Work with asbestos can release small fibres into the air. Breathing in asbestos fibres can eventually lead to a number of diseases. These include:

* asbestosis or fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs;
* lung cancer; and
* mesothelioma, a cancer of the inner lining of the chest wall or abdominal cavity

However, provided the asbestos is intact, sealed and undisturbed, it will not pose a risk to health.

Trades such as plumbers, carpenters, electricians and structured cabling contractors and other construction workers are most at risk as they may come across asbestos during routine repair, installation or refurbishment work. Asbestos insulating board is particularly common in buildings constructed before 1980 and was used in fire doors, ceiling tiles, internal walls and panels.

Due to the length of time between exposure and the onset of mesothelioma (up to 60 years) other high risk industries can generally be associated with past exposures to asbestos including:

Shipbuilding and ship repair, railway rolling stock and locomotive building, and the installation of lagging or other insulation materials in buildings or industrial plant.