Environment: Asbestos not as risky as believed

A new study into the use of asbestos materials and man-made mineral fibres in homes shows there is little risk to health if managed and treated correctly. The study, Fibrous Materials in the Environment, looked at the risks from environmental exposure to asbestos and man-made mineral fibres at home. It was commissioned by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions.

The report, published yesterday, found that everyone is exposed to low background levels of asbestos and man-made mineral fibres in the environment without an apparent risk to health; and that exposure to asbestos fibres in homes and other buildings where asbestos materials are present and in good condition is not normally significantly different to that from background exposure and is therefore not a cause for concern.