What Is Asbestosis? | Symptoms, Causes & Prevention Tips

Asbestos fibers are naturally occurring minerals that, when disturbed, release microscopic particles into the air.

When workers are exposed to asbestos through inhalation, these fibers can become embedded in lung tissue, leading to serious health conditions including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Serpentine Asbestos

Serpentine asbestos, characterized by its curly, flexible fibers, consists primarily of chrysotile (white asbestos).

When materials containing chrysotile are damaged or deteriorated, they release asbestos dust that can remain airborne for extended periods.

Common applications of chrysotile asbestos include:

• Construction Materials: Used extensively in roofing, walls, ceilings, and floor tiles
• Insulation Products: Found in pipes, ducts, and various appliances
• Automotive Parts: Present in brake linings, gaskets, and seals
• Industrial Components: Used in boiler seals and steam engine parts

The widespread use of chrysotile asbestos in these applications has resulted in lung tissue scarring among many workers who handled these materials, particularly before safety regulations were implemented.

Amphibole Asbestos

Amphibole asbestos types include amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite.

These varieties feature straight, needle-like fibers that can cause severe damage to the respiratory system, often requiring pulmonary rehabilitation for affected individuals.

The five types of amphibole asbestos include:

• Crocidolite (Blue): Most carcinogenic form, used in steam engines and spray coatings
• Amosite (Brown): Common in cement sheets and pipe insulation
• Tremolite: Found in paints, sealants, and roofing materials
• Anthophyllite: Used in insulation and construction materials
• Actinolite: Present as a contaminant in other asbestos products

While all forms of amphibole asbestos can cause serious health conditions, crocidolite is considered the most dangerous, with studies showing higher rates of mesothelioma among workers who handled this particular variety.

Workers in specific industries face heightened risk factors for developing asbestosis due to regular contact with asbestos-containing materials.

Medical professionals diagnose asbestosis in thousands of workers annually, with many cases traced back to workplace exposure during the peak usage of asbestos in industrial applications from the 1940s through the 1970s.

High-Risk Industries and Professions

Occupational exposure remains the primary source of asbestos-related diseases, with certain industries historically showing higher incidents of pulmonary fibrosis among their workforce.

Industries with documented high exposure rates include:

• Construction Workers: Regular contact with asbestos in insulation, roofing materials, and cement products
• Shipyard Workers: Extensive use of asbestos in shipbuilding for insulation and fireproofing
• Manufacturing Personnel: Exposure through production of asbestos-containing products and materials
• Mining Operations: Direct exposure to raw asbestos during extraction and processing

Workers in these fields often develop scarred lung tissue decades after their initial exposure, with some cases requiring a lung biopsy to confirm the presence of asbestos fibers.

Historical Use in Construction and Manufacturing

The widespread use of asbestos in building materials and industrial products has left a lasting impact on worker health, with severe asbestosis cases still emerging from past exposure.

Common historical applications included:

• Insulation Materials: Used extensively in walls, pipes, and boilers
• Cement Products: Mixed into concrete and other building materials
• Automotive Parts: Present in brake pads and clutch components
• Textile Products: Woven into fire-resistant clothing and materials

In advanced cases where breathing becomes severely impaired, a lung transplant may be necessary.

While modern regulations have reduced exposure risks, the legacy of historical asbestos use continues to affect workers decades after their initial exposure.

Mesothelioma lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who need help with their mesothelioma treatment costs after they were exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with this aggressive cancer.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients who have mesothelioma lawsuit claims they are eligible to file.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your mesothelioma lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The mesothelioma lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have years of experience handling toxic tort cases similar to asbestos exposure lawsuits, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for a mesothelioma lawsuit today.