Asbestos - Safe lock?

Question

Hi All,
At workplace we have a safe that holds microfilm. The safe is around 20 years old. Someone just told us that he thinks there is asbestos on it and now there will be an inspection.

I have been using the safe almost daily for the past 2 years. if it turns out to be asbestos, should i be worried?

Would it affected me with that amount of exposure? What sort of symptoms should i look for?

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you

Answer 1

Asbestos was fazed out of use before 20 years ago. but the safe could be older than 20.
Is it loose and friable (powdery or loose that it can be blown)? the fix for it is to paint it with several layers of latex paint. (the more rubbery the better)
I have asbestosis and it takes years before it shows up. The Government limited the asbestos lawsuits to those born before 1956. and limited the amount that can be won to just a few thousand (like $3500)
What it is is scare tissue in the lungs from the fibers (shaped somewhat like corkscrews)moving around. you get a shortness of breath ,tight chest or lungs sometimes bleeding.