
Asbestos Health Effects
Asbestos is a mineral fiber once used in building materials for its durability and heat resistance. When inhaled, tiny asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lungs and remain there over time. This can cause serious health problems, including lung diseases like asbestosis (scarring of lung tissue), pleural plaques, and cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. These health effects often develop after many years of exposure and may result in breathing difficulties, chest pain, and fatigue. Because of these risks, asbestos exposure needs careful management and protective measures to prevent inhalation.