Quarrying sector - safe handling of raw materials contamined with asbestos

Mechanical processing (extraction, transport, crushing, loading) of the mineral raw materials in the quarrying industry produces dust. If these materials include stone that contains asbestos this dust may contain critical levels of asbestos fibres. In the long term this may cause asbestosis – a hardening of the connective tissue in the lung. There is also an increased risk of bronchial carcinoma and mesothelioma of the pleura (cancer of the chest lining).