What are the health effects caused by exposure to asbestos cement products?
Generally, undisturbed asbestos cement products do not pose a health risk, as the fibres are bound together in a solid cement matrix. However, if the material is damaged or disturbed, fibres may be released into the air. The use of power tools for cutting, drilling, grinding, sanding or sawing the material can release a significant number of fibres. The use of high-pressure water blasters to clean the material prior to painting can also release large numbers of fibres so it is important to never perform these activities. In most cases, the presence of asbestos cement building materials in a home (i.e a dividing fence) is no cause for alarm. If the materials are in good condition and are not disturbed, they do not present a health hazard. Disturbing the material (e.g by removal) may create a health hazard where none previously existed.
