Asbestos-related conditions

In this section, we explain some of the lung conditions that can be caused by asbestos exposure.

There are four main lung conditions associated with breathing in asbestos fibres:

Non-malignant (not cancerous) pleural disease - pleural plaques, diffuse (widespread) pleural thickening and non-malignant (not cancerous) pleural effusion (which is a collection of fluid around the lungs).
Asbestosis - a non-malignant (not cancerous) scarring of the lungs
Asbestos-related lung cancer
Mesothelioma

Download our asbestos information (PDF, 135KB)

Last medically reviewed: January 2021. Due for review: January 2024

This information uses the best available medical evidence and was produced with the support of people living with lung conditions. Find out how we produce our information. If you’d like to see our references get in touch.

Pleural plaques

If you have been exposed to asbestos, it’s common for areas of the pleura to become thickened. These areas are called pleural plaques. On this page we explain what pleural plaques are.

Diffuse pleural thickening

On this page, we explain what diffuse (or widespread) pleural thickening is, symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and how it’s treated.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a rare long-term lung condition. It usually develops around 20-30 years after you have breathed in a considerable amount of asbestos dust in the course of your work.

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Asbestos-related conditions

Pleural plaques

Diffuse pleural thickening

Asbestosis

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You are here

Asbestos-related conditions

Pleural plaques

Diffuse pleural thickening

Asbestosis