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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Asbestosis is a breathing disorder caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Prolonged accumulation of these fibers in your lungs can cause scarring of lung tissue and shortness of breath. Asbestosis symptoms can range from mild to severe, and usually don't appear until years after exposure.
Asbestos is a natural mineral product that's resistant to heat and corrosion. It was used extensively in the past in products such as insulation, fire-retardant materials, cement, and some vinyl floor tiles.
Most people with asbestosis acquired it on the job before the federal government began regulating the use of asbestos and asbestos products in the mid-1970s. Today, its handling is strictly regulated. Acquiring asbestosis is extremely unlikely if you follow your employer's safety procedures. Treatment focuses on relieving your symptoms.
- O'Reilly KM. Asbestos-related lung disease. American Family Physician. 2007;75:683.
- Cowie, RL, et al. Asbestos-related fibrosis of the lungs (asbestosis). In:
- Mason, RJ, et al. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: W.B. Saunders; 2005:1748.
- Asbestos-related disorders. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec05/ch057/ch057c.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Asbestos exposure: Questions and answers. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/asbestos. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- What are the risk factors for malignant mesothelioma? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_malignant_mesothelioma_29.asp. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Asbestos exposure. Family Practice Notebook. http://www.fpnotebook.com/Lung/Asbestos/AsbstsExpsr.htm. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Asbestos: General information. Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/asbestos/health_effects/index.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 23, 2008.
