If you are in the construction business or employed in an industry that uses asbestos-containing products, you may wonder “Are asbestos fibers visible to the eyes?” Generally, asbestos fibers are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Asbestos becomes dangerous when it breaks down into tiny fibers and is inhaled. It is almost impossible to detect the presence of asbestos without taking the material to a laboratory for analysis. A lab technician will place the material under a microscope to look for asbestos fibers. Asbestos does not cause an immediate reaction. It will not make you cough, sneeze, or make your eyes water. You cannot see, smell, or taste asbestos. If your skin becomes contaminated with asbestos, it will not burn or sting.

Asbestos-related diseases have a very long latency period. This is the period of time from when you are first exposed to asbestos until you get sick. Most people don’t get sick for at least 10 years after exposure, and some don’t get sick for more than 40 years. Asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are asbestos-related diseases. Asbestosis occurs when asbestos fibers enter the lungs. The body will naturally produce an acid to fight the fibers. However, this acid can cause scar tissue in the lungs and in advanced stages breathing becomes more difficult and painful. Asbestosis was first documented in shipyard workers. Asbestos can also cause lung cancer. If a person smokes and is exposed to asbestos, they have a much higher chance of developing lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that has only been linked to asbestos exposure. It is a cancer of the cells that line the peritoneum (area that surrounds the abdominal organs) and the pleura (area outside the lungs and inside the ribs).

There is much debate and controversy surrounding what types of asbestos are harmful. Some types of asbestos are believed to be more dangerous than others, but all types of asbestos exposure should be avoided. Actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, chrysotile (white asbestos), and tremolite are all types of asbestos. Chrysotile is the type of asbestos most commonly used in the manufacture of products.

Asbestos fibers are not visible to the naked eye. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, the most common method of testing is a chest X-ray. The x-ray will not show asbestos fibers, but it can detect the first signs of lung disease. There is no known cure for asbestos-related diseases.