Product Liability Resource Center
Asbestos Exposure: An Overview
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral compound found in many building, insulation, and consumer products. The danger in asbestos exposure comes from inhaling the rough tiny fibers, which can seriously damage delicate, fragile lung tissue. People who have had significant exposure to asbestos are at risk for developing dangerous, debilitating diseases such as:
Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases usually take decades to surface. Whether and when you acquire an asbestos-related disease depends on various risk factors such as the amount of asbestos you were exposed to and the length of your exposure. Smoking can be another risk factor because it can increase the negative effects of asbestos on your body.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, you will probably not notice any symptoms in the short term. However, you should tell your doctor about your exposure as soon as possible so that your health can be carefully monitored over the years. Your doctor will look for signs of asbestos diseases and determine whether specialized tests are needed.
