What is asbestos and why is it hazardous?

• A. Asbestos is a fiber that can cause serious health problems and should only be handled by trained employees.
• B. Asbestos is a harmless mineral.
• C. Asbestos dissolves in water.
• D. Asbestos has no health hazards.

Answer: (A)

Asbestos poses danger because its tiny fibers can become airborne and, when inhaled, lodge in the lungs and chest lining. These fibers can cause serious diseases such as scarring of the lung tissue, mesothelioma, and lung cancer, often many years after exposure. Because the health risk comes from invisible fibers, handling asbestos requires trained personnel who use strict controls to prevent fiber release, including proper containment, engineering controls, and appropriate protective equipment. It’s not harmless and doesn’t dissolve in water; it can linger in the environment, so only qualified professionals should manage its removal or containment.