What Health Conditions are Associated with Asbestos Exposure?

There are three major lung conditions traced directly to asbestos exposure. These are lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Lung cancer risk, typically associated with tobacco use, is known to be exacerbated by exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer of the lung and inner body’s cavity lining- a thin membrane known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is typically recognized as the most clearly attributable disease resulting from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma originates in three locations. Pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs and is the most common form of the disease. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma are less common and form in the lining of the abdominal cavity and lining of the heart, respectively.
Asbestosis is a degenerative and progressive non-malignant long-term respiratory condition. Asbestosis results from the formation of scar tissue plaques on the visceral surface of the pleura. Asbestosis can represent a precursor to the onset of mesothelioma.

Asbestos Caused Cancers

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers or dust particles. Any exposure to asbestos also increases the risk of lung cancer, and other cancers, such as those of the larynx, colon or kidney.

More Information on Asbestos

http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet