How hazardous is asbestos cement?
Asbestos cement products in good condition present NO health hazard. However, when the material becomes damaged or broken or when worked upon, e.g. drilling, sanding or sawing, asbestos fibres will be released. Asbestos fibres may be released when the material becomes friable through age. Breathing the released asbestos fibres is dangerous. Within industry a safe maximum level of exposure to asbestos has been agreed. It is best however to avoid all exposure to asbestos There is NO known danger associated with the ingestion of asbestos fibres from asbestos cement water supply pipes and/or storage tanks.
