When can asbestos pose a risk to human health?

Asbestos poses a significant risk to human health primarily when it is inhaled. When asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled, they can penetrate deep into the lungs. This can lead to serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, which are all severe conditions associated with asbestos exposure. The inhalation of these microscopic fibers allows them to evade the body’s natural defenses and cause damage over time.

Ingestion of asbestos can also theoretically pose risks, but it is less common and does not typically result in the same level of health problems as inhalation does. Touching asbestos, while potentially problematic in terms of fiber shedding, does not usually lead to significant health effects unless it leads to inhalation or ingestion of fibers. Sunlight exposure does not affect the risk of asbestos-related diseases, as the danger arises not from UV exposure but rather from the ability of asbestos fibers to enter the respiratory system.