The threat of asbestos

The threat of asbestos

For more than half a century, the construction fibre asbestos has been used in buildings for the insulation of pipes and boilers, as fire protection in walls, and even roofing and guttering. It generally does not pose a risk to health as long as it remains undisturbed and in good condition.

However, when it is damaged, asbestos fibres are released into the air. If inhaled, these can have very serious effects on health.

This is one of the problems which survivors of the attack on New York's World Trade Centre, as well as hundreds of workers involved in the rescue operation, may eventually face. BBC World Service Science reports.