In this Article

• What is asbestos?
• What are the types of asbestos-related lung disease?
• What are the types of asbestos fibers?
• What does fiber size have to do with asbestos-related lung disease?
• What is asbestosis?
• What are symptoms and signs of asbestosis?
• What tests and studies are used to evaluate asbestosis?
• How is asbestosis treated?
• What is pleural disease?
• Does asbestos exposure cause lung cancer?
• What is malignant mesothelioma?
• What other cancers have been linked to asbestos exposure?
• How can exposure to asbestos be reduced?
• What kind of asbestos is used today?
• Asbestos Related Disorders At A Glance
• Asbestos-Related Disorders Glossary
• Asbestos-Related Disorders Index
• Find a local Pulmonologist in your town

How can exposure to asbestos be reduced?

The basic principle for asbestos is to leave material that is in good condition alone. Periodic inspection and maintenance by an expert in asbestos abatement should be undertaken for areas with sealed or contained asbestos. Local health, environmental, and building safety officials are good sources for local and state regulations on asbestos handling, disposal, and certified workers. If you discover even a very small amount of asbestos in your building, contact a professional for repair, removal, or remodeling.

For more information please:

• Read the Asbestos FAQ article.
  
  
• Visit Mesothelioma Web.
  
  
• The Environmental Protection Agency offers an assistance Line (202-554-1404) to help you find out about training and certification programs in your state for asbestos removal contractors and about the EPA's Asbestos programs. You should also read the "Asbestos in The Home" (CPSC Document #453). This brochure, prepared by the American Lung Association, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, discusses common products and building materials that may contain asbestos. It also discusses how to control asbestos and the role of asbestos professionals. The latest updates in EPA asbestos information can be found at Asbestos Resources.

What kind of asbestos is used today?

Chrysotile is the only form of asbestos that is currently in production today. Despite their association with lung cancer, chrysotile products are still used in 60 industrialized and developing countries, according to the industry-sponsored Asbestos Institute. Chrysotile is still being used in cement building materials (90% of the world production of chrysotile), friction materials, gaskets, and certain plastics. Although the asbestos industry proclaims the "safety" of chrysotile fibers, which are now imbedded in less "friable" and "dusty" products, little is known about the long term effects of current asbestos products because of the long delay to the development of disease. In spite of their potential health risks, the durability and cheapness of these products continue to attract commercial applications. Asbestosis remains a significant clinical problem even after marked reductions in on-the-job exposure to asbestos. Again, this is due to the long period of time between exposure and the onset of disease.