The report concerns the occurrence of health and environmental hazards associated with asbestos at the place of work and residence. Contamination of the environment with asbestos and the necessity to remove asbestos-containing products requires intensive informative-educational actions carried out by many government institutions and agencies, local governments and scientific institutions. Based on relevant literature, the authors discuss the occurrence of asbestos minerals in the environment and sources of environmental pollution with this mineral. In addition, the problem of asbestos-related diseases is presented and occurrence of these diseases during the past decades in Poland. The report deals with problems concerning safe removal of asbestos-containing products and the obligation to observe OHS regulations, both by an employer and workers engaged in asbestos removal. The principles of technical prophylaxis and the protection of health at the place of work are discussed based on the tasks of medical services contained in the labour code and legal acts concerning the prevention of asbestos-related diseases.