What are the health effects of

asbestos exposure?

Asbestos exposure increases the risk of asbestosis or mesothelioma and nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, including pleural plaques, pleural thickening, and pleural effusions.

Asbestos Exposure

Because asbestos fibers occur in nature and are extremely aerodynamic, virtually everyone has the potential to be exposed to the contaminant. To become a significant health concern, however, asbestos fibers must be inhaled at high concentrations over a long period of time, during which the fibers accumulate in the lungs.

As asbestos exposure increases, the risk of adverse health effects also increases. Therefore, measures that minimize exposure and consequently minimize accumulation of fibers in the lungs will reduce the risk of disease.

Asbestos Diseases

As fibers accumulate in the lungs, several types of diseases may occur. Asbestosis, a scarring of the lung tissue, impairs the lung's elasticity and inhibits its ability to exchange gases. This results in inadequate oxygen intake to the blood. Asbestosis also restricts breathing, leading to decreased lung volume and increased resistance in the airways. This slowly progressive disease has a latency period of 15 to 30 years.

Mesothelioma, a cancer of the pleural lining, is considered to be exclusively related to asbestos exposure. By the time mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal. Like other asbestos-related illnesses, mesothelioma has a long latency period (30 to 40 years).