Assbestos

Asbestos and your health

Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, usually many years later. Most people exposed to asbestos don't become ill; the risk is highest with heavy or repeated exposure. If you've been exposed, tell your doctor about your exposure history.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about asbestos exposure, talk to your doctor and tell them about your exposure history.

How asbestos causes harm

"When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation" (National Cancer Institute). Exposure generally happens only when asbestos material is disturbed or damaged and releases fibers into the air (EPA).

The main diseases

The EPA lists three major health effects (EPA):

  • Lung cancer.
  • Mesothelioma, "a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining of the lung, chest and the abdomen and heart." ATSDR says it is "almost always caused by asbestos exposure."
  • Asbestosis, "a serious progressive, long-term, non-cancer disease of the lungs."

The NCI adds that there is sufficient evidence asbestos causes cancers of the larynx and ovary, and limited evidence for stomach, pharynx and colorectal cancer.

How long it takes

Symptoms usually take many years to appear:

  • "from 10 to 40 years or more" for an asbestos-related condition (NCI);
  • for mesothelioma, ATSDR says signs may not appear until 30 to 40 years after exposure, and the American Cancer Society says it usually appears 20 to 50 years after first exposure.

Who's most at risk

  • People exposed regularly, "most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact" (NCI). The NCI also notes that "most people do not become ill from their exposure."
  • Family members of heavily exposed workers, from fibers brought home on clothing, skin and hair (NCI).
  • Smokers. Smoking combined with asbestos raises lung cancer risk more than the two risks added together (NCI). It doesn't appear to raise mesothelioma risk.
  • More exposure, more risk: "the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects" (EPA). There's no known safe level, and the NCI notes asbestos disease has been found in people with only brief exposures.

Symptoms to see a doctor about

The NCI lists these as possible signs of asbestos-related disease:

  • Shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness
  • A persistent cough that gets worse over time
  • Blood in mucus coughed up from the lungs
  • Pain or tightening in the chest
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Swelling of the neck or face
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss
  • Fatigue or anemia

These symptoms have many causes besides asbestos. See a doctor if you have them.

If you've been exposed

  • Tell your doctor about your exposure history and any symptoms (NCI).
  • Consider a lung specialist. EPA suggests considering a pulmonologist if you're concerned.
  • Stop smoking, get regular checkups, keep up with flu and pneumonia vaccines, and avoid further exposure (ATSDR).
  • There's no way to remove fibers from the lungs once they're inhaled (ATSDR), so preventing further exposure matters.

For trusted information on mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancer, see the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.

Sources

Last reviewed October 29, 2026. See our sources.