What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral used in construction in many structures built in Quebec between 1930 and 1990, .听
What is the risk of health problems associated with asbestos?
鈥淢aterials that contain asbestos and are in good condition do not release fibres into the air and are generally safe,鈥� according to the . Dust that tests positive for asbestos is a concern because it means that asbestos may have been airborne at some point in time.听
The Government of Quebec that 鈥淭he risk of someone having health problems associated with exposure to asbestos increases with the amount of asbestos fibres to which the person is exposed [and] the duration and frequency of the person鈥檚 exposure to asbestos fibres.鈥澛犅�
It also that 鈥淗ealth problems associated with asbestos are rare in the general population鈥�; they are more common in people who work in 鈥渁sbestos mines,鈥� 鈥渇actories that manufacture parts containing asbestos鈥� and the 鈥渃onstruction and demolition industries.鈥� This is because people in those jobs have a significantly higher chance of being exposed over a longer period of time and to higher concentrations.听