Asbestos is dangerous when its fibers are inhaled. The risk of developing an asbestos-related disease mainly depends on the duration of exposure and the concentration of fibers inhaled. Short-term exposure to a small amount of fibers poses a very limited risk. People who worked in the asbestos industry in the 1960s and 1970s, on the other hand, face a much higher risk of developing diseases.
A one-time, brief contact with asbestos usually does not need to cause concern and generally does not require medical follow-up. However, in the case of regular or prolonged exposure, it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you notice symptoms such as shortness of breath or a persistent cough.
Even today, asbestos fibers may still be present in our environment. For example, roofing materials or slates made from old corrugated sheets often contain asbestos. When these materials are worked on—by breaking, sawing, or sanding them—high concentrations of fibers can be released, reaching several fibers per milliliter of inhaled air for the person carrying out the work. People nearby are exposed to much lower concentrations, only a few fibers per liter of air, which represents roughly a thousand times less risk.
Frequent and prolonged contact with asbestos increases the risk of developing certain lung diseases, such as pleural plaques, bilateral pleural thickening, mesothelioma, asbestosis, throat and lung cancer, and even ovarian cancer.
You can read more here about diseases caused by asbestos or about when you can submit a claim for compensation.