestos exposure.