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Updated: Oct 8, 2025
07:54
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
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Public health risks from asbestos cement roofing
Michael Kottek1, Man Lee Yuen1
1Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, Australia.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|December 28, 2021
Summary
There is no safe exposure level for asbestos. Asbestos fiber dimensions are linked to asbestos-related diseases, and even asbestos cement roofing poses ongoing environmental risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- No safe exposure threshold for asbestos exists.
- Asbestos fiber dimensions are critical in disease causation.
- Installed asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present continuous exposure risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the risks associated with asbestos exposure, particularly from installed materials.
- To highlight the limitations of current detection methods for asbestos fiber dimensions.
- To advocate for a precautionary approach regarding asbestos use and removal.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological and toxicological data on asbestos exposure.
- Analysis of fiber dimensions implicated in mesothelioma induction.
- Assessment of environmental asbestos emissions from installed ACM, including asbestos cement roofing (ACR).
Main Results:
- Phase-contrast microscopy offers limited insight into disease-relevant fiber dimensions.
- Installed ACMs, especially asbestos cement roofing (ACR), contribute to ongoing environmental asbestos exposure.
- Epidemiological studies confirm disease risk associated with proximity to asbestos cement roofing.
Conclusions:
- A precautionary principle is essential due to data limitations.
- Asbestos-free roofing materials are recommended for new construction.
- Removal of existing asbestos cement roofing (ACR) should be prioritized.
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