Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Diseases, Airborne Fiber Concentrations. As asbestos fibers accumulate in the lungs, several types of diseases may occur. Asbestosis is a scarring of the lung tissue. This scarring impairs the elasticity of the lung and hampers its ability to exchange gases. This leads to inadequate oxygen intake to the blood. Asbestosis restricts breathing leading to decreased lung volume and increased resistance in the airways. It is a slowly progressive disease with a latency period of 15 to 30 years.

Lung cancer causes the largest number of deaths related to asbestos exposure. The incidence of lung cancer in people who are directly involved in the mining, milling, manufacturing and use of asbestos and its products is much higher than in the general population. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are coughing and a change in breathing. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent chest pains, hoarseness, and anemia.

A fact sheet about asbestos, asbestos-related diseases, and who to contact for more information. What is asbestos? How is asbestos used? What are the health hazards of exposure to asbestos? Who is at risk? How great is the risk? How does smoking affect risk? Who needs to be examined? How can workers protect themselves? Will the Government provide examinations and treatment for asbestos-related conditions? What about insurance coverage?