Asbestosis: Understanding the Link to Asbestos Exposure

The respiratory disease most closely associated with asbestos is asbestosis. Asbestosis is a serious and often fatal lung disease that is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. These fibers can damage the lungs and cause scarring, which can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. Asbestosis can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer and mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.