7 Must-Follow Steps After Suspected Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure can be a serious health concern, as inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to various respiratory diseases and cancers, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimise the potential health risks.
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Leave the Area Immediately – If you are in an environment where asbestos exposure is likely or suspected, leave the area immediately. Prolonged exposure can increase the risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses.
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Avoid Further Exposure – Do not touch, move, or disturb any materials that may contain asbestos. This can release additional fibres into the air, increasing the risk of exposure.
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Seek Professional Asbestos Testing – If the asbestos exposure occurred in your home or workplace, it is crucial to have the area inspected by a qualified asbestos hygiene company and tested by a NATA accredited asbestos testing laboratory.
Our team of experienced professionals and state-of-the-art equipment can accurately identify the presence of asbestos and assess the extent of the contamination. Identifibre’s comprehensive asbestos testing services ensure that you receive reliable results, enabling you to take prompt action.

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Seek Medical Attention – If you have inhaled asbestos fibres, seek medical attention right away. Your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate screenings or follow-up procedures.
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Notify Authorities and Employers – If the asbestos exposure occurred at your workplace, notify your employer and the relevant authorities immediately. Employers are required to follow safety regulations and take necessary precautions to protect their employees.
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Document the Exposure – Keep detailed records of your asbestos exposure, including the date, location, duration, and any witnesses. This documentation will be essential if you need to file a workers’ compensation claim or pursue legal action.
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Consider Professional Asbestos Testing and Removal – Once the asbestos has been identified, we can work with licensed asbestos removal contractors to safely remove or encapsulate the asbestos materials, minimising the health risks to you and your family or employees.
Don’t compromise when it comes to asbestos – trust the experts at Identifibre for reliable testing and professional guidance.

What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral that was once widely used in various construction materials and industrial products due to its exceptional heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. However, asbestos has since been recognised as a hazardous material that can cause severe health problems when its fibres are inhaled.
Asbestos is composed of thin, microscopic fibres that can easily become airborne and remain suspended in the air for an extended period. When these fibres are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and other organs, leading to various respiratory diseases and cancers.
Types of Asbestos; There are six types of asbestos minerals, classified into two main mineral groups:
Serpentine asbestos:
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- Chrysotile (white asbestos)
Amphibole asbestos:
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- Amosite (brown asbestos)
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
- Tremolite
- Actinolite
- Anthophyllite
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Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure includes:
Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres, leading to scarring of the lung tissue and difficulty breathing.
Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, particularly in smokers.
Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibres.
Other cancers: Asbestos exposure has also been linked to an increased risk of developing cancers of the larynx, ovaries, and other organs.
Many countries have implemented Asbestos Regulations and bans, to limit or prohibit its use, due to the well-documented health risks associated with asbestos exposure. In Australia, the use of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials has been banned since 2003, with strict regulations in place for the safe handling, removal, and disposal of existing asbestos materials.
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home or workplace, it is crucial to seek professional assistance from accredited asbestos testing laboratories and licensed removal companies. Attempting to handle or remove asbestos materials without proper training and protective equipment can put your health at serious risk.
Remember, asbestos is a hazardous material, and its exposure can have severe and life-threatening consequences. If you have any concerns or questions about asbestos, call Identifibre today, we can help ensure your safety.