Asbestos is a hidden killer that can cause serious diseases. Asbestos is dangerous only when is disturbed during refurbishment or demolition works. Working on or near damaged asbestos-containing materials or breathing in high levels of asbestos fibres, can increase your chances of getting an asbestos-related diseases. These are: mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening. Each week approximately 20 tradesmen die from asbestos related diseases.