What Is Asbestos?

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Asbestos is a generic term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals. Products made from asbestos cement—also known as bonded asbestos material—include:

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• Cement flat and profiled cladding

• Guttering and downpipes

• Water pipes for drainage or flues

• Corrugated roofing sheets

• Roofing shingles

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Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in the domestic building industry from the 1940s to the late 1980s and in commercial and industrial settings as early as the late 1800s. Before the health risks were understood, asbestos products were favored for their durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties.

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In October 2016, New Zealand banned the manufacture and use of asbestos products. This ban covers the manufacture, supply, storage, sale, use, reuse, installation, and replacement of asbestos.

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Asbestos Exposure and Health Impacts

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Asbestos poses a health risk when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. The likelihood of developing an asbestos-related disease depends on various exposure factors, including the level and duration of exposure, the time elapsed since first exposure, the type of fiber, and any concurrent exposure to tobacco smoke and other carcinogens.

If a work area is not properly set up to contain asbestos, there is a risk of releasing fibers into the air, which can adversely affect the health and well-being of people in nearby workplaces and residences.

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Four Major Asbestos-Related Diseases

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1. Plural Plaques

2. Asbestosis

3. Lung Cancer

4. Mesothelioma

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