Urbex: Dangers of Asbestos

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Uploaded by hp__blue • 11/22/2025, 6:35:30 PM

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What is asbestos? What are the dangers? What protection gear do I need? + Helpful websites.

## WHAT IS ASBESTOS AND WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

👉 Asbestos is a type of rock and was a widely used building material until it was banned around 2000 (in some countries later). It can still be found in many older or abandoned buildings and was used in numerous products, e.g., wall plaster, insulation, ceiling tiles, roofs, floor coverings, and much more.

👉 In dilapidated buildings, materials containing asbestos decompose over time, releasing thousands of microscopic asbestos fibers that are significantly more dangerous than mold spores, for example. Vandalism can also increase the release of asbestos fibers if components containing asbestos are damaged.

👉 When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious, life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, or mesothelioma. These diseases often only occur years after exposure. In most cases, there are no immediate symptoms that indicate exposure to asbestos.

👉 Another risk is that asbestos fibers can be carried home unnoticed on clothing, shoes, skin, or hair.

👉 Asbestos can also never be completely washed out of clothing.

👉 Asbestos protective equipment appropriate for the situation is strongly recommended, as even small amounts of inhaled fibers can be extremely harmful to health.

![image](@image:692255af459fefa4e3b73d2a)
> A few examples of asbestos components
>

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## HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF A BUILDING CONTAINS ASBESTOS?

Asbestos has no smell and is only visible to the naked eye in a few materials, but in most cases it cannot be identified in this way. The only way to find out for sure is through laboratory tests or expensive air measuring devices – which is impractical for urbex. Therefore, here are some tips:

✅ Online research: Asbestos is often the reason for the closure of buildings.

✅ Look for warning signs on site, if available

✅ Note the year of construction: Buildings constructed before 2000 (note the country-specific year of the ban) may contain asbestos, especially those built between the 1930s and 1990s. Industrial, functional, “brutalist” buildings or bunkers from World War II and the post-war period are particularly likely to contain asbestos.

✅ Condition of the building: Severe decay, crumbling panels, or rotting insulation increase the risk of asbestos fibers being released.

✅ If in doubt, wear appropriate protection (at least a P100 or P3 respirator).

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## WHAT PROTECTION GEAR DO I NEED?

![image](@image:6922592c459fefa4e3b769b1)
![image](@image:6922506d459fefa4e3b68901)
> Lines 1-3 can occur at Lost pLaces. The fourth line only appears during demolition work.
>

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### You can find more information about asbestos and appropriate protective gear here:

https://blog.atom.com.au/asbestos-dangers

https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/asbestos/protective-clothing-and-equipment-for-working-with-or-near-asbestos/

![image](@image:6925fe5d459fefa4e3c94968)
> Example of asbestos protective clothing

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Urbex: Dangers of Asbestos