Cancer and asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of tiny fibres. When disturbed, asbestos forms dust. If you breathe in asbestos dust, fibres can go into the lungs and stay there for many years.

Asbestos used to be a common building material, used in many building products in Australia from the 1940s until 1987, but now we know that exposure to asbestos can cause illnesses like cancer.

Asbestos was banned in Australia in 2003. It is illegal to store, sell, install or re-use any products containing asbestos in Australia, and no asbestos products may be imported. Asbestos products already in place are allowed and many buildings and houses still have asbestos in them. Everyone needs to take special care to avoid asbestos dust at home and work.

High-risk jobs and asbestos

Almost everyone has been exposed to asbestos in small degrees. People with certain jobs are at greater risk than others, even if it was a long time ago. Some high risk jobs are:

• asbestos cement manufacturing workers
• asbestos miners
• automotive industry workers
• boilermakers and welders
• builders
• gasfitters and electricians
• insulators
• marine engineers
• mechanics
• metal-fitters
• plumbers
• shiprights/boatbuilders
• steelworkers
• telecommunications technicians
• textile workers
• transport workers (especially waterside workers)
• turners and toolmakers.

If you are worried about asbestos at your job, speak to your GP or call WorkSafe on 1800 136 089.

Asbestos in your home

Many homes built before 1990 contain some asbestos. You can’t usually tell where asbestos is in your house by looking at it.

You can pay someone to inspect and test your house for asbestos. If you are doing any kind of renovations at home it is very important to check for asbestos first.

Some of the parts of your home that may contain asbestos are:

• in the roof
• in the eaves
• old vinyl tiles
• and many more places.

See Asbestos in Victoria for further information.

Asbestos safety

There are strict rules to make sure people are not exposed to asbestos at work. These include wearing special protective equipment and following safety procedures.

If you need to remove asbestos in your house, or if you are doing renovations, you can get help and advice on how to do this safely.

See Asbestos in Victoria for further information.

Asbestos and lung cancer

Asbestos can cause lung cancer. People who smoke have an even higher risk of developing lung cancer. If you are worried about your risk of lung cancer because of asbestos, talk to your GP. You can find out more about lung cancer symptoms and treatment.

Asbestos and mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is mainly caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma takes many years to develop, often around 50 years after exposure but may be 10 to 60 years. Even if you haven’t been exposed to asbestos for many years, it is unfortunately possible to develop mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma often affects the lungs but it is not the same as lung cancer. Mesothelioma can also the tummy (abdomen) or testicles, but this is less common.

Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world. This because asbestos was used herein products, housing and mining over many years.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos in small amounts do not develop mesothelioma. If you are worried about your risk of mesothelioma, speak to your GP.

Other illnesses linked to asbestos

Asbestos can also cause other health conditions:

• asbestosis – scar tissue forms inside the lungs and makes breathing difficult
• pleural plaque – asbestos fibres can cause thickened patches of scar tissue on the pleura, or lung lining.

If you are worried about asbestos and your health, speak to your GP.

Can I get compensation?

Some people who develop diseases after exposure to asbestos may be entitled to seek compensation. Make notes and talk to friends, family or colleagues about when you may have been exposed to asbestos. Get advice from an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

Visit WorkSafe Victoria for more information on Victoria’s compensation scheme.

Your feelings about asbestos

Many people feel shocked and overwhelmed when thinking about asbestos and their health. It is important to talk to other people for support and advice. You might want to talk to:

• your GP (doctor)
• a trusted friend or family member
• a counsellor or psychologist
• an experienced lawyer
• a support group or organisation
• Cancer Council Victoria Tel. 13 11 20

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Asbestos Council of Victoria/GARDS Inc. Tel (03) 5127 7744 or 0407 274 173 (24 hours, 7 days)
• Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Tel 1300 326 148
• Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia Tel. 1800 646 690
• Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia Tel. 1800 006 196
• Cancer Council Information and Support Service Tel. 13 11 20
• Cancer Council Victoria – Support in your own language Tel. 13 14 50
• Cancer Council Victoria, My Cancer Guide - Find support services that are right for you.
• Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Tel. (03) 8559 5000
• WorkSafe Victoria Tel. 1800 136 089 (toll free) for general enquiries
• WorkSafe Victoria Emergency Response Line Tel. 13 23 60 – to report serious workplace emergencies (24 hours, 7 days)
• Environment Protection Authority Victoria Tel. 1300 372 842 (24 hours, 7 days)
• Environmental Health Unit, Department of Health. Tel. 1300 761 874