For more than 15 years, my family lived under an aging asbestos-cement roof without being aware of its potential health risks. When a family member later developed respiratory problems, it prompted me to research asbestos exposure and learn about a hidden hazard that may still affect many households across India today.
Asbestos-cement roofing sheets were widely used in India because they were inexpensive, durable, and easy to install. Even today, many older homes, shops, schools, and small buildings continue to use these roofs. While asbestos-cement products are generally considered safer when intact, the risks can increase as the material ages and deteriorates.
Over time, continuous exposure to sunlight, rain, wind, and physical damage can cause asbestos-cement roofs to weather and degrade. This deterioration may release microscopic asbestos fibers into the surrounding environment. Because these fibers are extremely small and invisible to the naked eye, people may unknowingly inhale them during everyday activities.
Scientific studies have shown that long-term exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can increase the risk of respiratory diseases and serious health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. The danger is often overlooked because asbestos fibers cannot be seen, smelled, or easily detected without specialized testing.
As a result, many families continue to live beneath aging asbestos roofs without fully understanding the potential risks associated with their gradual deterioration. This creates a significant yet often unnoticed public health concern and highlights the need for greater awareness, monitoring, and safer management of aging asbestos-containing materials.