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Asbestos
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Poisoning Toxicology Environmental Health

Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of minerals with microscopic fibers that, when inhaled over long periods, can cause severe lung damage and disease.

Overview

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals with long, thin fibers. It was once used widely as insulation and also occurs in the environment. Because asbestos fibers are so small, they cannot be seen; if the material is disturbed, these fibers can float in the air, making them easy to inhale and potentially lodge in the lungs.

Health Risks

Breathing in high levels of asbestos over a long period causes the fibers to build up in the lungs, leading to scarring, inflammation, and breathing difficulties. This exposure can eventually lead to the following diseases:

  • Asbestosis: Scarring of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe.
  • Mesothelioma: A rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
  • Lung cancer.

Risk Factors

Lung diseases associated with asbestos usually develop over many years. Individuals who become ill are typically exposed on the job over long periods of time. Additionally, smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing these conditions.

Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Frequently Asked Questions

sbestos is found in older buildings, especially in insulation, floor tiles, and roofing materials. If these materials are disturbed during renovation or demolition, fibers can be released. Professional testing is the only way to confirm its presence and assess risk.
Regular medical check-ups, including lung function tests and chest imaging, may be recommended by your doctor. Quitting smoking is crucial, as it significantly increases the risk of asbestos-related lung cancer.
There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. However, the risk of developing disease increases with the duration and intensity of exposure. Long-term, high-level occupational exposure carries the highest risk.
Symptoms often develop slowly over many years, sometimes decades, after exposure. Early signs can include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest pain, or fatigue. These symptoms are non-specific and require medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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