Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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Asbestos is a mineral found in nature. Until recently, asbestos was mined in the US. Over time, it has been released into the environment during its many, widespread uses such as in building materials and brake linings. Beginning in the 1970s, the health effects of asbestos were recognized and its industrial uses began to decline. During the period of its widespread use, people who worked with asbestos often breathed asbestos fibers into their lungs. Today, asbestos is not often used in industry, but it is still found in many older homes, buildings, and automobile parts. | |
Asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation or building materials, that are damaged, loose, or disturbed can release asbestos fibers into the air. People who perform home renovations on older homes containing asbestos-laden materials can be exposed. Construction workers involved in demolitions and work in older buildings can also be exposed. Also, some areas of the United States have asbestos-bearing rocks that are close to the surface. These rocks can sometimes be disturbed during construction and other activities such as gardening, causing asbestos fibers to be released into the air. Regardless of the source when released, asbestos fibers can become lodged in your lungs if you breathe them in, which can sometimes lead to disease. | |
If you have been exposed to enough asbestos, you might or might not get sick. The diseases most commonly associated with asbestos exposure involve the lungs. In general, your risk of developing asbestos-related lung disease increases with the more fibers you breathe in and the period of time you are exposed as well as the total number of times you are exposed. Asbestos fibers cannot be washed out or surgically removed from your lungs. If you do get sick, your symptoms will typically appear 15 to 40 years after you were first exposed. | |
Asbestos usually affects the respiratory system, although it can affect other parts of the body as well. |
Illness | Description | Symptoms |
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Parenchymal asbestosis |
A chronic lung disease caused by the scarring or thickening of lung tissue. It occurs in people with high exposures such as those who have worked with asbestos for a living. |
Usually: Breathlessness that gets increasingly worse |
Asbestos-related pleural abnormalities |
Scarring affecting the lining of the lungs. This scarring does not usually cause people to be ill. These changes in the lung lining can occur with low-level non-work related exposures. |
Usually: None |
Lung Cancer |
Asbestos exposure can cause the same four types of lung cancer caused by smoking and other factors. |
Usually: None (until late stage) |
Mesothelioma |
A rarely occurring cancer very specific to asbestos exposure. Mesotheliomas occur on the lining of the lungs or the lining of the abdomen. |
Usually: None (until late stage) |
If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should:
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Call your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms:
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Your doctor has checked the items below that require your attention. Please make an appointment to:
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