What Is Asbestosis? | Symptoms, Causes & Prevention Tips

Published By:
Jessie Paluch
Jessie Paluch

Attorney Jessie Paluch, founder of TruLaw, has over 25 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.

TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Key takeaways:

  • Asbestos fibers are categorized into serpentine (chrysotile/white asbestos) with flexible fibers used in construction, and amphibole with needle-like fibers posing higher respiratory risks.
  • Workers in construction, shipyards, manufacturing, and mining are at high risk of asbestos exposure, especially those exposed between the 1940s and 1970s.
  • Disturbed asbestos releases microscopic fibers that embed in lung tissue, leading to serious conditions like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, with symptoms often appearing decades later.

What is Asbestosis?

Question: What is Asbestosis?

Answer: Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

Prolonged exposure to asbestos can result in lung scarring (fibrosis), which makes breathing difficult and reduces oxygen levels in the bloodstream.

Unlike asbestos-related cancers, asbestosis is non-cancerous, but it is a serious condition that can significantly impact quality of life and lead to complications such as heart failure.

On this page, we’ll provide an overview of asbestosis, types of asbestos fibers associated with Asbestosis and other health conditions, occupational asbestos exposure risks, and much more.

What Is Asbestosis Symptoms Causes and Prevention Tips

Overview of Asbestosis

Asbestosis develops when inhaled asbestos fibers become lodged in the lungs, causing irritation and inflammation over time.

This persistent irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue, which thickens and stiffens the lung walls, making it harder for the lungs to expand and contract.

Key characteristics of asbestosis include:

  • Irreversible Damage: The scarring caused by asbestosis is permanent and can progressively worsen, even after exposure has ceased.
  • Long Latency Period: Symptoms may take 10 to 40 years to appear after initial exposure.
  • High-Risk Groups: Workers in industries such as mining, construction, and shipbuilding face the greatest risk due to frequent exposure to asbestos fibers.
  • Related Conditions: Asbestosis often co-occurs with other asbestos-related diseases, such as pleural plaques and mesothelioma.

Although asbestosis is not cancerous, its symptoms (such as shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and chest pain) can be debilitating.

Regular medical monitoring and lung function tests are essential for those with a history of asbestos exposure to detect and manage asbestosis early.

If you or a loved has been been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit today.

Table of Contents

Types of Asbestos Fibers

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.

Occupational Exposure Risks

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.

TruLaw: Advocating for Asbestos Exposure Victims

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Asbestosis?

    Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

    Prolonged exposure to asbestos can result in lung scarring (fibrosis), which makes breathing difficult and reduces oxygen levels in the bloodstream.

    Unlike asbestos-related cancers, asbestosis is non-cancerous, but it is a serious condition that can significantly impact quality of life and lead to complications such as heart failure.

  • What are the two main categories of asbestos fibers?

    The two (2) main categories of asbestos fibers are:

    1. Serpentine asbestos: Contains curly, flexible fibers.
    2. Amphibole asbestos: Contains straight, needle-like fibers.

    Chrysotile is the primary type of serpentine asbestos, while amphibole includes five (5) different varieties including crocidolite and amosite.

  • Which type of asbestos is considered the most dangerous?

    Crocidolite (blue asbestos), an amphibole variety, is considered the most hazardous form of asbestos.

    Studies have shown higher rates of mesothelioma among workers exposed to crocidolite compared to other asbestos types.

  • What industries have the highest risk of asbestos exposure?

    Construction workers, shipyard workers, manufacturing personnel, and mining operations workers face the highest risk of occupational asbestos exposure.

    These industries historically showed higher incidents of pulmonary fibrosis among their workforce due to regular contact with asbestos-containing materials.

  • How long does it take for asbestos-related diseases to develop?

    Asbestos-related diseases typically develop decades after the initial exposure to asbestos fibers.

    Workers may not show symptoms of conditions like asbestosis or mesothelioma until many years after working with asbestos-containing materials.

  • Where was chrysotile asbestos commonly used?

    Chrysotile asbestos was extensively used in construction materials, including roofing, walls, ceilings, and floor tiles, as well as in automotive parts.

    It was also commonly found in insulation products for pipes, ducts, and various appliances.

  • What are the main health risks associated with asbestos exposure?

    Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health conditions including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

    When inhaled, these microscopic fibers become embedded in lung tissue, causing scarring and potentially requiring treatments ranging from pulmonary rehabilitation to lung transplants.

Published By:
Jessie Paluch
Jessie Paluch

Experienced Attorney & Legal SaaS CEO

With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessie is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three.  She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.

In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.

In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share reliable legal information with her readers!

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Bair Hugger Lawsuit

Bair Hugger Warming Blanket Lawsuits involve claims against 3M — alleging their surgical warming blankets caused severe infections and complications (particularly in hip and knee replacement surgeries).

Plaintiffs claim 3M failed to warn about potential risks — despite knowing about increased risk of deep joint infections since 2011.

Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit

Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of cow’s milk-based baby formula products.

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