Asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of serious respiratory diseases and cancers, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other conditions. For nearly 100 years, asbestos was one of the most commonly used materials in industries such as construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing.
It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that researchers officially established the connection between asbestos exposure and serious respiratory conditions (although evidence was presented as early as the 1920s), but by then, millions of workers had already been exposed to asbestos fibers in the workplace and in other locations. While federal asbestos exposure limits were imposed in 1972, an estimated 10,000 people in the United States continue to pass away each year from asbestos-related illnesses.
Asbestos Exposure Diagram
This image demonstrates how asbestos fibers can affect the body once inhaled or ingested. After fibers enter the body, they can become lodged in organs and body cavities, causing inflammation or infection. Over time, this can lead to the development of serious asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma. In this image, fibers affect the lining of the lungs, known as the pleural membrane, and the membranes that line the abdomen and heart. If fibers become lodged in the mesothelial membrane that surrounds these areas, they can cause cells to become cancerous, resulting in the development of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Please visit the Mesothelioma Overview page to learn more about mesothelioma, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.