Archive · 21 Jun 2025
Asbestos Danger: Hidden Threat in Indian Homes and Risks
Imagine tiny, invisible needles floating in the air called asbestos fibers.
These are found in old houses, like in roofs and tiles.
Breathing them in can hurt your lungs a lot, causing sicknesses that can take many years to show up.
It's like a silent danger because you can't see or smell it.
People who work with old buildings are most at risk.
To stay safe, get your house checked if it's old and don't try to fix anything yourself if you suspect asbestos.
Experts say the best thing to do is to be careful and to get help from trained professionals if needed.
Asbestos, widely used in India despite its link to cancer, poses a significant health risk.
Asbestos is found in various building materials, particularly in older homes.
Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases like asbestosis and lung cancer.
Construction workers and those in the informal sector are at the highest risk due to exposure.
Experts advise professional inspection and caution to minimize asbestos exposure.
- Who
- Construction workers and those in the informal sector are at the highest risk, along with anyone living in or working in older buildings.
- What
- Asbestos exposure is a significant health hazard due to its potential to cause lung cancer and other diseases.
- When
- Symptoms of asbestos exposure can take decades to appear after initial exposure.
- Where
- Asbestos is found in older homes and buildings, especially in India, in materials like roofing sheets and insulation.
- Why
- Asbestos exposure poses a risk due to the inhalation of its fibers, which can cause inflammation, scarring, and cancer.
Expert recommendations
Government policy
Government Policy
Expert recommendations
Experts urge a full ban, including its import and use
Government policy
India continues to import asbestos.
- Main Concern
- Asbestos exposure in homes
- Primary Exposure Areas
- Older homes, construction sites
- Health Risks
- Asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma
- At-Risk Groups
- Construction workers, those in informal sector
- Preventative Measures
- Professional inspection, caution in handling materials
- India's Asbestos Imports
- 44% of global imports