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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffBecause asbestos occurs naturally in the environment, everyone breathes in some asbestos fibers. Usually, these are expelled before they reach the deeper areas of your lungs, but even if they do, a few fibers won't create signs and symptoms of asbestosis.
People most at risk of developing asbestosis are those who are exposed to high concentrations of asbestos for long periods of time, such as workers who were involved in the mining, milling, manufacturing, installation or removal of asbestos products. Most cases of asbestosis occur at least 10 years after the person's first exposure to asbestos.
Brief exposure to asbestos a few times in your life won't cause harm. However, it's always best to avoid direct exposure. Removal of asbestos products is generally considered a major project. If you decide to have it done, seek the help of a professional.
If you live, work or study in a building where existing asbestos has been contained and sealed, you're not at risk of asbestosis.
- 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.
