Although exposure to asbestos fibers creates an unknown health hazard, the Illinois Department of Public Health has identified six risk factors.

These include the following:

physical damage to material

water damage to material

type of material

potential for contact

asbestos content

proximity to the work area

Asbestos is harmful only if inhaled. Risk of exposure to occupants of buildings with asbestos-containing materials varies depending on amount and degree of exposure.

Most of the reports linking asbestos to cancer resulted from studies done of people who worked daily with the substance and were exposed to heavy doses.

Exposure can result from the condition of asbestos-containing material, air movement, ventilation, activities conducted and numbers of people using the space.