When lodged in the lungs, asbestos causes scar tissue and thickening of connective tissue, making breathing difficult.
If such materials are disturbed, breathing them in can possibly lead to asbestosis over time.
These materials are found in rocks and soil.
RealPeopleGroup / Getty Images
Six different types of asbestos can cause asbestosis.
Because of this, the lungs can no longer work effectively.
The longer the asbestos exposure, the greater the damage.
Because these fibers can cling to clothing, the families of such workers are also at risk.
Besides asbestosis, if you are exposed to asbestos, cancer may develop.
For example, you may develop malignant mesothelioma orlung cancer.
It depends on the length of your exposure and how much and what key in of asbestos you inhaled.
The asbestosis condition can arise years after exposure.
A Word From Verywell
If you have asbestosis, you may feel overwhelmed.
But there are ways to manage symptoms and help you live with the condition.
Penn Medicine.What is asbestos?.
National Cancer Institute.Asbestos exposure and cancer risk.
Penn Medicine.What is asbestosis?
University of California San Francisco Health.Asbestosis.
