Occupational Lung Disease

Asbestosis

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Asbestosis is caused by long-term, repeated exposure to asbestos, a natural fiber that is used for various industrial purposes, such as insulation and car brake linings. Fibers of asbestos in the air are inhaled and become lodged in the lungs. As a result, lung tissue is scarred and lungs are unable to contract and expand normally. Asbestosis also increases a persons chance of developing asbestos lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer almost always caused by asbestos.

Symptoms of asbestosis typically do not develop until 20-30 years after initial exposure. The main symptom is shortness of breath that worsens over time.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007