Several types of lung disease are among the asbestos health risks that may result from exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. The danger of developing these diseases is increased because the fibers may be inhaled. Continued exposure over time increases the amount of fibers that remain in the lungs, which over time may cause serious lung diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. It usually takes many years after the exposure to develop symptoms.

Three of the most common asbestos health risks associated with exposure include:
  • Asbestosis -- A serious, progressive, long-term non-cancer disease of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that irritate lung tissues, ultimately resulting in scarring. The scarring of the lung tissues makes it difficult for oxygen to get into the blood. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath and a dry, crackling sound in the lungs when inhaling. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for asbestosis.
  • Lung Cancer -- The cause of the largest number of deaths related to asbestos exposure, lung cancer affects people who have worked in the mining, milling, and manufacturing of asbestos. Additionally, people who use asbestos and its products are much more likely to develop lung cancer than the general population. Symptoms of lung cancer are coughing, a change in breathing, shortness of breath, persistent chest pains, hoarseness, and anemia.
  • Mesothelioma -- A rare form of cancer, mesothelioma develops in the thin lining (membrane) of the lung, chest, abdomen, and heart. It is almost always linked to asbestos exposure. This disease usually does not show up until many years after asbestos exposure.

Because diseases associated with asbestos exposure rarely show up until years later, it is important to prevent exposing anyone, but particularly children, to the deadly airborne fibers.

For more information on these and other asbestos health risks of exposure, see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's Web site.