Key Points

• Asbestos-related lung diseases are diseases that develop from exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a mineral that, at one time, was widely used in many industries.
• Asbestos is made up of tiny fibers that can escape into the air. When breathed in, these fibers can build up in your lungs and lead to pleural plaque, pleural effusion, asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
• Significant exposure to asbestos fibers causes asbestos-related lung diseases. "Significant" usually means you were exposed for at least several months to visible dust from the fibers. Generally, asbestos-related lung diseases develop 10 to 40 or more years after a person has been exposed to asbestos.
• Until the late 1970s, asbestos was widely used in many industries in the United States. Anyone employed for a prolonged period in mining, milling, making, or installing asbestos products before the late 1970s is at risk for asbestos-related lung diseases.
• In general, the risk is greatest for people who worked with asbestos and were exposed for at least several months to visible dust from asbestos fibers. People who worked near those who did these jobs (for example in shipyards or construction sites) also are at risk. Family members of workers exposed to asbestos on the job also are at risk.
• People who live in areas that have large deposits of asbestos in the soil also are at risk if the deposits were disturbed and asbestos fibers escaped into the air.
• Generally, being around asbestos-made products isn't a danger as long as the asbestos is enclosed. This prevents the fibers from escaping into the air.
• Now, people in the United States are less likely to develop asbestos-related lung diseases because the mineral is no longer widely used. Also, rules and standards are now in place to protect workers and others from asbestos exposure.
• The signs and symptoms of asbestos-related lung diseases vary, depending on the disease and how much lung damage has occurred. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue (tiredness), chest pain, lung infections, and more.
• Your doctor will diagnose an asbestos-related lung disease based on your past exposure to asbestos, your symptoms, a physical exam, and the results from a chest x ray and other tests.
• No treatments can reverse the effects of asbestos on your lungs. However, treatments may help relieve symptoms and prevent or delay complications. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, vaccines, oxygen therapy, medicines, or medical procedures or surgery.
• You can prevent asbestos-related lung diseases by limiting your exposure to asbestos fibers. If your job requires you to work around asbestos, make sure to follow workplace rules for handling it.
• The outlook for people who have asbestos-related lung diseases varies. Their outlook will depend on which disease they have and how much it has damaged their lungs.
• If you have an asbestos-related lung disease, you'll need routine followup care for the rest of your life. Follow your treatment plan as your doctor prescribes. Call your doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms.