Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibers with a crystalline structure. Mined from native rock, asbestos is fibrous, thin, and strong. Because asbestos is heat resistant, able to be woven, and has insulating properties, it is suitable for many industrial uses.

Asbestos particles enter your airways and settle deep into the lungs. Because asbestos fibers are durable, the immune system cannot break them down. As a result, the lungs become damaged and form scar tissue. This becomes known as asbestosis.

You can be exposed to asbestos fibers through airborne exposure. During a demolition or repair, asbestos fibers are released into the environment. The fibers then enter the airways and remain deep in the lungs for a lifetime. Additionally, exposure can also occur through clothing and skin.

Individuals who work in the following industries, but not limited to:

• Mining and milling asbestos
• Construction (using asbestos)
• Fireproofing and Textile
• Paints and Plastics Production
• Brake and Clutch Linings Production
• Ship breaking and maritime

Others are families of workers in these industries. Individuals exposed to asbestos from nearby asbestos plants are also at risk.

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
• A persistent cough that gets worse over time
• Blood in the mucus coughed up from the lungs
• Pain or tightening in the chest
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the neck or face
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue or anemia

People exposed to asbestos have an increased chance of developing two types of cancer: lung cancer and mesothelioma. Lung cancer begins in the lung tissue. Mesothelioma grows from the tissues surrounding the lung or other organs.

Both lung cancer and mesothelioma are usually fatal. These diseases from asbestos may develop 20 to 50 years after exposure. Tobacco users exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

• Exposure concentration of asbestos fibers
• Time period or duration of exposure
• How often exposure occurred
• Presence of pre-existing lung disease
• History of smoking

After an examination, a physician may order the following, but not limited to:

• Chest x-ray
• CT scan
• Pulmonary function test
• Periodic health examinations

• Avoid working in and around asbestos whenever possible.
• Determine if a substitute is available for use instead of asbestos or an asbestos-containing material.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and use it properly.
• Follow federal, state, and employer procedures when working with and around asbestos.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking breaks down the body’s defenses.
• Shower and change clothes after working in contaminated areas before getting in your car and going home.
• Get regular medical checkups, with pulmonary function tests and x-rays.

• Physicians
• Health professionals
• Laboratory directors
• Anyone in charge of a medical laboratory, blood bank, mobile unit, or other facility where an examination reveals evidence of asbestosis.

View information here on how to report.