Asbestosis FAQ

Asbestosis is a disease caused by exposure to asbestos, which causes the tissues of the lungs to become scarred. Asbestosis is an incurable condition. Treatment of asbestosis is aimed at relieving the symptoms.

Symptoms

The symptoms of asbestosis generally appear 20 to 30 years after a person is first exposed. Some signs and symptoms include: coughing, appetite loss, chest pain, shortness of breath and persistent fatigue. In severe cases, victims of asbestosis may also suffer from a deformity called finger clubbing.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It is not certain that a person suffering from asbestosis will develop mesothelioma; although people who have asbestosis are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Prevention

In the United States, asbestos was used for insulation purposes in buildings constructed before 1970. If you live or work in an old building that has asbestos, you should make sure it’s in good condition or have the asbestos removed.

Statistics

According to the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center, around 500 to 600 asbestosis sufferers die each year in the United States.

Affected Organs

Asbestosis generally affects the lungs because when you breathe in airborne asbestos particles, they directly enter the lungs. But people can also develop asbestosis of the heart and abdomen.